ON REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF FORESTRY INTENSIFICATION
S. M. Sin'kevich, A. I. Sokolov, V. A. Anan'ev, A. M. Kryshen'
Forest Research Institute, Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushkinskaya str., 11, Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia, 185910 Russian Federation
Keywords: лесовосстановление, рубки ухода, выборочные рубки, нормативы, охрана природы, сохранение биоразнообразия, reforestation, thinning, selective logging, regulatory framework, nature protection, biodiversity conservation
Abstract
The paper reviews research papers, develops recommendations for forest regulatory documents. Some deficiencies in the current regulatory framework are revealed. Traditionally, the system of normative documents had a hierarchical structure. The upper level contained basic principles and the most general provisions, while regional level documents focused on local features of forest growth, and also analyzed possible differences within the region. In addition to the geographical aspect, progress in the development of forestry practices, new scientific data and gradual changes in the forest fund were also taken into account, which encouraged periodic updating of standards. The last time it happened more than 20 years ago. The current standards regulating the main stages of forest growing - reforestation, forest care and felling of mature tree stands - are considered. Specific examples illustrate problems, caused by the imperfection in forest legislation, insufficient study of natural and economic characteristics of the regions, progress in the development of logging equipment and considerable changes in the forest fund. It is pointed out that there is a need for normative measures for recording the costs of carrying out activities. It is noted that these shortcomings are a consequence of neglect of the principal issues of domestic forestry. It is shown that system for assessing stand thinning quality is imperfect and the interpretation of the results of the work is ambiguous. It is proposed to base the assessment on absolute indicators, as is accepted in international practice. The urgent need to plan biodiversity conservation activities taking into account the peculiarities of natural and territorial complexes is shown. We suggest to improve the situation, with proposals aimed at creating conditions to intensify forestry production and restore resource potential of taiga forests.
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