Savonlinna plans logging near historic castle despite conservation concerns

The city of Savonlinna is planning to log around 20 hectares of forest on Kaupinsaari and Uuraansaari islands near Olavinlinna Castle, a move opposed by local conservationists who fear it will alter the national landscape and reduce recreational use, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The Eastern Savonia Nature Conservation Association argues that the logging would significantly change the natural appearance of the islands, which are visible from the 15th-century castle. Deputy chair Esa Niinivirta stated that the forest would become difficult to traverse for at least five years post-logging and would take 80 years to return to its current state.

“For today’s mushroom and berry pickers, that’s not much consolation,” Niinivirta said.

City forestry engineer Tuomas Huttunen dismissed concerns about the visual impact, stating that thinning and selective cutting in the island’s interior and southern areas would not alter the view from Olavinlinna. He claimed the measures would improve recreational access, as the islands currently lack trails.

The city’s technical board will decide on the urban forest management plan in late May or June. Logging also requires a separate landscape work permit, which could still modify or block the plans. Huttunen noted that if approved, operations would follow a three-year timeline, with machinery transported by barge during summer to minimise disruption.

The islands’ forests have historically been managed for timber, but conservationists argue that urban forests should prioritise biodiversity and recreation over production. The city owns 4,500 hectares of forest, with 1,350 hectares classified as urban forest. The planned logging is projected to generate approximately €650,000 in stumpage fees over a decade.

In addition to the conservation association, the Riihisaari–Savonlinna Museum submitted a statement opposing the logging. The nature group has proposed limiting any landscape permit to two years instead of ten to allow for reassessment.