Yle finds forest associations shape Finland’s logging choices

Yle’s analysis, written by journalist Anna Polo, shows that forest management associations wield significant influence over how Finland’s private forests are managed. The organisations vary widely in how often they use continuous-cover forestry, an alternative to clear-cutting.

Continuous-cover forestry accounted for an average of 1.7 per cent of logging carried out by forest management associations during the period examined. The share exceeded 4 per cent in some associations but remained below 0.1 per cent in others.

Across all logging in Finland, continuous-cover forestry accounted for 3.2 per cent during the same period.

The differences between associations were so large that they are difficult to explain solely by geography or chance. Lapland, for example, has associations that use continuous-cover forestry extensively as well as others that use it very little.

Experts interviewed by Yle identified several possible reasons for the variation, including employees’ attitudes, expertise and established practices, as well as the business models of the associations.

Influence over private forests

Finland has nearly 600,000 private forest owners. Each owner decides whether and how their forest will be logged, but many do not want to make those decisions themselves because they lack the necessary knowledge or time.

Research shows that many forest owners rely heavily on recommendations from forestry professionals. Some have even given a forest management association power of attorney to make decisions about their forests.

A single association can arrange logging across thousands of hectares in a year, and Finland has dozens of such associations. Their practices therefore have a substantial impact on the country’s forests.

Public debate about forests often focuses on the views and interests of forest owners. Yle’s analysis suggests that the professionals who manage the forests also exercise considerable influence, often without attracting the same attention.

Expectations for continuous-cover forestry

Continuous-cover forestry has attracted considerable discussion in recent years. People concerned about the declining condition of forest ecosystems have hoped it could provide an alternative to clear-cutting, which is considered harmful to biodiversity.

However, continuous-cover forestry does not mean protection. Logging can continue under the method, allowing the forestry industry to keep operating. Despite the expectations placed on it, the method has not become widespread.

Finland’s forests are important to the economy, employment, climate emissions and biodiversity. These competing interests raise the question of how forests will be managed in the coming decades. Yle’s findings indicate that the practices of forest management associations will be an important part of that debate.