Logging begins in disputed old-growth forest in Kärsämäki after church sells timber to fund mortuary

Logging has started in the Latvakangas old-growth forest in Kärsämäki, northern Finland, after the local parish sold the timber to finance a new mortuary, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The 120-year-old forest, which has not been protected despite public calls for conservation, is owned by the Kärsämäki parish. The church has declined to seek protected status for the area, making the logging legally permissible. The decision has faced opposition from local residents and environmental groups, who have criticised the felling of the old-growth trees.

Timber processing company Pölkky confirmed to Yle that harvesting has begun, describing the forest as “a normal commercial woodland.” According to Pölkky’s forest manager Jani Jaakkola, the logging plan was developed in cooperation with the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre). He stated that measures would be taken to account for endangered species in the area.

Environmental activists from the Metsäliike (Forest Movement) are now considering whether to send protesters to the site in an attempt to halt the logging. “We are evaluating whether to dispatch activists to physically block the operations,” said Jalmari Suutari, the movement’s northern coordinator. Pölkky has indicated it is prepared for potential activist interference.

Yle was unable to reach the Kärsämäki parish for comment. The status of another disputed parish-owned forest, Hallanperä, remains unclear, with no confirmation on whether logging will proceed there.

The Latvakangas forest gained attention in May 2025 when Yle visited the site amid growing criticism of the planned harvest. At the time, conservationists argued the area held significant ecological value, but the parish maintained its decision to proceed with the sale to fund the mortuary project.