Swedish State Forestry reduces felling by 45 percent in Northern Sweden
Last summer, Statens Skog, Sveaskog, notified that they should cut logging by 1 million cubic meters annually. It is approx. 20 percent of Sveaskog’s normal annual felling and 1 percent of the total felling in Sweden. Now the plan is being implemented – at least in northern Sweden.
Swedish State Forestry is reducing felling
According to a press release The background to the decision is the FSC certification that Sveaskog has, according to which cooperative planning and reindeer husbandry is necessary. Reindeer herding is carried out by the indigenous Sami in northern Sweden, who depend on forest areas for reindeer grazing. Sveaskog strives for a good coexistence between reindeer husbandry and forestry.
However, the results of cooperative planning in the reindeer areas have not been satisfactory. Therefore, a reduction of clear cutting, compared to the current plan, by 45 percent will be made in those areas. How large a volume is involved is not mentioned in the press release. More information is promised during February.
Problems for the local industry
Sveaskog is aware of the serious effects this will have on the local industry and its entrepreneurs. A good dialogue with the companies and communities concerned is sought and will take place directly with all parties involved. The aim is to develop good long-term conditions for both reindeer husbandry and forestry in the area.
It doesn’t take much imagination to understand the effect such a brutal reduction in logging will have on local forestry – contractors and industry. An interesting question is how it will affect timber prices. Since Sveaskog is the largest player in forestry in the area, a reduction of 45 percent should be noticed.
More information
Unfortunately, the press release is only in Swedish, but you can read it here. Or you can contact the press service at Sveaskog by e-mail [email protected].