The analysis of wood harvesting restrictions in conservation areas and old-growth forests of the Vologda oblast

Abstract

Analysis of the current state and wood harvesting restrictions in officially existing and planned conservation areas as well as unofficial old-growth forests of the Vologda oblast is provided in this report. Old-growth forests are suggested by NGOs and these forests do not have wood harvesting restrictions according to the Russian legislation. However, environmentally responsible forest industry companies have voluntarily agreed not to procure wood from these forests.In the beginning April 2008, Vologda oblast has 182 official conservation areas with a total forest fund area of 776.7 thousand ha (5.3% of Vologda oblast area). These occupy 716.4 thousand ha or 6.2% of the forest fund of Vologda oblast. All types of fellings are prohibited in 93 official conservation areas (399.6 thousand ha or 2.7% of the region area). These occupy 341.3 thousand ha or 2.9% of the forest fund of Vologda oblast. Final fellings (or clearcut) are prohibited in 56 official conservation areas (170.9 thousand ha or 1.2% of the region area. These occupy 170.9 thousand ha or 1.5% of the forest fund of Vologda oblast. 33 official conservation areas (211.9 thousand ha or 1.5% of the region area) have no restrictions for wood harvesting according to their regulations, but clearcuts are prohibited according to new Forest Code. These occupy 210.1 thousand ha or 1.8% of the forest fund of Vologda oblast. NGOs have suggested one separate area of old-growth forests (approximately 95.5 thousand ha or 0.8% of the forest fund of Vologda oblast). The major areas of old-growth forests are located in Babaevsky, Kadujsky, Cherepovetsky and Ustuzhensky leskhozes. Locations of conservation areas and old-growth forests are shown in the whole Vologda oblast, at forest district ( leskhoz ) and at forest block ( kvartal ) levels in this report.