RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019

2 RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI State Forest Management Centre (RMK) Village, Municipality, 45403 Lääne-Viru County, Tel +372 676 7500 www.rmk.ee

Text: Katre Ratassepp Translation: TABLE OF CONTENTS Interlex

Photos: 37 Protected areas Jarek Jõepera (p. 5) 4 10 facts about RMK Xenia Shabanova (on all other pages) 38 Nature protection works 5 Aigar Kallas: Big picture 41 Põlula Fish Farm Design and layout: Dada AD www.dada.ee 6–13 About the organisation 42–49 Visiting nature 8 All over Estonia and nature awareness Typography: Geogrotesque 9 Structure 44 Visiting nature News Gothic BT 10 Staff 46 Nature awareness 11 Contribution to the economy 46 Elistvere Animal Park Paper: cover Constellation Snow Lime 280 g 12 Reflection of society 47 Sagadi Forest Centre content Munken Lynx 120 g 13 Cooperation projects 48 Nature cameras 49 Christmas trees Printed by Ecoprint 14–31 Forest management 49 Heritage culture 16 Overview of forests 19 Forestry works 50–55 Research 24 Plant cultivation 52 Applied research 26 Timber marketing 56 Scholarships 29 Forest improvement 57 Conference 29 Forest fires 30 Waste collection 58–62 Financial summary 31 Hunting 60 Balance sheet 62 Income statement 32–41 Nature protection 63 Auditor’s report 34 Protected species 36 Key biotypes 64 Photo credit 6 BIG PICTURE important tasks performed by RMK 6600 1% people were employed are growing forests, preserving natural Aigar Kallas values, carrying out nature protection of RMK’s forest land in RMK’s forests during the year. works, earning a profit for the state through is clear-cut each year. Of those, 702 are full-time employees Chairman of the Management Board of RMK the management of the forest, offering All clear-cut areas at RMK, with the rest employed by partner companies or working opportunities for moving around in nature, are reforested. Similar to the photos in this year’s yearbook, which and promoting awareness of nature. as seasonal workers. show us what is happening on the ground when viewed from above, the big picture has always been important for RMK. The way in which our actions 30 affect society and the environment, today, tomorrow 47% and the day after, must always be kept in sight. offices are maintained of Estonia’s forests by RMK across Estonia. Corona spring, when this annual report is appearing, the forest helps in the fight against climate change. are maintained by RMK. 10 Its headquarters is located in Sagadi. and the topic of the climate, which left an indelible Being responsible for the management of half of mark on 2019, further amplify the need to see the the country’s forests, RMK is helping Estonia to FACTS big picture. At a time when the world has nearly mitigate the effects of climate change and become a ABOUT come to a standstill, the basic values of life come to carbon-. 0 € light. The importance of being able to cope inde- RMK pendently becomes clearer than ever before. As a RMK has two internationally recognised certifi- 29% is the cost of everyman’s right – country, a people and as an individual. cates confirming compliance with the principles of camping along RMK’s trails, of RMK’s forests sustainable forest management: FSC and PEFC. spending the night in forest are strictly protected. cabins, or sleeping in a tent The forest, which covers half of Estonia, offers Sustainable forestry includes preserving biodiversity. within recreation areas. shelter and respite, but it also offers work and food In the case of forest work, there are certain rules for tens of thousands of our countrymen. There is no that are followed; however, in addition to this, RMK reason for the various functions of the forest to come has been the largest performer of nature protection 4 into conflict with one another – by acting smartly, works in Estonia for the past ten years. Our focus certificates prove that RMK adheres the forest is able to take on many roles. is on habitat restoration, since this is what will help 22,1 to high standards in its activities. 2,6 the most in increasing biodiversity. The latter is These are the sustainable forestry million visits were made Forestry is the only sector in Estonia in which car- also important in the fight against climate change. million forest plants certificates FSC® (FSC-C022757) to RMK’s recreational were planted in RMK’s forest. bon is bound instead of being released into the air. Everything is truly connected. We keep this knowl- and PEFC, and the environmental and protected areas. and quality management certificates Which means that the sustainable management of edge in mind when doing things. ISO 14001 and ISO 9001.

4 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 5 RMK manages 1,427,494 ha of state land, of which 1,029,671 ha is forest land

Full-time employees 702

Turnover ABOUT THE ORGANISATION EUR 218.7 million Operating profit EUR 75.6 million

Dividends and income tax paid into state budget EUR 51.4 million

Land tax EUR 4.9 million ALL OVER ESTONIA STRUCTURE

Oandu

Sagadi SUPERVISORY BOARD Ojaäärse Lahemaa A- Loobu Internal Audit Division HAR C Sonda Ahtme MANAGEMENT BOARD Ussimäe A-R C Osmussaare - Põlula HAR C Kullenga Nõva Rava Triigi AA Purila Simisalu - FOREST FOREST NATURE PLANT TIMBER LAND USE R C ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT AND SEED MARKETING Piirsalu Kauksi ACTIVITY ADMINISTRATION Kärdla ACTIVITY ACTIVITY ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY RAPA C RA C AREA Ristna H C AREA AREA AREA ACTIVITY AREA AREA C Märjamaa Käru A C Forest Forest Forest Manage- Information Tech- Timber Marketing Matsalu Hunting Division Pland and Seed Administration Department ment Department nology Department Department Elistvere Management Pikknurme Department (18 forest districts) Department RA Management Forest management Visitation Manage- (8 nurseries) Accounts AAR C Soomaa regions (3) ment Department Varbla Department Reiu A C AR C Silviculture Real Estate Sagadi Forest Surju Division Department Centre Mändjala Õisu Kiidjärve Räpina Marana PA C Laiksaare Ristipalo Forest Improve- Communications Nature Protection PR C ment Department Department Department Kabli AA C Erastvere

Forest Improve- Personnel Põlula Fish Võru ment Division Department Rearing Centre Valga Karula R C Timber Energy Accounting Pähni Division Department

Public Procure- ment Department

Information Area managed by RMK Forest district border Forestry region border Management Department Visitor centre Information point Sagadi Forest Centre Legal Department Nature house Nursery Elistvere Animal Park Climate Change Office Põlula Fish Farm Department

8 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION 9 STAFF CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMY

The forestry and RMK’s economic indicators (EUR million) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Considering indirect the timber industry and incidental impact, Turnover 165.2 178.5 178.4 209.1 218.7 A total of the forest pays the bills of provide jobs for Operating profit 36.6 50.3 48.9 88.9 75.6 6600 59,000 29,000 people people are people in Estonia. Dividends and income tax paid into state budget 18.3 24.5 28.1 26.9 51.4 employed in the in Estonia. Land tax 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.9 state forest of them are employed Labour taxes 6 6.1 6.9 6.6 7.1 02 full-time by RMK

HARU COUNTY 15% 10% 7% COUNTY LNE IDAVIRU 2 VIRU COUNTY COUNTY RMK’s turnover and operating profit T O 10 9 3% 2% 4% RAPLA LNE 36.6 12 COUNTY 5% COUNTY RVA COUNTY 1 2 GEVA 5% COUNTY 2015 50.3 1

PRNU COUNTY 14% 2016 100 4% TARTU 4% 9% COUNTY 48.9 2 1 VILANDI COUNTY 2017 2 PLVA 88.9 2091 9% COUNTY 2018

VRU 75.6 21 5% COUNTY 4% 2 2019 The forest is especially important as an employer in rural areas 0 50 100 150 200

10 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION 11 REFLECTION OF SOCIETY COOPERATION PROJECTS

Faktum-Ariko examined the attitude of the Estonian The study revealed the following about RMK. Forestry and timber use of which was supported by RMK with timber. people towards forest management. Even though • Recognition among is 96% and among • In County the wooden construction of • The foundation SA Valga Isamaalise Kasvatuse statistics fail to confirm it, 2/3 of the respondents Russian-speaking people 86%. Lalsi Church was restored by MTÜ Vanaajamaja Püsiekspositsioon organised demonstration bat- believe that over the last 50 years, Estonia’s forests • RMK is most often associated with renewing, in cooperation with the local community and tles within the framework of the XI Valga Military have continued to shrink and more forest is cut than planting and maintaining a new forest and build- the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church. RMK History Festival. RMK provided timber. added. ing recreational areas and forest trails. provided the timber for the corner towers, main • It was less commonly known that RMK is dome roof and ceiling structure. Healthy living and visiting nature In terms of forest management, the views were engaged in nature protection works and promotes • The non-profit association Estonian Woodhouse • Across Estonia 316 RMK orienteering days took divided as follows. nature awareness. Association held a professional contest for the place, in which more than 7484 enthusiasts • 61% thought that if the forest is cut in the per- • The role of RMK as an important employer builders of handicraft log houses, with RMK participated more than 55,004 times. mitted area and volume, it is a normal part of the and contributor to state budget revenues has providing the necessary materials. life cycle of a forest. increased. • RMK supported the logger sports series xCUT Environmental and nature protection • 30% considered that the forest should be used • Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 Cup competitions: Spring Cup at the time of Tartu • The Forest House had an exhibition of Xenia even more and more wisely. find the work of RMK to be more satisfactory. Maamess, TOP 10 at the Türi Flower Fair, and the Shabanova’s aerial photos ‘Magic Estonia’, an exhi- • 8% found that the forest is sacred and it should Estonian Logging Championship, in . bition of the popular woodwork competition ‘Pitsud not be touched. • RMK supported the contests for harvester driv- pealinnas’, a model exhibition of the EKA students • 1% of the respondents remained indifferent to ers during the Tartu Maamess. ‘16 nests’, the best photos of Bloodless Hunt and the problem. • On the initiative of the foundation SA Rannarootsi an exhibition of the animal of the year, the beaver. Muuseum, the Ruhnu jaala (seal fishing boat) • Nearly 40 photographers participated in the Vikan was renovated; RMK provided the timber. Bloodless Hunt. The photo contest was won by Position in rankings • Forestalia, the joint choir of foresters, continued Ingmar Muusikus, who captured a beaver show- its series of joint singing events with support from ing his orange teeth. RMK. • RMK offered prizes for the photography contests 9 • A total of 60 substitute homes throughout Esto- of Looduse Aasta Foto and Animal of the Year. E E nia received a Christmas tree from RMK. • RMK supplied firewood to the non-profit associ- 5. 9. • RMK built a Christmas forest, in front of the Office ation Estonian Union for Child Welfare camps of the president of the Republic, at . at Remniku and organised nature study pro- K E K E • With the help of RMK, the Estonian History grammes for campers. Museum erected an avenue of Christmas trees • RMK cooperated with the civic education pro- in the Old Town of Tallinn. gramme Minu Riik (My Country), which organised • The foundation SA Vene Teater staged ‘Estonian an essay competition. Funeral’ and ‘Charon’s Choir’, the stage design

12 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION 13 State forest surplus 192 million m3

Renewed forest area 12,100 ha

New forest plants 22.1 million

Cleaning 43,100 ha

FOREST MANAGEMENT Thinning 8800 ha

Regeneration cutting 11,400 ha

Timber sold 3.9 million m3

Revenue from the sale of timber EUR 207.7 million

14 RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI 15 OVERVIEW OF FORESTS RMK forest area by main tree species RMK forest surplus (million m3) Others 0.5% 5,361 ha 2015 174 Division of the RMK forests (%) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Grey Alder stands 1.8% Strictly protected forests 18.8 19 25.3 28.6 29.1 18,519 ha 2016 180 Black Alder stands Forests with economic limitations 20.6 19.8 11 7.6 7.1 21,965 ha 2.1% Managed forests 60.6 61.2 63.7 63.8 63.8 2017 187 Aspen stands 3.8% 39,469 ha 2018 190 291 S 2019 192 M RMK Spruce stands 213,576 ha 20.8% E N RMK forest surplus by main tree species N 2000 S 45.5% 26.7% 19.2% Birch stands 308,478 ha 30% Pine stands Birch stands Spruce stands 87.3 million m3 51.2 million m3 36.8 million m3 207 m3/ha 166 m3/ha 172 m3/ha

4.2% 2.3% 1.6%

1 Pine stands Aspen stands Black Alder stands Grey Alder stands 3 3 3 422,303 ha 8.1 million m 4.4 million m 3.0 million m 41% 206 m3/ha 201 m3/ha 162 m3/ha

E Others 3 S N Total 0.5% 1.0 million m Total 178 m3/ha 1,029,671 ha 191.8 million m3

16 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 17 Distribution of the surplus of stands by main tree species FORESTRY WORKS

FORESTRY WORKS MAP 01

One can get an easy overview of what’s happening in S 0 T the RMK forest from a special card application, com- pleted in summer 2019. RMK’s forestry works’ map 09 P S was developed in order to show everyone their closest RMK forest and the works performed over there.

12 The forestry works visible on the map encompass the entire life cycle of the forest – the laying, grow- ing, maintenance and cutting of a new generation of forest. For each forest stand, one can see its area, main tree species, age and recent work. Also, it is 2 2 possible to see what kind of works are planned for the current year. R A A A The RMK forestry works’ map can be found 11 at www.rmk.ee/metsatoode-kaart; it can also be accessed via RMK app. The map was completed M in cooperation with the 1 Land Board. 2 P A I T S A I T RMK A 9 10291 1 RMK

18 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 19 HEIGHTENED PUBLIC INTEREST

In 2019, RMK reorganised delimiting of forest areas Cutting (ha) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 RMK introduces forest with heightened public interest (HPI areas), to management plans for forest areas Regeneration cutting 10,471 11,920 10,866 11,227 11,394 ensure that these focus on a more complete forest with heightened public interest ... of which clear cutting 10,387 11,799 10,797 11,083 11,195 area, held dear by local communities, rather than ... of which shelterwood cutting 84 120 69 144 199 to the local community. on a single patch of forest. RMK treats 703 areas Thinning 9,339 9,079 9,944 8,478 8,812 across Estonia as HPI areas. This comprises 5% of Sanitary cutting 6,342 6,017 3,980 3,906 7,810 the land in the possession of RMK, i.e. 73,000 ha. Deforestation 969 869 725 1,605 1,335 Introducing the cutting plans and preparing the There are three types of forests with heightened plans does not mean that no cutting is carried out Design cutting 392 332 149 72 245 public interest: whenever someone wants it. The discussions are • forests important to the community, which have rather about the possibilities of fitting the lots into been determined as such in the comprehensive the landscape, the position of trees or groups of plans of local governments; trees left to grow on the cutting area, a possibility • forests, where RMK’s attractions (campsites, to replace one cutting method with another, etc. It educational trails, etc.) are located; is RMK’s wish (which hopefully coincides also with • forests, for which additionally heightened interest that of the communities) that the timber and also of local communities arises. the forests that create and maintain other important values, last forever in Estonia. RMK’s forest managers are aware of the areas which Regeneration cutting are used actively by local inhabitants. Also, RMK In 2019, RMK held 69 meetings in connection with means one-time has asked local governments to inform them of such the management of HPI areas. During the meetings, (clear cutting) forests. planned regeneration cutting was introduced on 170 Thinning or gradual cutting cutting areas, incl. 18 for shelterwood. Majority of is performed, if necessary, several times (shelterwood cutting) In the future, RMK will prepare forest management the meetings were constructive. The parties heard of a forest generation. in the lifespan of a forest to manage Sanitary cutting plans for areas with heightened public interest and each other out and the wishes were considered to the growth and development of means the cutting of dead and the principal species and improve diseased trees, trees conducive to pest will introduce these to the local community or other the extent possible. Most of the discussions have the sanitary condition of the forest. reproduction or dying trees. related parties. The management plan describes the been held about the possibility to leave old crop type of forest currently growing in the area and on trees on the cutting area. Design cutting Deforestation which provisions cutting would be optimal within is performed on a protected natural site for protection is needed to allow ten years. The necessary works will be planned and or for maintaining and improving a single protected for the use of forest land natural object or a key biotype. for another purpose. a forecast prepared, describing what kind of forest will be growing there in ten years.

20 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 21 FOREST RENEWAL RENEWED AREAS Forest renewal 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 RMK renewed forest on 12,069 ha, which is 1.2% For the first time in RMK’s history, theannual area Mineralization of the land for planting (ha) 6,739 6,403 7,918 7,924 8,358 of RMK’s forest land. 22.1 million trees were considered renewed exceeded the threshold of Mineralization of the land to aid natural 1,343 1,419 1,686 1,604 1,867 planted: 10.5 million pines, 9.2 million spruces, 10,000 ha. An area is deemed renewed if after clear renewal (ha) 2.3 million birches, and 150,000 alders. Forest was cutting, there are more than 1000 spruces or 1500 also renewed by sowing and leaving it for natural pines with a height of half a meter growing at the Forest sowing (ha) 466 272 311 335 207 renewal. If necessary, natural renewal was sup- cutting site per hectare. There must be more than Forest planting (ha) 6,069 6,443 7,140 7,177 7,477 ported by mineralising the surface. 1500 deciduous trees in a clear cut area that are at Aiding natural renewal with planting or sowing (ha) 397 261 434 705 856 least one metre high. Only then we can say that the Leaving for natural renewal (ha) 2,089 1,455 2,021 1,680 1,662 Mainly, the forest was planted by contractors found cutting site has renewed, the planted trees have been Contribution to the forest renewal (ha) 3,611 3,597 2,940 2,959 3,890 by public procurement, altogether 98 companies. maintained and grown, and this is a young stand. One-third of the work was carried out by RMK’s Plants planted (million) 19.3 20.2 21.2 21.3 22.1 employees – logging workers and seasonal workers Besides renewal, RMK afforested 312 ha of areas, … out of which pot plants (%) 50 42 52 52 52 who were hired for that purpose. The main planting where forest has never grown before – these were, was done in spring; however, one million spruces for example, low-value grasslands and bushes. were also planted in autumn. Cleaning (ha) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 CLIMATE HEROES Maintenance of young stand 19,769 19,366 19,072 18,462 18,527 The planting machine worked all season, starting from the spring until the surface was frozen. This In May, RMK organised a forest planting day in Forest renewal maintenance 24,559 23,966 24,607 23,201 24,618 way, 285,100 plants were planted on 155 ha. Harju, Rapla and Tartu counties, in which 1100 Total 44,328 43,332 43,679 41,663 43,145 people participated. A total of 45,000 tiny trees were planted. FOREST MAINTENANCE

Planting and sowing by tree species (ha) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 For a forester, planting is one step in the continuous The planting day was devoted to the topic of the Pine 3,061 3,101 2,925 3,241 3,318 life cycle of a forest. Then comes the maintenance climate, and this way the people participating in work that lasts for years. For a bystander, this work the bee benefited from the knowledge that their Spruce 3,197 3,015 4,046 4,267 4,204 is often invisible; however, the forester knows that if work would bind carbon equivalent to the amount Birch 631 809 469 683 977 you plant but fail to protect the plants against possi- released into the atmosphere by the average annual ble damage, and do not maintain the young stand, distance travelled by 1500 people by car. good results should not be expected. With info clips about informed consumption, waste During the forest renewal maintenance, small trees sorting and limiting personal car use, RMK under- are helped to grow out of the grass, maintenance of lined also other activities that could make the world young stand is used to improve the growth condi- better. tions of young trees. Altogether, cleaning was done on 43,145 ha, which is 4.2% of RMK’s forest land. 22 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 23 PLANT CULTIVATION PROTECTION AGAINST PESTS In some forest sites, we need to protect the planted The future trees, growing Growing forestry plants (million) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 plants from insects and game. To keep away the under the sharp eye of scientists are strong and healthy. Pine 10 11.8 10.8 10.2 10.6 pine weevils, 4.5 million forest plants were covered with natural wax and glue. On 3650 ha, the young Spruce 10.1 9.1 10.7 9.6 9.2 trees were sprayed with a natural remedy contain- Birch 1.6 1.9 1.2 1.6 2.4 ing sheep fat. This repels cloven-hoofed game from Other (black alder, oak) 0.1 0.1 eating the trees. Over nine years of cooperation with the Estonian Total 21.7 22.8 22.7 21.5 22.3 University of Life Sciences, the best pines, spruces and silver birch trees have been chosen and FUTURE FORESTS descendant test cultures established. The pine RMK and the Estonian University of Life Sciences descendant test cultures have been established, the PROGENY FROM THE PLANT NURSERIES SEED SURPLUS entered into a cooperation contract, according of spruce descendant test cultures will be completed RMK grows the necessary forest plants itself. As the The Estonian national seed surplus of forest trees to which RMK will fund the Estonia’s forest tree in 2020 and the establishment of the silver birch crop was good, one million more forest plants than was 7585 kg as at the yearend. Spruce seed improvement programme activities with EUR descendant test cultures is currently under prepa- initially planned (over 22 million) were planted in accounts for 58%, pine seed 37%, and silver birch 300,000 over a period of five years. ration. For that, the scientists of the University of the forest. RMK sold 100,000 forest plants to other seed 4%. The spruce seed surplus covers the need Life Sciences have been selecting plus-trees of silver forest owners. of Estonian forestry for nine years, the pine seed The purpose of the cooperation launched between birch from the forest for more than two years. The surplus for six years and birch seed for five years. RMK and the Estonian University of Life Sciences at trees grown from the seeds taken from plus-trees are RMK cultivates forest plants in greenhouses and The seed surplus includes also some alder. the beginning of 2011 is to identify the descend- to be planted in the descendant test areas in 2021. open nurseries. Spruces, birches and alders are ants of pine, spruce and silver birch plus-trees. cultivated predominantly in a pot-field system, pines The seeds of the best descendants and their parent The head of the forest trees improvement pro- as a pot plant. Estonian seed surplus trees will in turn serve as a foundation for the future gramme is Tiit Maaten, a research fellow from the forest generation. Estonian University of Life Sciences. The concluded RMK has eight nurseries, among them the Tartu contract gives assurance that the future trees, grow- Nursery that started its activities in 2019 instead of ing under the sharp eye of scientists are strong and the Tartu Tree Nursery. Previously, also ornamental healthy and the growing timber is of high quality. Pine Spruce Silver birch trees were cultivated and sold in Tartu; however 2808 kg 4428 kg 325 kg now, the focus is only on forest plants. To raise the quality of forest plants, another two greenhouses were built, making it possible to perform all of the sowing there, and in doing so ensure the good quality of seedlings.

24 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 25 TIMBER MARKETING COOLDOWN OF MARKET In 2019, RMK sold 3.9 million cubic metres of The market situation changed significantly during Sale of timber (m³) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 timber, which is 6% more than the year before. Logs the year. The favourable wood sales conditions of Logs 1,596,000 1,819,000 1,798,000 1,795,000 1,845,000 made up 47% of the sales volume, pulpwood 33%, 2018 continued only in the first quarter of 2019. By 44% 46% 48% 49% 47% firewood 15% and wood chips and residuals 5%. Rev- early summer, supply was exceeding the demand. enue from the sales of timber was EUR 207.7 million, The price was influenced by the large quantities of Pulpwood 1,292,000 1,352,000 1,213,000 1,200,000 1,285,000 an increase of nearly 4% compared to last year. wood originating from the bark beetle damaged for- 36% 34% 32% 32% 33% ests of Central-European, which reached the timber Firewood 558,000 602,000 579,000 565,000 611,000 RMK filled the planned sales volume and the industries of countries around the . The 16% 15% 15% 15% 15% concluded supply contracts 100%, including 84% second half-year added pressure to the price of coni- Wood chips and residuals 148,000 183,000 205,000 150,000 189,000 under long-term contracts and 16% of timber by fer tree logs due to the price drop of sawn timber. By using other sales techniques. RMK’s strategy for the yearend, pessimistic moods had developed on 4% 5% 5% 4% 5% timber marketing favours companies who process the timber market and the lack of purchase requests Total 3,594,000 3,956,000 3,795,000 3,710,000 3,930,000 the wood on site and export products with higher was a bigger concern than the price drop. added value.

Average price of the sold timber (EUR/m³) Biggest clients by the amount purchased m³ % P 2015 2016 Graanul Invest AS 263,000 7 € € Stora Enso Eesti AS 238,000 6 Horizon Tselluloosi 207,000 5 € ja Paberi AS € € 9000 9000 2019 Estonian Cell AS 201,000 5 Toftan AS 161,000 4 Osula Graanul OÜ 141,000 4 BillerudKorsnäs Estonia OÜ 140,000 4 2017 2018 Metsä Forest Eesti AS 126,000 3 90000 Vara Saeveski OÜ 121,000 3 44.4 44.1 45.9 56.3 55.5 Laesti AS 117,000 3 9000 10000 Total 1,715,000 44 201 201 201 201 2019

26 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 27 RMK sold 8% more wood chips than planned. The stocks of mature cutting waste and trunks were FOREST IMPROVEMENT RMK favours companies who process bigger compared to the initial plan. The demand the wood at the site and export remained stable and the prices slightly increased. Forest improvement indicators 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 products with higher added value. The reason for the increase could be the elevated Forest roads built, 495 361 348 316 328 price of firewood, as a result of which it was chipped reconstructed and renewed (km) and burnt less in cogeneration plants and boiler Reconstructed 23,800 13,200 22,600 25,700 19,600 houses. The average price of wood chips increased and renewed drainage systems (ha) The cutting activity of Estonian forest owners has by 11.9% during the year. Investment into forest roads for decades been influenced by demand for and the 22.9 23.5 23 23.5 25.9 and drainage systems (million euros) price of pulpwood. As the majority of this timber is The cutting rights to growing trees were sold as still exported, the market was influenced by anom- sanitary cutting rights to private persons for the alously high price offered at Estonian ports during a purpose of storing firewood. Formative cutting rights RMK owns 9212 km of forest roads, to which Almost half of RMK’s forest land has been drained. year and a half. The high price reduced the ability of were also sold for restoring the semi-natural biotic about 2000 kilometres of roads that are located on No more drainage systems will be built; however, pellet manufacturers and the sawmills of small logs communities and for clearing peat lands. RMK sold other owners’ lands, but used and therefore also the existing ones do need maintenance and recon- to compete with the buyers of pulpwood. Compared cutting rights for 11,700 cubic metres at an average maintained by RMK, are added. In 2019, RMK struction. Draining increases the increment of RMK to 2018, the price of spruce and pine pulpwood price of 16.07 euros/m³. reconstructed 328 km of existing forest roads and forests by half a million cubic metres every year. dropped 8.3%, however the price of birch pulpwood built new forest roads. increased 4.9%. Year-on-year, the average price of pulpwood decreased 2.2%. Properly maintained forest roads simplify forestry and nature protection works, making it easier to Properly maintained forest roads The firewood market continued to show positive move around in nature and put out fires. There are simplify forestry and nature protection progress throughout the year. Demand continued 79 fire waterpoints in RMK forests. works, making it easier to move around on an evenly good level thanks to increased global in nature and put out fires. demand and the higher than planned production volume of local manufacturers. The excessive price of pulpwood for pellet manufacturers supported FOREST FIRES the price increase of firewood. The average price of firewood increased by 10.2% during the year. Forest fires in RMK forests 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Number (pcs) 10 9 1 45 8 Area (ha) 15 96.7 4 269 39 Average fire area (ha) 1.5 10.7 4 6 5

28 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 29 WASTE COLLECTION HUNTING

Waste collection in RMK forests 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 RMK hunting grounds usage price 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Amount (kg) 572,000 247,000 281,800 290,200 250,000 Average price (EUR/ha) 3.02 2.93 3.76 2.26 3.39 Expenses (EUR) 145,000 53,000 92,000 100,000 98,000

RMK earned EUR 207,000 from hunting, most of itself is not administering the hunting activities, RMK which was comprised of the revenue from public has concluded agreements for the use of state land RMK cleaned up 250 tonnes of waste from the People generate the most waste in and auctions of hunting permits. Revenue increased by for hunting with 329 hunting district users. Among forest; the collected quantity of waste decreased by Ida-Viru County, from which more than half of the 16% compared to the previous year, thanks to the other things, the contract also states when hunt- 40 tonnes during the year. This work was performed waste originates. Mostly, household and construc- new possibility to extend the pre-emptive right of the ers have to compensate for any damage caused to by RMK’s partners Ragn-Sells and Eesti Keskkonna- tion waste, furniture, as well as glass, metal, and obtained hunting permits for up to three years. forests by game. teenused, at a cost of EUR 98,000. hazardous waste are all dumped in the forest. All of this could be taken to waste collection centres, from On average, RMK was payed EUR 3.39 per hectare RMK filedclaims against 9 hunting associations which they are sent for recycling or are disposed of in for hunting. This is 50% more than the year before. (33 the year before) for damage caused by game an environmentally safe way. RMK shared EUR 17,800 of the revenue from pub- animals. In total, this affects 23.5 hectares, where RMK gives the collected and sorted lic auctions with land owners who permit hunting on game animals have eaten the trees to the extent plastic waste new life by using RMK has installed cameras at sites where the dump- their private lands. that the area needs to be restored or renewed in posts made of waste to mark roads ing of waste is most problematic. The information significant volumes. The total amount of claim for in the state forest. collected with the help of these is forwarded to the RMK manages the Kilingi-Nõmme, and damages is EUR 9200 euros. Compared to previous local municipality or the Environmental Inspectorate, Väätsa hunting areas. On such areas where RMK years, damage caused by elk and red deer have who will punish the offender. If the offender cannot decreased, while damage caused by roe deer has RMK gives the collected and sorted plastic waste be identified, the forest will be cleaned by RMK. Damage caused by game animals (ha) remained at the same level. new life by using posts made of waste to mark roads in the state forest. By now, about one thousand of Collecting the waste from the forest is necessary not 15 S 19 such posts have been placed into the forest. It takes only because the waste taken to nature hurts the 11 about 1420 yogurt cups, 1075 plastic bags or 1100 eyes, but because it is a threat to the environment 39 43 plastic bottles to make one 1-metre of post. and the forest residents. 100 80 9 2 34

201

201 201 201 2019

30 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 31 Protected species 494

Sites with protected species 38,186

Total area of key biotypes NATURE PROTECTION 20,472 ha Semi-natural biotic communities maintained 22,184 ha

Cost of nature protection works EUR 5.8 million PROTECTED SPECIES

FOUR DISCOVERIES NEW CAPERCAILLIE LEKKING SITES NUMBER OF FLYING SQUIRRELS ON THE RISE There are 494 protected species registered in the During the spring capercaillie lekking observation of territory of RMK. Of these, 54 belong to the most the Environmental Agency, RMK’s employees found RMK’s nature conservationists, but also one har- The short-term goal of the flying strictly protected 1st category, 233 to the 2nd cate- four new capercaillie lekking sites and identified the vester driver of a partner company, found seven new squirrel protection plan was achieved gory and 207 to the 3rd category. existence of the capercaillie in seven new areas. flying squirrel habitats within RMK’s forests. The over a period of 10 years – to identify Altogether 15 male capercaillies were counted, most short-term goal of the flying squirrel protection plan at least 60 settled habitats per year. In a year, the number of protected species increased of them at Alutaguse. was achieved over a period of 10 years – to iden- by four on RMK’s land. As new species, tify at least 60 settled habitats per year. The actual • Laserpitium prutenicum has been registered The existence of capercaillie was examined in 22 number was even higher – 73 settled habitats. in the 1st protection category, regions selected on the basis of the capercaillie • Nephroma resupinatum and Orchis mascula habitat model of the Environmental Board, on 19 All seven habitats were found within managed for- In order to ensure the coherence of known habitats subsp. speciosa in the 2nd protection category occasions of which there was no previous informa- est, which contains older aspens that are suitable as for flying squirrels, RMK has since 2014 established and tion about the capercaillie living there. habitats for the species. One habitat was the most movement corridors, where forest management • Phellodon fuligineoalbus in the 3rd protection eastern discovery of flying squirrels in recent dec- is monitored, in order to preserve the connection category. In spring, there are estimably 1300–1600 male ades: in the immediate vicinity of the River. between flying squirrel habitats.Movement corri- capercaillies in Estonian forests; 90% of the dors currently offer connections between nearly 50 In addition to the number of species, knowledge registered lekking sites are on RMK land. A total The establishment or expansion of new permanent areas. In addition, RMK has reserved suitable forest about protected species is described more substan- of 78% of the area of lekking sites on RMK’s land flying squirrel habitats is decided by the Environ- areas for flying squirrels where forest manage- tially by the number of protected species habitats. falls within the special protection zones of protected mental Board. Until such time, RMK applies initial ment does not take place, in order to allow the little The number of habitats of protected species on areas, where economic activity is not permitted. protection and suspends forestry works in flying creatures to establish new habitats. Those areas are RMK’s lands is 38,186; within a year this number squirrel sites. monitored each year, the results of which indicate increased by 1932. A habitat is understood in the Capercaillie is the largest member of the grouse that flying squirrels have settled in forest areas that case of one specimen of a species or, in the case of family in Europe. This is a mainly resident diurnal The environmental register contains 2438 ha of were planned and placed under protection by RMK. plants growing in groups, as the site of the group, in bird, who spends significant part of time within a flying squirrel habitats. A total of 75% is on RMK’s the case of birds, the nest area, etc. range of 3 kilometres around its lekking site. As a land. The area under the flying squirrel habitats is The flying squirrel is a small nocturnal rodent, lekking site, the capercaillie prefers 80–130-year-old divided between 137 habitats, out of which only 40 whose life passes mostly in trees, covering long mire land pine forests. Capercaillie belongs to 2nd were settled in 2017. distances by gliding from tree to tree. In the Euro- protection category of species in Estonia. pean Union, flying squirrels are currently only found in Estonia and . Flying squirrel belongs to 1st protection category of species in Estonia.

34 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION 35 KEY BIOTYPES PROTECTED AREAS

RMK bought 38 land units with nature protection Key biotypes in RMK forests (ha) restrictions from private owners. The acquired Thanks to the amended system, land, with total area of 317 ha, cost EUR 2.99 the waiting period for selling land million. to the state has dropped to one year from ten. 20,472 RMK earned the funds necessary for buying the 14,784 14,712 15,160 18,617 protected areas in 2018, when it sold land not necessary for the fulfilment of its main goals for EUR 5.6 million. In 2018, when the purchasing of land of high natural value for the state was transferred Protected Areas in RMK forests (ha) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 from Land Board to RMK, only EUR 570,000 were Special mgmt. zone of the Protected Area 195,951 spent of the funds and so RMK did not have to sell Limited mgmt. zone of the Protected Area 70,123 any more land in 2019. Limited mgmt. zone 29,101 On RMK land, 20,472 hectares of key biotype have Key biotypes strictly fall under protected forest, of Species Protection Site been taken under protection and the area increased which compose 29% of RMK’s forests. The strictly The purchasing of the land with nature conservation Special mgmt. zone 23,850 by 1855 ha in a year. protected forest consists of nature reserves, special restrictions is based on the decree of the Minister of Species Protection Site protection zones, permanent habitats and planned of the Environment and is prepared by the Environ- Key biotopes are habitats that are suitable for protected areas, key biotypes, and strictly protected mental Board. The state acquires the land unit, if Special conservation area 18,964 unique and endangered species, which are located areas within RMK, such as flying squirrel stops and its protection procedure significantly restricts its use Strict of a Protected Area 3,316 on managed forest land, where various structures potential key biotypes. for the designated purpose. A material restriction Protected Area without protection rules 690 unique to natural forests have been preserved, such could be, for example, the complete prohibition Single object in nature 122 as very old trees, big trees that have fallen and trees on regeneration cutting. Thanks to the amended that are dead or trees that have burned. Since there system, the waiting period for selling land to the are very few forest areas such as these in managed state has dropped to one year from ten. The wait is forests, and those that do exist are spread apart, it is longer only if, when buying the land, the owner was important that forest areas with characteristics such already aware of the nature conservation restrictions. as these be preserved in order to ensure the survival of unique and endangered species.

36 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION 37 NATURE PROTECTION WORKS SEMI-NATURAL BIOTIC COMMUNITIES

Lands rented out for maintenance of 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Expenditure on nature protection 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 semi-natural biotic communities (ha) works (EUR) Total 21,000 22,462 23,355 23,962 24,304 Self-financing of RMK 1,447,300 665,000 901,000 1,126,000 1,214,000 ...new lands rented out during the year 2,734 1,462 893 607 342 Other financing 1,403,000 1,417,000 2,351,000 3,767,000 4,602,000 (from state budget, UCITS) Total 2,850,300 2,082,000 3,252,000 4,893,000 5,816,000 RMK restored 554 ha of semi-natural biotic com- To improve access to semi-natural communities, munities, or simply put, meadows and pastures. The RMK builds and reconstructs roads, bridges and cul- most meadow habitats were restored in verts. Eight roads, built in 2019 with total length of In Estonia, 572 plant, fungi, lichen and animal In 2019, RMK performed restoration works on and in , on mainland Estonia. 11 km, provide better access to more than 1700 ha species have been taken under protection. Out of nearly 2000 ha of habitats – 1422 ha of habi- Most restored areas in Saaremaa were alvars and under meadows. Bigger roads were completed near these, 494 have also been registered on RMK’s tats and 554 ha of semi-natural biotic communities in Soomaa, flooded meadows. In addition, nearly the City of Tartu, in -Ihaste and Alam- lands. Accordingly, the good condition of the habi- were restored. 100 ha of wooded meadows were restored mainly in Nature Reserves. One of the more exiting projects tats located on RMK’s lands plays a great role in the western Estonia and Pärnu County. in terms of engineering was the road and bridge by wellbeing of Estonian biodiversity. The financial volume of nature protection works the Narva River, on the Karoli wet meadow, which increased by one-fifth during the year, The area of semi-natural biotic communities leased follows the contour of the landscape and in addition The wellbeing of certain protected species depends reaching EUR 5.8. out for maintenance increased. RMK has entered to the maintenance of the wet meadow contributes on whether humans preserve or restore the habitats T into land use agreements on these areas with 408 to the control of Estonia’s eastern border. 2 necessary for their survival: meadows, heathlands, tenants and 24,304 ha has been leased out. Land , semi-open forest communities, etc. Another set has been leased out for maintenance in all Estonian In 2020, RMK is also planning to restore more of species needs no more for coping than the preser- counties, the most in Saaremaa (approx. 6000 ha), than 500 ha of meadows and expects proposals vation of the forest, water and bog habitats, inherent T T Lääne County (approx. 5700 ha) and Pärnu County from entrepreneurial people for taking the former 202 19 to Estonia. In the latter case, man can contribute by (approx. 4700 ha). meadows and pastures, not in use anymore, under eliminating established infrastructure that is damaging maintenance. For that, RMK in cooperation with T habitats – the drainage ditches, old river dams, etc. 11 There are still 11,200 ha, former meadows and the Land Board has also created a web solution at T pastures, on state land, which are not under www.maaamet.ee/rmk. 2 Habitat restoration works (ha) maintenance. Out of these, 2/3 comprises meadow communities designed on the flood meadows and Semi-natural biotic communities are areas character- S in fens by human in the past, the maintenance of istic of the Estonian landscape, that have been used which with modern equipment is difficult. as pastures and meadows, where moderate human 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 intervention is required to preserve their biodiversity.

38 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION 39 BOG HABITATS WORK FOR THE PROTECTION OF SPECIES Restoration works in bogs were completed on 1422 Specific works were performedfor the benefit of 20 PÕLULA FISH FARM hectares. The most extensive works were carried out rare and endangered species on a total of 77 ha. in the Maarjapeakse Bog on the Luitemaa Nature Fish populated to rivers from Põlula Reserve, in Pärnu County (539 ha), and in Ördi and Most of the works were carried out to improve the One- One- Two - Two - Year Species Larva Total Kikepera Bog, in Soomaa National Park (484 ha). condition of the habitats of traditionally protected summer-old year-old summers-old years-old On Saaremaa, the Kõlaja Bog was restored as a plant species and amphibians. More extensive work 2015 Salmon 98,500 127,541 40,638 3,580 41,885 312,144 complete ecosystem, when the large drainage ditch was the creation of growth conditions in the red hel- 2016 Salmon 86,157 44,755 5,393 36,796 173,101 that divided the bog into two was closed. leborine habitat, on Saaremaa (20 ha). The bodies 2017 Salmon 54,682 60,851 21,186 42,795 179,514 of water where the great crested newt and spade- The pace of restoration of former peat processing foot toad spawn were improved at 13 sites as well 2018 Salmon 75,000 118,355 79,497 9,256 32,767 314,875 areas gained momentum. In Pärnu County, works as the condition of different plant habitats in 14 sites. 2019 Salmon 47,370 164,375 73,862 12,739 28,648 326,994 were completed on Alu and Kõima cut-over peat- 2016 Whitefish 33,810 33,810 land, but also in Meelva Bog, in Põlva County. The In Vilsandi National Park, on Harilaid, in Saaremaa, 2017 Whitefish 6,885 6,885 most exciting restoration works were carried out in restoration of once afforested dune habitats contin- 2018 Whitefish 43,774 43,774 Viru Bog, where the drainage systems were closed ued, from which the 1st category species, natter- right next to one of Estonia’s most visited board- jack, should benefit. The formative cutting carried 2019 Whitefish 30,374 30,374 walks. For a few days, the water even rose above out for that purpose will also continue in 2020. 2019 Sturgeon 4,820 4,820 the boardwalk, with one dam having to be removed very quickly and the height of the boardwalk having Besides the restocking of salmon and whitefish In cooperation with Wildlife Estonia, 11,000 stur- PARKS AND LANDSCAPE VIEWS to be raised. Altogether, restoration works were com- rivers, experiments were carried out at Põlula on the geon larvae were brought to Põlula from the Born pleted on 280 ha of bogs that had been damaged by Landscape maintenance and restoration works were farming of sturgeon and preparations were made fish farm, in Germany, at the end of July. Out of peat processing. carried out on 28 ha, for example, in the Varbola to start farming freshwater pearl mussel. With the these, 5000 young fish were released into Narva Stronghold, in , and around the Neeruti support of the European Maritime and Fisheries river in autumn and 2000 were left at Põlula to Bogs are very important for preserving biodiver- lakes and hiking trails in Lääne-Viru County. Mostly, Fund, a quarantine building was completed, where grow. Atlantic sturgeon disappeared from Estonian sity, clean water, fighting floods and droughts and these works meant opening up the views. it is possible to keep fish and fish roe brought from waters at the end of 19th century. binding carbon from the atmosphere. To recover the nature during the conducting of disease research. bogs, drainage ditches are closed and any forest that Maintenance and restoration works were carried out The natural habitat of freshwater pearl mussel is has grown on the surface of the bog due to drainage in 14 parks. For example, in Glehn Park in Tallinn, In spring and autumn, nearly 327,000 young poor and population has reached a critical limit, so it is cleared where necessary. trees that posed a risk for visitors were cut down and salmon were released into the rivers. The fish was is necessary to grow this species outside its natural the park area was cleaned of household waste. The released into Valgejõgi, Pühajõgi, Pärnu, Loobu, environment. Põlula prepared a plan for freshwater works in other parks included mowing the hay and Purtse, Selja, Jägala and the River rapids. pearl mussel farming, carried out water research at cutting the bushes and cutting down dangerous trees. Experimental whitefish farming has proven success- the fish farm and river and identified bottlenecks. ful for the fourth year in a row. A total of 30,000 Practical activity will be launched in 2020. whitefish were released into Pärnu River.

40 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION 41 Visits to RMK’s recreational areas and protected areas 2.6 million

Visitors at the information desks 98,400

Visitors to Elistvere Animal Park 61,300 VISITING NATURE AND Visitors to Sagadi Forest NATURE AWARENESS Museum 41,900 Participants in nature education programmes 49,400

Expenditures on visitation infrastructure and promoting nature awareness EUR 8.1 million SPECIAL FAVOURITES VISITING NATURE RMK offers opportunities for visiting nature in 13 The most visited protected areas were: recreational areas, six national parks and several • (228,200 visits) Visits to RMK's recreational areas and protected areas protected areas all over Estonia. Visitation infra- • Soomaa National Park (99,100 visits) structure is built in such a way that it offers good opportunities to visitors, but also protects the forest Compared to 2018, the number of visitors increased and natural treasures. In this manner, RMK directs in Lahemaa National Park and Soomaa National Park, people to move to areas where nature can withstand Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, the Vormsi Landscape the stress. The stress-tolerance of nature is con- Protection Area and the Naissaare Nature Park. 2,200,000 2,300,000 2,400,000 2,700,000 2,600,000 stantly being monitored. High rates of visitation continued at the Viru Bog 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 The most visited recreational areas were: Study Trail, the Taevaskoja Hiking Trail, and the • The Northern Shore of Recreation Rannametsa-Tolkuse Study Trail. Also, the recently Area (including Oru Park, 294,900 visits) reconstructed sites were attractive. Compared to the A SMART MAN IN YOUR POCKET NEW BEAUTIFUL ATTRACTIONS • The recreation area near Tallinn time before renewals, the Selli-Sillaotsa Trail was RMK recreation and protection areas were visited To improve the opportunities for visiting the nature, (including -Joa Park, 237,600 visits) visited nearly three times and Valgesoo Study Trail 2.6 million times, which is 100,000 times less than eight sites were completed and eleven reached their • The Nõva Recreation Area more than twice as much. the year before when the summer was hot and the final stage. In 2020,works will continue at 13 sites. (a total of 221,100 visits) Republic celebrated its centennial. Completed sites: The connecting element of Just before Midsummer Day, RMK’s new mobile app • The Valgesoo Observation Tower, with its RMK’s visitation infrastructure is RMK hiking route was completed. The app contains the areas where architecturally impressive solution 3100 with three branches. RMK’s hiking routes and hiking trails are located, • The Kabli Nature Study Trail for bird lovers, km of nature 27 forest cabins The 1800 km long hiking the locations of all of RMK’s attractions, instructions in Pärnu County trails route is divided as follows: on how to arrive, information about equipment and • The Selli-Sillaotsa Study Trail, in , photos. The app enables the user to position their introducing swamp communities location and find the nearest attractions. • The Study Trail’s wooden footbridge, 328 820 km covered 20 in Lääne-Viru County forest houses Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve RMK’s new app ‘RMK Loodusega Koos’ is available • The Võlingi Spring Hiking Trail and the Simisa- fireplaces 614 km in Estonian, Russian and English, for devices oper- lu-Matsimäe Nature Trail, in Järva County Penijõe-Aegviidu-Kauksi ating on iOS as well as Android software. The app • The Kakerdaja Nature Trail and Paunküla Hills was developed by the IT department of RMK and Hiking Trail, in Harju County 59 3 372 km business services provider CGI Eesti. campsites off-road areas Oandu-Aegviidu-Ikla

44 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS 45 NATURE AWARENESS SAGADI FOREST CENTRE

Nature programmes and nr of participants 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Number of visitors to the Sagadi Forest Centre 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Nature programmes organised 2,695 2,766 2,667 2,594 2,380 Visitors at Forest Museum 28,500 32,800 31,400 34,600 41,900 Participants in programmes 48,500 52,800 52,000 51,600 49,400 Accommodation clients 9,500 9,100 7,100 8,200 9,700

Nature education programmes were carried out The number of people participating in the nature RMK’s Sagadi Forest Centre was visited 68,900 for 49,400 people at RMK visitor centres, nature awareness activities organised by RMK was times. On 41,900 of those occasions, the Sagadi The number of visitors of houses and the Sagadi Forest Centre. Nursery school 282,000. RMK’s information desks gave advice Forest Museum and the exhibitions of the manor exhibitions was 20% higher children and schoolchildren can participate in the 98,400 times. museum, located in the Sagadi Manor mansion, compared to the previous year. campaign projects, which take place three times a were visited. The number of visitors was 20% year, for the symbolic participation fee of EUR 1. RMK’s interactive forest quiz was taken by 471 higher compared to the previous year. classes from 150 schools. RMK organised the con- tests ‘Forest Crafts’ and ‘Forest Postcard of Estonian In August, Sagadi Manor celebrated its 550th Schoolchildren’. anniversary with the big event “White Night at The Sagadi Forest Museum offered the possibility Sagadi”. The manor and the surrounding park to visit the permanent exhibition ‘Forest Feeds’ were filled with enchanting lighting art with beauti- and in summer Meelis Kihulane’s travelling ful concerts and delicate aromas of outdoor cafes. exhibition ‘Trees and People. A Genuflection to ELISTVERE ANIMAL PARK A light festival of this calibre was held for the first Ants Viires’, which introduced Estonian common time at Keila-Joa in 2018, on the initiative of woodwork through house tools of the past. The Over the year, 61,300 people visited Elistvere Visitors also celebrated Valentine’s Day, Easter, RMK. A total of 4500 people attended the wonder- exhibition ‘100 Steps in the Forest’, devoted to Animal Park. While more visitors can be expected in Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day at the animal park. ful party at Sagadi. Estonian forestry, was still open at the Sagadi summer months, the other most popular period is During the longest nights of summer, at the end of Manor mansion. the time after Christmas. For example, almost 1200 June, Elistvere Animal Park was open to the visitors As traditional events, Sagadi Forest Centre also people attended the birthday of the bear Karoliina, until midnight. held one hundred costumes day, night museums, The main duty of the Sagadi Forest Centre is on 26 December. The event was a success possibly family days at a nature school, timber days, a increasing the awareness of nature, and maintain- also due to the fact that Elistvere Animal Park now The population of Elistvere animal park grew with mushroom exhibition, and a week of Lahemaa ing and introducing cultural heritage in a manor has a Facebook page. the addition of two fallow deer cubs. The animal flavours. For the second year in a row, Ivan Tur- complex. park mostly displays animals found living in Esto- genev’s play A Month in the Country was per- nian forests in an environment that is as natural formed by the Russian Theatre, in Sagadi Manor possible. Park, as a summer play.

46 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS 47 NATURE CAMERAS CHRISTMAS TREES

From the images of the camera placed in the shal- 9700 Christmas trees were brought home from Estonia, in Kadriorg, the message of which stressed low water of the flooded area of Võrtsjärv, one could RMK’s forest. Neither the lack of snow nor the the importance of different generations in a forest RMK’s nature cameras notice the surprising fertility of invertebrates. On storms that ravaged the land in December were an as well as in human society. can be viewed on YouTube several occasions pike came to curiously examine obstacle. RMK’s app helped people find the right (channel Riigimets). the camera; also, fish worm tails caused a certain place for the trees and pay for them. Christmas trees from RMK forest amount of excitement. 2015 9,800 Christmas trees from the state forest decorated the A badger camera mediated the doings of city bea- rooms of several public establishments. With the 2016 11,500 Over the year, RMK’s nature cameras transmitted vers who had settled in the territory of the Tallinn support of RMK, a Christmas forest emerged in images from eight locations in Estonia. Zoo. Four to five animals could often be seen at front of the Office of the President of the Republic of 2017 10,100 night in front of a camera set up at the foot of an 2018 9,700 An extraordinary event happened in front of the bea- artificial hill. It came as a surprise that the badgers ver camera in Ura, near Kilingi-Nõmme. At the pre- changed their bedding so often. One of their main 2019 9,700 cise moment that the beaver was enjoying a feast in activities was rolling grass balls into their nest and HERITAGE CULTURE the shallow water, a tree on the river bank snapped out again. The badgers did not even hibernate. and hit the beaver. After the accurate hit, the pair of Over the year, 479 objects were added to the data- The inventorying of natural sacred sites, led by beavers was no longer seen swimming together. A long-established deer camera in Saaremaa base of heritage culture prepared by RMK, now the National Heritage Board, continues. The plans showed a flock of deer bucks, the time of shedding containing information on 39,158 objects. Among for 2020 include mapping one half of Estonia’s The image from a beaver camera at Penijõe offered antlers and growing new antlers, a dozen racks was others, information about 153 natural sacred sites parishes. Out of the sites described with invento- clear evidence that the rare eagle owl can still be dropped directly at the deer site or in the immediate in Harju County and the eastern party of Viru County ries, only the most prominent part will be awarded found in Matsalu. The upright aspen trunk set up for vicinity thereof. were entered into the database. state-protected status. In order to also make use of the beavers to chew became a suitable observation the rest of the information, it will be entered in the place for the eagle owl one night. The jackal camera was set up on the Saastna Natural sacred sites have been much discussed in database of cultural heritage sites managed by RMK, peninsula. Despite the relatively snowless winter, society during recent years. The National Heritage on the proposal of the National Heritage Board, At the beginning of the year, it was possible to follow we were able to see the animal specifically on the Board has taken an inventory of them since 2016, which is an informative public database for land the underwater biota in the trout stream in the ter- couple of days when the land was covered with a however in 2019, an important milestone was owners and other persons interested in landscapes. ritory of Põlula Fish Farm, in spring in Võrtsjärv, and decent carpet of snow. reached when a new monument class - historical from the beginning of summer, in the Keila River. natural sacred site - was created with the new In 2019, RMK ordered an inventory of 14 poten- Heritage Conservation Act. As the first site of its tial natural sacred sites on its land, which the kind, the Rosma Forest of Crosses, in Põlva County, National Heritage Board had not yet managed to was placed under state protection, a large portion of inventory. which is located on RMK’s forest land.

48 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS 49 Applied research projects supported 17, including 2 active

2008–2019 budget for applied research RESEARCH EUR 2.4 million

Forestry scholarships 5

Scholarship spending EUR 42,000

50 RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI 51 FINALISED SCIENCE PROJECTS spruces, the damages caused by rot extend to APPLIED RESEARCH EUR 8.5 million per year. Since the increase in the ‘The effect of the cutting time and cutting meth- percentage of rots in a stand is influenced by the age ods for spruce forests on the proliferation and RMK started its targeted financing of research in 2008. were paid out. In 2019, a science project funded by of the stand, number of improvement cutting and population of pathogens and on the biodiversity During this time, funding decisions have been made RMK was finalised and two projects are underway. type of habitat, the risk of root rot infection increases of forests in high-yield types of growing areas’ for 17 applied research projects and EUR 2.4 million when cutting dominant and thick spruces by Duration: 2016–2019 improvement cutting. This can be mitigated by mak- Project managers: Rein Drenkhan, ing only one or two improvement cuttings when the THE RMK RESEACH COUNCIL from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, stand is younger (up to 15 years) and then leave the and Leho Tedersoo, from the stand untouched until regeneration cutting. The idea Project‘s main executives: Rein Drenkhan, of improvement cuttings made during the young age Leho Tedersoo, Adamson, Tiia Drenkhan, of such stands would be also forming mixed forests, From the University of Tartu From the Estonian University of From RMK Katrin Jürimaa, Piret Lõhmus, Allar Padari, to avoid the creation of mono-cultural spruce stands. • Jaan Liira Life Sciences • Aigar Kallas Katrin Rosenvald, Raul Rosenvald, Elisabeth Rähn, Senior Research Fellow in Plant • Hardi Tullus Chairman of the and Hardi Tullus Insofar as the economic maturity of spruce stands is Ecology Chair of Silviculture and Forest Management Board RMK funding: EUR 299,913 up to 10 years lower due to the damage caused by • Krista Lõhmus Ecology, Professor • Kristjan Tõnisson rot, compared to a healthy theoretical stand, then Chair of Ecophysiology, Senior • Kalev Jõgiste Member of the The purpose of the work was to explain the impact from an economic aspect, the cutting of the stand Research Fellow of Applied Professor of Forest Manage- Management Board of managing the stands of the common spruce on at cutting age, with a majority being spruces, can Ecology, Professor Emeritus ment and Forest Ecology the spread and damage by root rot and the biodiver- be considered a reasonable decision. Yet, the sci- • Ülo Mander • Kalev Sepp sity of fungi and epiphytes compared to not man- entists found that the economic maturity of spruce Chair of Physical Geography Chair of Environmental aged stands. stands needs more analysing and also adjustment of and Landscape Ecology, Profes- Protection and Landscape spruce growth models. sor of Physical Geography and Management, Professor Research material was gathered in 2016 and 2017, Landscape Ecology and it covered thinned and unthinned spruce stands The quantity of down timber for the biodiversity of within fertile habitats (oxalis, hepatica and ash- fungi, moss and lichen is most likely not as critical weed), altogether 185 stands. These were located in fertile spruce stands as was initially assumed by in different areas across Estonia and were divided the research group. Nevertheless, in order to support into six age classes: 4–20, 21–40, 41–60, 61–80, the biota, the standing dead wood and down wood 81–100 and older than 100 years. with higher degree of degradation must be preserved during cutting works, as their quantity is less in It became clear that if we were to calculate the lost thinned spruce stands than in unthinned stands. profit on all stands, where the majority is Estonian In addition, the negative impact from reducing the

52 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCH RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCH 53 cutting age revealed for lichen can be mitigated by A considerable proportion of Estonia’s protected spruce stands of thinning age. From the gathered Biocontrol efficiency and the use of antagonistic preserving living spruces (so-called veteran trees) forests are small fragments of less than 15 hec- samples, the existence and amount of Heteroba- fungi to control root nesting in the tree of the and retaining the former stub trees and down wood tares surrounded by commercial forest. Such forest sidion annosum and Phlebiopsis gigantea are spruce and the infestation of different plant before cutting, since these help to preserve the fragments are important because they provide a analysed before treating the stumps. To assess types in fertile nursery types populations of habitat specialists after cutting as well habitat for many scattered endangered species. the abundance of Heterobasidion annosum as support the existence and creation of necessary At the same time, they do not form a self-regulat- Duration: 2019–2021 spores from the air and the seasonal spread of micro-habitats. ing natural whole and are threatened by external Project Manager: Tiia Drenkhan, spores, the samples were taken from two com- impacts, which is why the natural values there are from the Estonian University of Life Sciences mon spruce stands. also at risk. Project‘s main executives: Kadri Põldmaa, • To compare the fungal biota in stumps treated Tiit Maaten, Kalev Adamson, Leho Tedersoo, and not treated with the bio-preparation Rot- ONGOING SCIENCE PROJECTS The project will examine whether the preservation of Rein Drenkhan stop®, 400 wood samples were taken from the natural values in protected forest fragments depends RMK funding: EUR 194,213 common spruce stands of thinning age. The very Increasing the purpose of protected forest on how the forests surrounding them are managed. initial results have revealed that using Rotstop® fragments The growth of common spruce stands in fertile types has not statistically significantly influenced the Duration: 2018–2021 In 2019, fieldwork was performed and by spring of nurseries is inhibited by the widespread spread diversity of fungi species in stumps. Project Manager: Kadri Runnel 2020, these are nearly half-done. The activities of root rot. The use of the Rotstop® Phlebiopsis • To isolate the parasites Heterobasidion annosum, from the University of Tartu in 2019 were related to searching for species and gigantea based bio-preparation helps to mitigate the fruiting bodies have been gathered; their analysis Project‘s main executives: Anneli Palo, Piret measuring the forest structure. In spring 2020, RMK damage caused by Heterobasidion annosum. The continues. Lõhmus, Raul Rosenvald, Indrek Tammekänd started to take out spore catchers, to measure what project analyses the efficacy of the preparation • To investigate the infection of different plant RMK funding: EUR 152,517 kind of fungi spores are flying around in the forest and the effects of the treatment on the biota, as types with root rot agents, four test areas have fragments under investigation. This test will last well as studies of other antagonistic fungal species been established: three in RMK areas and one in until late autumn. In addition, lichen inventories are and their effects on Heterobasidion annosum. Root the area of Järvselja Training and Experimental ongoing and more thorough studies of timber fungi rot agents are aggressive in fertile types of growth Forestry District. In spring 2019, open root and The project will examine whether is waiting ahead. and can infect young trees at an early age. Testing potted common spruce, common pine and white the preservation of natural values areas with different plant types shall be established birch were planted in all areas. The first samples in protected forest fragments First summaries of the project will be made in for the analysis of root rot infestations of young trees. are analysed two years after planting. depends on how the forests autumn 2020. As a result, management recom- surrounding them are managed. mendations are drawn up to improve the conser- The status of the project at the end of 2019 The project will be carried out in cooperation vation of natural values. The project will be carried was the following. between the Estonian University of Life Sciences and out in cooperation between the University of Tartu the University of Tartu. and the Estonian University of Life Sciences. • To identify the efficiency of the fungi Heteroba- sidion annosum biocontrol preparation Rotstop®, 1520 wood samples were taken from common

54 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCH RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCH 55 SCHOLARSHIPS CONFERENCE

In November, RMK hosted in Pärnu a high-level RMK has performed practical conference devoted to restoration works. The Endel Laas Scholarship Heino Teder Scholarship Toomas Ehrpais Scholarship nature protection works on conference included 29 presentations, focussing on state-owned land since 2010. • for doctoral students at the • for Master’s students at the • for students of Forestry the restoration works of eco-systems carried out in Estonian University of Life Estonian University of Life School Estonia over the last decade and their effectiveness. Sciences Sciences • EUR 1917 • EUR 4800 per year • EUR 3200 • Recipient in 2019: Risto Kiisk RMK has performed practical nature protection • Recipients in 2019: • Recipients in 2019: Mari works on state-owned land since 2010. During this On the second day of the conference, the partici- Merit Fjodorov and Marek Uri Tuvikene and Kristjan Täll time, bog and meadow habitats have been restored pants listened to the experiences of the Finns and on thousands of hectares and the area of possi- looked towards the future. The discussions were ble spawning grounds of migratory fish has been about what and how much should be restored in increased. The condition of the population of several Estonia’s nature and views were exchanged about amphibians and fish species has been improved the contact points of science and practice. MASTER’S THESIS AWARD successfully. Insofar as these restoration works often RMK awarded EUR 700 to Priit Vellak, Master’s In the simulations without thinning, the most timber also involve intense debates, the conference was a Among the others, presentations were made by Tuul Student at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, was harvested; however, due to the large share of good opportunity to share experience and knowl- Sepp, Asko Lõhmus, Aveliina Helm, and Kaija who examined the short- and long-term profitability firewood and mortality of trees, the average price edge, to contribute to the reparation of mistakes Eisto. of thinning. of timber was lower, while thinning increased the made in the past in Estonian nature in a smarter share of assortment with higher price of thicker and and inclusive way. Conference was held on 4–5 November, in Pärnu. To assess profitability, Priit Vellak used a simulation high-quality timber. A total of 200 people – scientists, practitioners and programme and compared three forest management On the first day of the conference, the terminology of officials – attended the conference. Presentations scenarios – management of a stand based on the The Master’s thesis titled ‘Economic analyses of restoration ecology, the evolutionary aspect of resto- from the conference can be read on the homepage recommendations of Finnish forest management, the thinning in Järvselja Training and Experimental ration works and the connections of the restoration of RMK. management according to Estonian forest manage- Forest Centre in period 2015–2017’ was advised by activity with social processes were discussed. The ment rules, and natural development of a stand the MA in Forest Management Risto Sirgmets and other presentations on the restoration activities were without thinning. associate professor Paavo Kaimre. RMK rewarded divided into three parallel sessions – inland waterway the best Master’s thesis of the Estonian University of habitats (rivers and lakes), habitats of semi-natural According to the results of the Master’s thesis, Life Sciences for the 19th time already. communities and habitats related to forests and bogs. forest management with thinning yields 18.8% higher profitability, on average, than no thinning.

56 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCH RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCH 57 Asset value EUR 1.4 billion

FINANCIAL SUMMARY Operating profit EUR 75.6 million BALANCE SHEET (in thousands of euros)

ASSETS 31.12.2019 31.12.2018 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CAPITAL 31.12.2019 31.12.2018

Current assets Liabilities Cash 96,527 93,498 Short-term liabilities Receivables and prepayments 14,952 13,131 Debts and prepayments 21,239 18,604 Inventories 25,794 23,821 Short-term provisions 3,075 3,185 Biological assets 23,690 48,794 Total short-term liabilities 24,314 21,789 Total current assets 160,963 179,244 Long-term liabilities Long-term prepayments 7 9 Long-term provisions 745 766 Fixed assets Total long-term liabilities 752 775 Investment properties 1,117 1,662 TOTAL LIABILITIES 25,066 22,564 Tangible assets 556,168 536,222 Intangible fixed assets 1,375 1,391 Biological assets 642,690 1,093,838 Equity capital Total fixed assets State capital 1,177,854 1,178,835 1,201,350 1,633,113 Retained profit 569,318 750,356 TOTAL ASSETS 1,362,313 1,812,357 Accounting year profit (loss) with profit (loss) from the revaluation of -409,925 -139,398 biological assets TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL 1,337,247 1,789,793

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CAPITAL 1,362,313 1,812,357

60 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FINANCIAL SUMMARY RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FINANCIAL SUMMARY 61 INCOME STATEMENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (in thousands of euros)

2019 2018 Revenue 218,709 209,070 Other operating revenue 5,615 10,227 Gain (loss) from biological assets 893 851 Changes in inventories of finished goods and work-in-progress 1,982 5,465 Work performed by an entity in the production of fixed assets for its own 31 117 purpose and capitalised Goods, raw materials and services -103,753 -91,082 Miscellaneous operating expenses -10,426 -10,393 Labour costs -27,457 -25,432 Depreciation and impairment of fixed assets -10,352 -9,852 Other operating expenses 399 -94 Operating profit 75,641 88,877 Other financial income and expenditure 137 -29 Profit before income tax 75,778 88,848 Income tax -9,785 -5,375 Profit for the accounting year 65,993 83,473 Revaluation of biological assets -475,918 -222,871

Accounting year profit (loss) with profit (loss) from the revaluation -409,925 -139,398 of biological assets

62 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FINANCIAL SUMMARY RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FINANCIAL SUMMARY 63 PHOTO CREDIT

The author of the large photos used in the annual report is Xenia Shabanova, whose exhibition ‘Maagiline Eesti’ was on display in the forest house, in Tallinn, in the summer of 2019. Xenia Shabanova’s drone photos depict unusual views of Estonian nature, allowing the viewer to see the playfulness of natural forms and offer- ing so-called double-bottomed views. The acclaimed wedding photographer started working on drone pho- tography six years ago, since it allowed him to combine his two passions – photography and hiking in nature. Xenia Shabanova’s portfolio can be viewed on the website www.xeniafoto.com.

Front and ‘Battlefield’ back cover Aftermath of the forest fire in the vicinity of Aegviidu. In the opinion of rescuers, it was the result of careless handling of fire by people. 6–7 ‘Grass swept by fire’ Long lawn by the sea. Photographed from a height of approximately 10 m above the ground. 14–15 ‘Two Seasons’ In the spring, Estonian nature decided that it was not yet time for winter to leave, and suddenly it was snowing. Viewed from above, you can see that one tree seems to be stuck between two seasons at the same time. Winter remains, spring is at hand. Most likely the wind blew the snow from one side of the tree, creating an unusual effect. 32–33 ‘Fruit Tree’ Nature has a fantastic sense of humour. The lambs had gathered to feast on fallen leaves, and when viewed from above they look like the fluffy and appetising fruit of a tree. There is another coincidence here: in Estonian, a tree bearing edible fruit is called a viljapuu, which differs by only one letter from the word villapuu, meaning a wool tree. The photo was taken at the Maavillase Rõõmu Farm, in Valga County. 42–43 ‘Spring Abstraction’ Wasteland, whose trails are not far from a residential area. 50–51 ‘Eye’ Each year a phenomenon of Estonian nature takes place on the River Vigala. When the river freezes for the first time then melts, a spinning ice wheel is formed. The photo has managed to capture the moment when the centre of the wheel has begun to melt, resembling the pupil of a giant eye. 58–59 ‘Special’ One tree lost its leaves sooner than the others. And that is what made it special. Kadrioru Park.

64 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI 65