Hakkuumäärä

Hakkuumäärä refers to the legally permitted volume of timber that can be harvested from a forest area over a specific period, typically a year. In Finland, the national forest inventory and regional forest management plans determine these allowable cut volumes. The primary goal of setting a hakkuumäärä is to ensure sustainable forest management, balancing timber production with the ecological functions of the forest. This includes maintaining biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and recreational value.

The hakkuumäärä is calculated based on factors such as the growth rate of the forest, the age and species composition of the trees, and the condition of the forest ecosystem. It considers the natural regeneration capacity of the forest and aims to ensure that harvesting rates do not exceed the rate at which forests can regrow. Monitoring and reporting on actual timber harvesting volumes are crucial to verify compliance with the set hakkuumäärä and to inform future planning. Adjustments to the hakkuumäärä can be made based on changes in forest resources, environmental conditions, and societal needs. The concept is central to the sustainable forestry practices employed in many countries, particularly those with significant forest cover.