Skógrækt

Skógrækt, or forestry, is the science and practice of establishing, managing, and conserving forests to meet ecological, economic, and social objectives. It covers planning and operations that influence forest establishment, species composition, stand structure, growth, health, and regeneration. Core activities include site preparation, species selection, planting or natural regeneration, stand tending, thinning, pruning, pest and disease management, wildfire prevention, and harvest planning. Silvicultural systems, such as even-aged and uneven-aged management, are used to shape forest structure and productivity, while continuous-cover approaches seek to balance timber production with habitat protection and watershed concerns.

Sustainability is central to skógrækt. Practitioners aim to maintain forest health, biodiversity, soil and water quality, and resilience to climate change. Economic considerations include timber and non-timber forest products, as well as recreation and tourism. Ecosystem services—carbon storage, flood mitigation, pollination, and wildlife habitat—are integral parts of planning and evaluation. Certification schemes (for example, FSC and PEFC) and national regulations promote responsible forest management and transparency.

Regional practices vary with climate, soil, and culture. In many regions, forests are expanding after historical deforestation or degradation, while in others, they are maintained as production or conservation programs. Education and research in skógrækt span biology, ecology, economics, and policy, informing adaptive management and policy development as forests respond to anthropogenic pressures and climate change.

In Iceland and other northern areas, skógrækt faces challenges of harsh climate, historically limited native forests, and grazing pressure, but ongoing afforestation, restoration, and management programs seek to increase forest cover, protect soils, and enhance biodiversity and resilience.