A forest inventory is not just a document required by government institutions – it is also essential for forest owners to understand how best to manage their property and gain maximum benefit from it. With accurate and up-to-date inventory data, you can precisely determine the age of tree species in your forest, when and how much timber you can harvest, and ensure that your forest remains fertile and productive in the future. If you’re unsure whether your forest inventory reflects the actual state of your forest or if you find it difficult to interpret the data correctly, now is a great time to take care of it!
What Is a Forest Inventory?
Forest inventory (also known as forest assessment) is the process of collecting and analyzing information about the actual state of the forest. It is a document that provides a comprehensive overview for both the owner and any forestry professional about what is growing in a specific forest plot. The inventory assesses tree age, species, height, diameter, timber volume, and other important data.
Why Is a Forest Inventory Necessary?
- Sustainable Forest Management – To use forests wisely and responsibly, it is essential to know how many trees can be harvested without harming the forest ecosystem.
- Planning and Decision-Making – Forest owners and managers can better plan forestry operations when they have precise information about their forest resources.
- Financial Considerations – A forest inventory helps determine the quantity and quality of timber, which impacts the potential profit.
- Legislation – A valid forest inventory is required to carry out any activities on your property.
Forest Inventory Is Mandatory Under Latvian Law
In Latvia, forest inventory is regulated by legal acts. According to Article 29 of the Latvian Forest Law, forest owners must conduct a forest inventory at least once every 20 years, although it can be done more frequently if necessary.
If the assessment is not conducted within the specified timeframe, the forest owner may face consequences, such as restrictions on harvesting activities and possible sanctions from state institutions.
How to Conduct a Forest Inventory Effectively?
Forest inventories are performed by certified specialists. The process includes:
- Creating or Updating a Forest Land Map, where forest stand boundaries are recorded.
- Field Surveys, where forestry professionals visit the forest to measure trees, determine species, calculate timber stock, assess growth conditions, and collect other data.
- Data Analysis and Processing, which involves evaluating the forest condition and providing recommendations for future forest management.
Modern technologies such as drones and satellite imagery are increasingly used to obtain more accurate and faster results.
How Long Does a Forest Inventory Take?
The assessment process can be divided into two stages:
- The first stage involves going to the site, conducting evaluations, and preparing documents.
- The second stage is receiving the inventory approval from the State Forest Service.
The first stage can be completed in a single day for regular sites (or a bit longer for more complex ones), but the approval from the State Forest Service may take up to 30 calendar days from the date of submission. Therefore, it is important to start preparing the inventory documents in advance.
How Much Does a Forest Inventory Cost?
The cost of assessment services can vary depending on the forest area, terrain complexity, and the chosen service provider. On average, forest assessment in Latvia costs around 150 EUR for a forest area of up to 7 hectares. The exact price may depend on the specific situation and the technologies used.
What Happens If a Forest Inventory Is Not Conducted?
The forest owner may not realize that forest resources are being mismanaged, potentially leading to inadequate tree regeneration or even ecosystem damage.
Without regular forest inventory:
- It is impossible to accurately determine how much timber can be harvested over a given period.
- There is a risk of over-harvesting or, conversely, under-managing the forest, leading to overgrowth with low-value species.
Conslusion
A forest inventory is a crucial component of forest management, necessary not only for state institutions but also for forest owners.
It serves as a starting point for more efficient forest management, which in turn leads to higher profits for the owner.
Whether you are a new forest owner or have owned a forest for many years without assessing its potential, conducting a forest inventory is a worthwhile first step.
BALTU KOKS offers not only inventory services but also consultations for forest owners on the most effective management plan for their specific situation.
Sign up for a forest inventory today!
