2013

JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM) has achieved a record number of events (208) and participants (6,701) during this year’s Forest Days. In addition to traditional tasks – regenerating forests, tending recreation areas and setting up birdhouses, LVM staff members, schools, families and public organisations tended walking trails, erected fences around anthills and accomplished other good deeds. Several events will also be held this autumn.

Bidding farewell to late winter, the annual Forest Days, aimed at educating children and youth about the importance of forest management, began in Latvia in late spring. Schools, youth organisations, families, establishments and companies applied with great interest. The total number of participants reached 6,701. Emphasis was on becoming familiar with daily forest management activities, which are particularly intense in spring when forest regeneration is in progress. 122 hectares of forest were planted, 1,193 birdhouses were set up and 120 cubic metres of litter were collected during the Forest Days. LVM Communications Department head Tomass Kotovičs points out that the amount of work accomplished is not the most important aspect during such events – involvement and interest in forest management are more important, showing younger generations how forests grow.

In terms of forest planting, Western Kurzeme Forestry clean up participants were the most active ones, planting 32 hectares of forest, surpassing last year’s accomplishments of Southern Latgale Forestry clean up participants – 30 hectares. Just like last year, the largest number of birdhouses was set up by the people of Southern Kurzeme – 435. Northern Latgale Forestry clean up participants collected the largest amount of litter – 38.5 cubic metres.

The Open Forest Days are traditionally held every spring with the aim of making the public better understand forests and the forestry sector. LVM has regenerated more than 16,000 hectares of forest this year, planting nearly 30 million trees.