metsänhoitosuunnitelmien

Metsänhoitosuunnitelmat are formal documents that outline the objectives, strategies and actions for managing forest areas over a planning period, usually 5 to 10 years. They integrate ecological, economic, social and cultural considerations to ensure that forest resources are used sustainably while providing spaces for recreation and conservation. The main goal is to balance timber production, biodiversity protection, water quality, and recreational values, in line with national and EU policy objectives such as the Common Agricultural Policy and the Forest Act.

A typical plan contains sections on forest inventory, species composition, growth projections, harvesting schedules, restoration measures, protection against pests and disease, and monitoring protocols. It also sets target values such as desired forest structure, seedbank density and carbon sequestration rates. The planning process involves stakeholder consultation—including landowners, local authorities, environmental NGOs and recreational users—to accommodate multiple uses and to comply with legal requirements such as the Finnish Act on Forest Management and the EU Habitats Directive. Many municipalities use the MetsäINFO system to store, share and update their plans, while larger forest companies may employ GIS-based tools like Metsäkartta for detailed spatial analysis.

Implementing mothänhoitosuunnitelmat enhances forest resilience to climate change, supports biodiversity, and provides stable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities. Regular monitoring and adaptive management allow plans to evolve with new scientific knowledge and changing socio‑economic conditions. By formalizing long‑term objectives, these plans ensure that forest ecosystems remain productive, healthy and multifunctional for future generations.