erätarve

Erätarve is a term used in Finnish forestry to describe the amount of wood that can be sustainably harvested from a forest in a given period, typically a year. It is a crucial concept in forest management as it ensures that the forest can regenerate and maintain its ecological functions over time.

The calculation of erätarve takes into account various factors, including the forest's age, species composition, site quality, and the desired level of timber production. The Finnish Forest Act and the Forest Management Act provide the legal framework for determining erätarve, which is set by the Finnish Forest Centre (Metla).

Erätarve is not a fixed number but rather a range, with a minimum and maximum limit. The minimum erätarve ensures that the forest can regenerate naturally, while the maximum erätarve takes into account the economic viability of forestry operations. The actual amount of wood harvested is determined by the forest owner or manager based on these limits and other considerations.

The concept of erätarve is closely linked to the principles of sustainable forestry, which aim to balance the needs of society, the environment, and the economy. By setting limits on wood harvesting, erätarve helps to maintain the ecological health of forests, prevent over-exploitation, and ensure the long-term viability of the forest industry.

In practice, erätarve is calculated using forest inventory data and growth models. The Finnish Forest Centre provides tools and guidelines for forest owners and managers to determine erätarve accurately. Regular monitoring and updating of erätarve are essential to adapt to changing forest conditions and ensure the sustainability of forest management.