Age structure of the forestry fund of the Republic of Karelia (analytical review)

Abstract

Age structure of the forestry fund of the Republic of Karelia (analytical review)

Budnik P.V., Bucklagin V.N., Galactionov O.N., Krupko A.M.

Incoming article date: 27.08.2023

Maintaining the optimal age structure of the forestry fund is an important factor in the use of forest resources. The purpose of this study was to analyze the age structure of the forestry fund of exploitation forests of the Republic of Karelia. For this purpose, data on the age structure of the forest fund by species groups was collected for 17 central forest districts of the study region. Data sources were forest planning documents. The results of the study showed that coniferous forests predominate in the Republic of Karelia. Deciduous tree species are more widely represented in the southern part of the study region. Deciduous and coniferous forests have different age structures. Young stock, mature timber and overmature forest predominate. At the same time, Young stocks are predominantly represented by coniferous forests. A small proportion of forest approaching maturity is one of the fundamental problems of the region under study, as it helps to curb the increase in logging volumes.

Keywords: forest resources, logging, age structure, coniferous species, deciduous species, ripening forests