RMKANNUAL REPORT2019

2 RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI

RMKANNUAL REPORT2019

State Forest Management Centre (RMK)Sagadi Village, Haljala Municipality, 45403 Lääne-Viru County, EstoniaTel +372 676 7500www.rmk.ee

Text:Katre Ratassepp

Translation:Interlex

Photos:Jarek Jõepera (p. 5)Xenia Shabanova (on all other pages)

Design and layout: Dada ADwww.dada.ee

Typography:GeogrotesqueNews Gothic BT

Paper:cover Constellation Snow Lime 280 gcontent Munken Lynx 120 g

Printed by Ecoprint

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 10 facts about RMK

5 Aigar Kallas: Big picture

6–13 About the organisation 8 All over Estonia 9 Structure10 Staff 11 Contribution to the economy12 Reflection of society13 Cooperation projects

14–31 Forest management16 Overview of forests19 Forestry works24 Plant cultivation26 Timber marketing29 Forest improvement29 Forest fires30 Waste collection31 Hunting

32–41 Nature protection34 Protected species36 Key biotypes

37 Protected areas38 Nature protection works41 Põlula Fish Farm

42–49 Visiting nature and nature awareness44 Visiting nature46 Nature awareness46 Elistvere Animal Park47 Sagadi Forest Centre48 Nature cameras49 Christmas trees49 Heritage culture

50–55 Research52 Applied research56 Scholarships57 Conference

58–62 Financial summary60 Balance sheet62 Income statement63 Auditor’s report

64 Photo credit

54 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019

BIG PICTURE

Similar to the photos in this year’s yearbook, which 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 affect society and the environment, today, tomorrow and the day after, must always be kept in sight. Corona spring, when this annual report is appearing, and the topic of the climate, which left an indelible mark on 2019, further amplify the need to see the big picture. At a time when the world has nearly come to a standstill, the basic values of life come to light. The importance of being able to cope inde-pendently becomes clearer than ever before. As a country, a people and as an individual. The forest, which covers half of Estonia, offers shelter and respite, but it also offers work and food for tens of thousands of our countrymen. There is no reason for the various functions of the forest to come into conflict with one another – by acting smartly, the forest is able to take on many roles. Forestry is the only sector in Estonia in which car-bon is bound instead of being released into the air. Which means that the sustainable management of

the forest helps in the fight against climate change. Being responsible for the management of half of the country’s forests, RMK is helping Estonia to mitigate the effects of climate change and become a carbon-neutral country.

RMK has two internationally recognised certifi-cates confirming compliance with the principles of sustainable forest management: FSC and PEFC. Sustainable forestry includes preserving biodiversity. In the case of forest work, there are certain rules that are followed; however, in addition to this, RMK has been the largest performer of nature protection works in Estonia for the past ten years. Our focus is on habitat restoration, since this is what will help the most in increasing biodiversity. The latter is also important in the fight against climate change. Everything is truly connected. We keep this knowl-edge in mind when doing things.

Aigar KallasChairman of the Management Board of RMK

10FACTSABOUT

RMK

47%of Estonia’s forests

are maintained by RMK.

6important tasks performed by RMK

are growing forests, preserving naturalvalues, carrying out nature protection

works, earning a profit for the state throughthe management of the forest, offering

opportunities for moving around in nature,and promoting awareness of nature.

6600people were employed

in RMK’s forests during the year.Of those, 702 are full-time employees

at RMK, with the rest employedby partner companies or working

as seasonal workers.

29% of RMK’s forests

are strictly protected.

30offices are maintained

by RMK across Estonia.Its headquarters

is located in Sagadi.

1% of RMK’s forest land

is clear-cut each year.All clear-cut areas

are reforested.

0 € is the cost of everyman’s right –

camping along RMK’s trails,spending the night in forestcabins, or sleeping in a tent

within recreation areas.

4certificates prove that RMK adheresto high standards in its activities.These are the sustainable forestrycertificates FSC® (FSC-C022757)and PEFC, and the environmental

and quality management certificatesISO 14001 and ISO 9001.

2,6million visits were made

to RMK’s recreationaland protected areas.

22,1million forest plants

were planted in RMK’s forest.

RMK manages 1,427,494 ha of state land, of which 1,029,671 ha is forest land

Full-time employees 702

Turnover 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

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

9

Kärdla

Ristna

Mändjala

Vilsandi

Pähni

Karula

ElistverePikknurme

Avinurme Kauksi

Simisalu

Rava

Kullenga

Võru

RäpinaKiidjärve

Valga

Õisu

Aegviidu

Soomaa

Reiu

Taali

LoobuLahemaa

Ussimäe

Märjamaa

OjaäärseViimsi

Marana

Matsalu

Kihelkonna

SAARE COUNTY

HIIU COUNTY LÄÄNE COUNTYRAPLA COUNTY

LÄÄNE-HARJU COUNTY

IDA-HARJU COUNTY

LÄÄNE-VIRU COUNTY

IDA-VIRU COUNTY

ALUTAGUSE

JÕGEVA COUNTY

JÄRVA COUNTY

VILJNADI COUNTYTARTU COUNTY

PÄRNU COUNTY

VÄNDRA

VALGA COUNTY

PÕLVA COUNTY

VÕRU COUNTY

Oandu

Piirsalu

Osmussaare

Nõva

Varbla

Erastvere

Iisaku

Laiksaare

AhtmeSonda

Triigi

Antsla

Laiuse

Surju

Rapla

Käru

Paikuse

Kabli

RistipaloRulli

Purila

Tartu

Sagadi

Tallinn

Põlula

Forest district border

Information point

Nursery

Põlula Fish Farm

Area managed by RMK

Visitor centre

Nature house

Office

Forestry region border

Sagadi Forest Centre

Elistvere Animal Park

8 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATIONRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

ALL OVER ESTONIA STRUCTURE

FORESTADMINISTRATION

ACTIVITYAREA

LAND USEACTIVITY

AREA

FORESTMANAGEMENT

ACTIVITYAREA

ADMINISTRATION

NATUREMANAGEMENT

ACTIVITYAREA

PLANTAND SEED

MANAGEMENTACTIVITY AREA

TIMBERMARKETING

ACTIVITYAREA

Information Tech-nology Department

Management Accounts

Department

Real Estate Department

CommunicationsDepartment

PersonnelDepartment

AccountingDepartment

Public Procure-ment Department

Information Management Department

Legal Department

Forest Manage-ment Department

Forest management regions (3)

Silviculture Division

Forest Improve-ment Department

Forest Improve-ment Division

Timber Energy Division

Hunting Division

Visitation Manage-ment Department

Sagadi Forest Centre

Nature Protection Department

Põlula Fish Rearing Centre

Pland and Seed Management Department (8 nurseries)

Timber Marketing Department

Climate Change Department

SUPERVISORY BOARD

Internal Audit Division

MANAGEMENT BOARD

Forest Administration Department

Forest Department

(18 forest districts)

11RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

STAFF

702

of them are employed full-time by RMK

The forestry and the timber industry provide jobs for 29,000 people in Estonia.

The forest is especially important as an employer

in rural areas

Considering indirect and incidental impact, the forest pays the bills of

59,000people in Estonia.

A total of

6600people are

employed in thestate forest

PÄRNU COUNTY100 people14% TARTU

COUNTY65 people

9%

VÕRU COUNTY35 people

5%

PÕLVA COUNTY65 people

9%

JÕGEVA COUNTY34 people

5%

RAPLA COUNTY38 people

5%

HARJU COUNTY47 people7%

SAARE COUNTY27 people4%

HIIU COUNTY23 people

3%

VALGA COUNTY27 people 4%

LÄÄNECOUNTY16 people

2%

JÄRVA COUNTY25 people

4%

VILJANDICOUNTY26 people

4%

LÄÄNE-VIRU COUNTY

105 people

15%

IDA-VIRUCOUNTY69 people

10%

10 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMYRMK’s economic indicators (EUR million) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Turnover 165.2 178.5 178.4 209.1 218.7

Operating profit 36.6 50.3 48.9 88.9 75.6

Dividends and income tax paid into state budget 18.3 24.5 28.1 26.9 51.4

Land tax 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.9

Labour taxes 6 6.1 6.9 6.6 7.1

RMK’s turnover and operating profit

2015

0 50 100 150 200

2016

2017

2018

2019

36.6 165.2

50.3 178.5

48.9 178.4

88.9 209.1

75.6 218.7

Turnover Operating profit

1312 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATIONRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Faktum-Ariko examined the attitude of the Estonian people towards forest management. Even though statistics fail to confirm it, 2/3 of the respondents believe that over the last 50 years, Estonia’s forests have continued to shrink and more forest is cut than added.

In terms of forest management, the views were divided as follows.• 61% thought that if the forest is cut in the per-

mitted area and volume, it is a normal part of the life cycle of a forest.

• 30% considered that the forest should be used even more and more wisely.

• 8% found that the forest is sacred and it should not be touched.

• 1% of the respondents remained indifferent to the problem.

The study revealed the following about RMK.• Recognition among Estonians is 96% and among

Russian-speaking people 86%.• RMK is most often associated with renewing,

planting and maintaining a new forest and build-ing recreational areas and forest trails.

• It was less commonly known that RMK is engaged in nature protection works and promotes nature awareness.

• The role of RMK as an important employer and contributor to state budget revenues has increased.

• Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 find the work of RMK to be more satisfactory.

Forestry and timber use• In Viljandi County the wooden construction of

Lalsi Church was restored by MTÜ Vanaajamaja in cooperation with the local community and the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church. RMK provided the timber for the corner towers, main dome roof and ceiling structure.

• The non-profit association Estonian Woodhouse Association held a professional contest for the builders of handicraft log houses, with RMK providing the necessary materials.

• RMK supported the logger sports series xCUT Cup competitions: Spring Cup at the time of Tartu Maamess, TOP 10 at the Türi Flower Fair, and the Estonian Logging Championship, in Rakvere.

• RMK supported the contests for harvester driv-ers during the Tartu Maamess.

• On the initiative of the foundation SA Rannarootsi Muuseum, the Ruhnu jaala (seal fishing boat) Vikan was renovated; RMK provided the timber.

• Forestalia, the joint choir of foresters, continued its series of joint singing events with support from RMK.

• A total of 60 substitute homes throughout Esto-nia received a Christmas tree from RMK.

• RMK built a Christmas forest, in front of the Office of the president of the Republic, at Kadriorg.

• With the help of RMK, the Estonian History Museum erected an avenue of Christmas trees in the Old Town of Tallinn.

• The foundation SA Vene Teater staged ‘Estonian Funeral’ and ‘Charon’s Choir’, the stage design

COOPERATION PROJECTSREFLECTION OF SOCIETYof which was supported by RMK with timber.

• The foundation SA Valga Isamaalise Kasvatuse Püsiekspositsioon organised demonstration bat-tles within the framework of the XI Valga Military History Festival. RMK provided timber.

Healthy living and visiting nature • Across Estonia 316 RMK orienteering days took

place, in which more than 7484 enthusiasts participated more than 55,004 times.

Environmental and nature protection• The Forest House had an exhibition of Xenia

Shabanova’s aerial photos ‘Magic Estonia’, an exhi-bition of the popular woodwork competition ‘Pitsud pealinnas’, a model exhibition of the EKA students ‘16 nests’, the best photos of Bloodless Hunt and an exhibition of the animal of the year, the beaver.

• Nearly 40 photographers participated in the Bloodless Hunt. The photo contest was won by Ingmar Muusikus, who captured a beaver show-ing his orange teeth.

• RMK offered prizes for the photography contests of Looduse Aasta Foto and Animal of the Year.

• RMK supplied firewood to the non-profit associ-ation Estonian Union for Child Welfare camps at Remniku and organised nature study pro-grammes for campers.

• RMK cooperated with the civic education pro-gramme Minu Riik (My Country), which organised an essay competition.

Position in rankings

5.5th place in the list of Estonia’s most preferred employers

(Kantar Emor survey)

9.9th place in the top-list of Estonia’s large companies’ reputation survey

(Kantar Emor survey)

15RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI14 RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI

FOREST MANAGEMENT

State forest surplus 192 million m3

Renewed forest area 12,100 ha

New forest plants 22.1 million

Cleaning 43,100 ha

Thinning8800 ha

Regeneration cutting 11,400 ha

Timber sold 3.9 million m3

Revenue from the sale of timber EUR 207.7 million

RMK forest area by main tree species

Pine stands422,303 ha

Birch stands308,478 ha

Spruce stands213,576 ha

Aspen stands39,469 ha

Black Alder stands21,965 ha

Grey Alder stands18,519 ha

Others5,361 ha

3.8%

2.1%

1.8%

0.5%

RMK forest surplus by main tree species

Pine stands87.3 million m3

207 m3/ha

45.5%

Birch stands51.2 million m3

166 m3/ha

26.7%

Spruce stands36.8 million m3

172 m3/ha

19.2%

Aspen stands8.1 million m3

206 m3/ha

4.2%

Black Alder stands4.4 million m3

201 m3/ha

2.3%

Grey Alder stands3.0 million m3

162 m3/ha

1.6%

Others1.0 million m3

178 m3/ha0.5% Total

191.8 million m3

20.8%

30%

41%

Total

1,029,671 ha

RMK forest surplus (million m3)

2015 174

2016 180

2017 187

2018 190

2019 192

17RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT16 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT

OVERVIEW OF FORESTSDivision of the RMK forests (%) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Strictly protected forests 18.8 19 25.3 28.6 29.1

Forests with economic limitations 20.6 19.8 11 7.6 7.1

Managed forests 60.6 61.2 63.7 63.8 63.8

29.1% Strictly protected forest

63.8%Managed forest

7.1%

Forest witheconomic limitations

Economic activity is permitted in theseforests. Wood as a renewable natural

resource is the best alternative to oil-basedmaterials and also, for example, concrete.

Forestry gives jobs to thousands of people.Sustainable forestry will help mitigate

the effects of climate change.

RMK does not manage forests in these areas, but activities may be necessary for conservation purposes. Nature reserves, dedicated protection zones for permanent habitats and protected areas, precious habitats and Natura 2000 habitats overlapping with restricted zones and storage areas are under strict protection.

Economic activity is permitted in these forests, but additional restrictions apply.Such areas include restricted zones and preserves outside the Natura habitat, as well as,

for example, heritage conservation sites and forests on beaches.

Distribution of the surplus of stands by main tree species

Pine stands Spruce stands Birch stands

Aspen stands Black Alderstands

Grey Alderstands

78%

56% 62% 72%

68% 63%

Pine

Spruce

Birch

Aspen

Black Alder

Grey Alder

Others

It's not just pine trees growing in pine stands, birches in birch stands and spruces in spruce stands. The highest proportion of the main tree species are pine stands, thanks to the good ability of pine to grow in very dry and very wet growing areas where other tree species have difficulties.

The species composition is much more diverse in spruce, birch, aspen and alder stands. If only 8% of the pine surplus grows outside the pine stands, for example, then 46% of spruce surplus grows outside the spruce stands, 59% of aspen surplus outside the aspen stands.

FORESTRY WORKS

1.1%Regeneration cutting

0.9%

Thinning0.8%Sanitary cutting

0.1%Deforestation

1.8%Maintenance

of young stand

1.2%

Forestrenewal

RMKforest land

1,029,671 ha

2.3%Forest renewalmaintenance

8.1% RMK metsatööde ala

18 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 19RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT

FORESTRY WORKS MAP One can get an easy overview of what’s happening in the RMK forest from a special card application, com-pleted in summer 2019. RMK’s forestry works’ map was developed in order to show everyone their closest RMK forest and the works performed over there.

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 possible to see what kind of works are planned for the current year.

The RMK forestry works’ map can be found at www.rmk.ee/metsatoode-kaart; it can also be accessed via RMK app. The map was completed in cooperation with the Land Board.

21

Cutting (ha) 2015

10,47110,387

84

9,339

6,342

969

392

Regeneration cutting... of which clear cutting... of which shelterwood cutting

Thinning

Sanitary cutting

Deforestation

Design cutting

2016

11,92011,799

120

9,079

6,017

869

332

2017

10,86610,797

69

9,944

3,980

725

149

2018

11,22711,083

144

8,478

3,906

1,605

72

2019

11,39411,195

199

8,812

7,810

1,335

245

Regeneration cutting means one-time (clear cutting) or gradual cutting (shelterwood cutting) of a forest generation.

Thinning is performed, if necessary, several times in the lifespan of a forest to manage the growth and development of the principal species and improve the sanitary condition of the forest.

Sanitary cutting means the cutting of dead and diseased trees, trees conducive to pest reproduction or dying trees.

Design cuttingis performed on a protected natural site for protection or for maintaining and improving a single protected natural object or a key biotype.

Deforestationis needed to allow

for the use of forest landfor another purpose.

RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT20 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT

HEIGHTENED PUBLIC INTEREST In 2019, RMK reorganised delimiting of forest areas with heightened public interest (HPI areas), to ensure that these focus on a more complete forest area, held dear by local communities, rather than on a single patch of forest. RMK treats 703 areas across Estonia as HPI areas. This comprises 5% of the land in the possession of RMK, i.e. 73,000 ha.

There are three types of forests with heightened public interest:• forests important to the community, which have

been determined as such in the comprehensive plans of local governments;

• forests, where RMK’s attractions (campsites, educational trails, etc.) are located;

• forests, for which additionally heightened interest of local communities arises.

RMK’s forest managers are aware of the areas which are used actively by local inhabitants. Also, RMK has asked local governments to inform them of such forests.

In the future, RMK will prepare forest management plans for areas with heightened public interest and will introduce these to the local community or other related parties. The management plan describes the type of forest currently growing in the area and on which provisions cutting would be optimal within ten years. The necessary works will be planned and a forecast prepared, describing what kind of forest will be growing there in ten years.

Introducing the cutting plans and preparing the plans does not mean that no cutting is carried out whenever someone wants it. The discussions are rather about the possibilities of fitting the lots into the landscape, the position of trees or groups of trees left to grow on the cutting area, a possibility to replace one cutting method with another, etc. It is RMK’s wish (which hopefully coincides also with that of the communities) that the timber and also the forests that create and maintain other important values, last forever in Estonia.

In 2019, RMK held 69 meetings in connection with the management of HPI areas. During the meetings, planned regeneration cutting was introduced on 170 cutting areas, incl. 18 for shelterwood. Majority of the meetings were constructive. The parties heard each other out and the wishes were considered to the extent possible. Most of the discussions have been held about the possibility to leave old crop trees on the cutting area.

RMK introduces forest management plans for forest areas with heightened public interest to the local community.

2322 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENTRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT

Forest renewal 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Mineralization of the land for planting (ha) 6,739 6,403 7,918 7,924 8,358

Mineralization of the land to aid natural renewal (ha)

1,343 1,419 1,686 1,604 1,867

Forest sowing (ha) 466 272 311 335 207

Forest planting (ha) 6,069 6,443 7,140 7,177 7,477

Aiding natural renewal with planting or sowing (ha) 397 261 434 705 856

Leaving for natural renewal (ha) 2,089 1,455 2,021 1,680 1,662

Contribution to the forest renewal (ha) 3,611 3,597 2,940 2,959 3,890

Plants planted (million) 19.3 20.2 21.2 21.3 22.1

… out of which pot plants (%) 50 42 52 52 52

Cleaning (ha) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Maintenance of young stand 19,769 19,366 19,072 18,462 18,527

Forest renewal maintenance 24,559 23,966 24,607 23,201 24,618

Total 44,328 43,332 43,679 41,663 43,145

Planting and sowing by tree species (ha) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Pine 3,061 3,101 2,925 3,241 3,318

Spruce 3,197 3,015 4,046 4,267 4,204

Birch 631 809 469 683 977

FOREST RENEWAL

RMK renewed forest on 12,069 ha, which is 1.2% of RMK’s forest land. 22.1 million trees were planted: 10.5 million pines, 9.2 million spruces, 2.3 million birches, and 150,000 alders. Forest was also renewed by sowing and leaving it for natural renewal. If necessary, natural renewal was sup-ported by mineralising the surface.

Mainly, the forest was planted by contractors found by public procurement, altogether 98 companies. One-third of the work was carried out by RMK’s employees – logging workers and seasonal workers who were hired for that purpose. The main planting was done in spring; however, one million spruces were also planted in autumn.

The planting machine worked all season, starting from the spring until the surface was frozen. This way, 285,100 plants were planted on 155 ha.

FOREST MAINTENANCE

For a forester, planting is one step in the continuous life cycle of a forest. Then comes the maintenance work that lasts for years. For a bystander, this work is often invisible; however, the forester knows that if you plant but fail to protect the plants against possi-ble damage, and do not maintain the young stand, good results should not be expected.

During the forest renewal maintenance, small trees are helped to grow out of the grass, maintenance of young stand is used to improve the growth condi-tions of young trees. Altogether, cleaning was done on 43,145 ha, which is 4.2% of RMK’s forest land.

RENEWED AREAS

For the first time in RMK’s history, the annual area considered renewed exceeded the threshold of 10,000 ha. An area is deemed renewed if after clear cutting, there are more than 1000 spruces or 1500 pines with a height of half a meter growing at the cutting site per hectare. There must be more than 1500 deciduous trees in a clear cut area that are at least one metre high. Only then we can say that the cutting site has renewed, the planted trees have been maintained and grown, and this is a young stand.

Besides renewal, RMK afforested 312 ha of areas, where forest has never grown before – these were, for example, low-value grasslands and bushes.

CLIMATE HEROES

In May, RMK organised a forest planting day in Harju, Rapla and Tartu counties, in which 1100 people participated. A total of 45,000 tiny trees were planted.

The planting day was devoted to the topic of the climate, and this way the people participating in the bee benefited from the knowledge that their work would bind carbon equivalent to the amount released into the atmosphere by the average annual distance travelled by 1500 people by car.

With info clips about informed consumption, waste sorting and limiting personal car use, RMK under-lined also other activities that could make the world better.

24 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT 25RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT

PLANT CULTIVATIONGrowing forestry plants (million) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Pine 10 11.8 10.8 10.2 10.6

Spruce 10.1 9.1 10.7 9.6 9.2

Birch 1.6 1.9 1.2 1.6 2.4

Other (black alder, oak) 0.1 0.1

Total 21.7 22.8 22.7 21.5 22.3

PROGENY FROM THE PLANT NURSERIES

RMK grows the necessary forest plants itself. As the crop was good, one million more forest plants than initially planned (over 22 million) were planted in the forest. RMK sold 100,000 forest plants to other forest owners.

RMK cultivates forest plants in greenhouses and open nurseries. Spruces, birches and alders are cultivated predominantly in a pot-field system, pines as a pot plant.

RMK has eight nurseries, among them the Tartu Nursery that started its activities in 2019 instead of the Tartu Tree Nursery. Previously, also ornamental trees were cultivated and sold in Tartu; however 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.

SEED SURPLUS

The Estonian national seed surplus of forest trees was 7585 kg as at the yearend. Spruce seed accounts for 58%, pine seed 37%, and silver birch seed 4%. The spruce seed surplus covers the need of Estonian forestry for nine years, the pine seed surplus for six years and birch seed for five years. The seed surplus includes also some alder.

Pine2808 kg

Estonian seed surplus

Spruce4428 kg

Silver birch325 kg

PROTECTION AGAINST PESTS

In some forest sites, we need to protect the planted plants from insects and game. To keep away the pine weevils, 4.5 million forest plants were covered with natural wax and glue. On 3650 ha, the young trees were sprayed with a natural remedy contain-ing sheep fat. This repels cloven-hoofed game from eating the trees.

FUTURE FORESTS

RMK and the Estonian University of Life Sciences entered into a cooperation contract, according to which RMK will fund the Estonia’s forest tree improvement programme activities with EUR 300,000 over a period of five years.

The purpose of the cooperation launched between RMK and the Estonian University of Life Sciences at the beginning of 2011 is to identify the descend-ants of pine, spruce and silver birch plus-trees. The seeds of the best descendants and their parent trees will in turn serve as a foundation for the future forest generation.

Over nine years of cooperation with the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the best pines, spruces and silver birch trees have been chosen and descendant test cultures established. The pine descendant test cultures have been established, the of spruce descendant test cultures will be completed in 2020 and the establishment of the silver birch descendant test cultures is currently under prepa-ration. For that, the scientists of the University of Life Sciences have been selecting plus-trees of silver birch from the forest for more than two years. The trees grown from the seeds taken from plus-trees are to be planted in the descendant test areas in 2021.

The head of the forest trees improvement pro-gramme is Tiit Maaten, a research fellow from the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The concluded contract gives assurance that the future trees, grow-ing under the sharp eye of scientists are strong and healthy and the growing timber is of high quality.

The future trees, growing under the sharp eye of scientists are strong and healthy.

27RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT26 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT

COOLDOWN OF MARKET

In 2019, RMK sold 3.9 million cubic metres of timber, which is 6% more than the year before. Logs made up 47% of the sales volume, pulpwood 33%, firewood 15% and wood chips and residuals 5%. Rev-enue from the sales of timber was EUR 207.7 million, an increase of nearly 4% compared to last year.

RMK filled the planned sales volume and the concluded supply contracts 100%, including 84% under long-term contracts and 16% of timber by using other sales techniques. RMK’s strategy for timber marketing favours companies who process the wood on site and export products with higher added value.

Biggest clients by the amount purchased m³ %

Graanul Invest AS 263,000 7

Stora Enso Eesti AS 238,000 6

Horizon Tselluloosi ja Paberi AS

207,000 5

Estonian Cell AS 201,000 5

Toftan AS 161,000 4

Osula Graanul OÜ 141,000 4

BillerudKorsnäs Estonia OÜ 140,000 4

Metsä Forest Eesti AS 126,000 3

Vara Saeveski OÜ 121,000 3

Laesti AS 117,000 3

Total 1,715,000 44

The market situation changed significantly during the year. The favourable wood sales conditions of 2018 continued only in the first quarter of 2019. By early summer, supply was exceeding the demand. The price was influenced by the large quantities of wood originating from the bark beetle damaged for-ests of Central-European, which reached the timber industries of countries around the Baltic Sea. The second half-year added pressure to the price of coni-fer tree logs due to the price drop of sawn timber. By the yearend, pessimistic moods had developed on the timber market and the lack of purchase requests was a bigger concern than the price drop.

TIMBER MARKETINGSale of timber (m³) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Logs 1,596,000 1,819,000 1,798,000 1,795,000 1,845,000

44% 46% 48% 49% 47%

Pulpwood 1,292,000 1,352,000 1,213,000 1,200,000 1,285,000

36% 34% 32% 32% 33%

Firewood 558,000 602,000 579,000 565,000 611,000

16% 15% 15% 15% 15%

Wood chips and residuals 148,000 183,000 205,000 150,000 189,000

4% 5% 5% 4% 5%

Total 3,594,000 3,956,000 3,795,000 3,710,000 3,930,000

2015

3,594,000 m³

2016

3,956,000 m³

2017

3,795,000 m³

2018

3,710,000 m³

2019

3,930,000 m³

Logs

Pulpwood

Firewood

Wood chips and residuals

Average price of the sold timber (EUR/m³)

€ € €

€ €

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

44

.4

44

.1

45

.9

56

.3

55

.5

2928 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENTRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT

FOREST IMPROVEMENTForest improvement indicators 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Forest roads built, reconstructed and renewed (km)

495 361 348 316 328

Reconstructed and renewed drainage systems (ha)

23,800 13,200 22,600 25,700 19,600

Investment into forest roads and drainage systems (million euros)

22.9 23.5 23 23.5 25.9

RMK owns 9212 km of forest roads, to which about 2000 kilometres of roads that are located on other owners’ lands, but used and therefore also maintained by RMK, are added. In 2019, RMK reconstructed 328 km of existing forest roads and built new forest roads.

Properly maintained forest roads simplify forestry and nature protection works, making it easier to move around in nature and put out fires. There are 79 fire waterpoints in RMK forests.

Almost half of RMK’s forest land has been drained. No more drainage systems will be built; however, the existing ones do need maintenance and recon-struction. Draining increases the increment of RMK forests by half a million cubic metres every year.

FOREST FIRESForest 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

The cutting activity of Estonian forest owners has for decades been influenced by demand for and the price of pulpwood. As the majority of this timber is still exported, the market was influenced by anom-alously high price offered at Estonian ports during a year and a half. The high price reduced the ability of pellet manufacturers and the sawmills of small logs to compete with the buyers of pulpwood. Compared to 2018, the price of spruce and pine pulpwood dropped 8.3%, however the price of birch pulpwood increased 4.9%. Year-on-year, the average price of pulpwood decreased 2.2%.

The firewood market continued to show positive progress throughout the year. Demand continued on an evenly good level thanks to increased global demand and the higher than planned production volume of local manufacturers. The excessive price of pulpwood for pellet manufacturers supported the price increase of firewood. The average price of firewood increased by 10.2% during the year.

RMK sold 8% more wood chips than planned. The stocks of mature cutting waste and trunks were bigger compared to the initial plan. The demand remained stable and the prices slightly increased. The reason for the increase could be the elevated price of firewood, as a result of which it was chipped and burnt less in cogeneration plants and boiler houses. The average price of wood chips increased by 11.9% during the year.

The cutting rights to growing trees were sold as sanitary cutting rights to private persons for the purpose of storing firewood. Formative cutting rights were also sold for restoring the semi-natural biotic communities and for clearing peat lands. RMK sold cutting rights for 11,700 cubic metres at an average price of 16.07 euros/m³.

Properly maintained forest roads simplify forestry and nature protection works, making it easier to move around in nature and put out fires.

RMK favours companies who process the wood at the site and export products with higher added value.

3130 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENTRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FOREST MANAGEMENT

RMK earned EUR 207,000 from hunting, most of which was comprised of the revenue from public auctions of hunting permits. Revenue increased by 16% compared to the previous year, thanks to the new possibility to extend the pre-emptive right of the obtained hunting permits for up to three years.

On average, RMK was payed EUR 3.39 per hectare for hunting. This is 50% more than the year before. RMK shared EUR 17,800 of the revenue from pub-lic auctions with land owners who permit hunting on their private lands. RMK manages the Kilingi-Nõmme, Kuressaare and Väätsa hunting areas. On such areas where RMK

HUNTINGRMK hunting grounds usage price 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Average price (EUR/ha) 3.02 2.93 3.76 2.26 3.39

RMK cleaned up 250 tonnes of waste from the forest; the collected quantity of waste decreased by 40 tonnes during the year. This work was performed by RMK’s partners Ragn-Sells and Eesti Keskkonna-teenused, at a cost of EUR 98,000.

WASTE COLLECTIONWaste collection in RMK forests 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Amount (kg) 572,000 247,000 281,800 290,200 250,000

Expenses (EUR) 145,000 53,000 92,000 100,000 98,000

Significant damage

Damage caused by game animals (ha)

2016 2017 2018 2019

Fixeddamages

3528

2015

Damage assessment report43

8034

39

15

1050

18131976

779

RMK gives the collected and sorted plastic waste new life by using posts made of waste to mark roads in the state forest.

RMK gives the collected and sorted plastic waste new life by using posts made of waste to mark roads in the state forest. By now, about one thousand of such posts have been placed into the forest. It takes about 1420 yogurt cups, 1075 plastic bags or 1100 plastic bottles to make one 1-metre of post.

People generate the most waste in Harju County and Ida-Viru County, from which more than half of the waste originates. Mostly, household and construc-tion waste, furniture, as well as glass, metal, and hazardous waste are all dumped in the forest. All of this could be taken to waste collection centres, from which they are sent for recycling or are disposed of in an environmentally safe way.

RMK has installed cameras at sites where the dump-ing of waste is most problematic. The information collected with the help of these is forwarded to the local municipality or the Environmental Inspectorate, who will punish the offender. If the offender cannot be identified, the forest will be cleaned by RMK.

Collecting the waste from the forest is necessary not only because the waste taken to nature hurts the eyes, but because it is a threat to the environment and the forest residents.

itself is not administering the hunting activities, RMK has concluded agreements for the use of state land for hunting with 329 hunting district users. Among other things, the contract also states when hunt-ers have to compensate for any damage caused to forests by game.

RMK filed claims against 9 hunting associations (33 the year before) for damage caused by game animals. In total, this affects 23.5 hectares, where game animals have eaten the trees to the extent that the area needs to be restored or renewed in significant volumes. The total amount of claim for damages is EUR 9200 euros. Compared to previous years, damage caused by elk and red deer have decreased, while damage caused by roe deer has remained at the same level.

NATURE PROTECTION

Protected species 494

Sites with protected species 38,186

Total area of key biotypes 20,472 ha

Semi-natural biotic communities maintained 22,184 ha

Cost of nature protection works EUR 5.8 million

3534 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTIONRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION

PROTECTED SPECIESFOUR DISCOVERIES

There are 494 protected species registered in the territory of RMK. Of these, 54 belong to the most strictly protected 1st category, 233 to the 2nd cate-gory and 207 to the 3rd category.

In a year, the number of protected species increased by four on RMK’s land. As new species, • Laserpitium prutenicum has been registered

in the 1st protection category, • Nephroma resupinatum and Orchis mascula

subsp. speciosa in the 2nd protection category and

• Phellodon fuligineoalbus in the 3rd protection category.

In addition to the number of species, knowledge about protected species is described more substan-tially by the number of protected species habitats. The number of habitats of protected species on RMK’s lands is 38,186; within a year this number increased by 1932. A habitat is understood in the case of one specimen of a species or, in the case of plants growing in groups, as the site of the group, in the case of birds, the nest area, etc.

NEW CAPERCAILLIE LEKKING SITES

During the spring capercaillie lekking observation of the Environmental Agency, RMK’s employees found four new capercaillie lekking sites and identified the existence of the capercaillie in seven new areas. Altogether 15 male capercaillies were counted, most of them at Alutaguse.

The existence of capercaillie was examined in 22 regions selected on the basis of the capercaillie habitat model of the Environmental Board, on 19 occasions of which there was no previous informa-tion about the capercaillie living there.

In spring, there are estimably 1300–1600 male capercaillies in Estonian forests; 90% of the registered lekking sites are on RMK land. A total of 78% of the area of lekking sites on RMK’s land falls within the special protection zones of protected areas, where economic activity is not permitted.

Capercaillie is the largest member of the grouse family in Europe. This is a mainly resident diurnal bird, who spends significant part of time within a range of 3 kilometres around its lekking site. As a lekking site, the capercaillie prefers 80–130-year-old mire land pine forests. Capercaillie belongs to 2nd protection category of species in Estonia.

NUMBER OF FLYING SQUIRRELS ON THE RISE

RMK’s nature conservationists, but also one har-vester driver of a partner company, found seven new flying squirrel habitats within RMK’s forests. The short-term goal of the flying squirrel protection plan was achieved over a period of 10 years – to iden-tify at least 60 settled habitats per year. The actual number was even higher – 73 settled habitats.

All seven habitats were found within managed for-est, which contains older aspens that are suitable as habitats for the species. One habitat was the most eastern discovery of flying squirrels in recent dec-ades: in the immediate vicinity of the Narva River.

The establishment or expansion of new permanent flying squirrel habitats is decided by the Environ-mental Board. Until such time, RMK applies initial protection and suspends forestry works in flying squirrel sites.

The environmental register contains 2438 ha of flying squirrel habitats. A total of 75% is on RMK’s land. The area under the flying squirrel habitats is divided between 137 habitats, out of which only 40 were settled in 2017.

In order to ensure the coherence of known habitats for flying squirrels, RMK has since 2014 established movement corridors, where forest management is monitored, in order to preserve the connection between flying squirrel habitats. Movement corri-dors currently offer connections between nearly 50 areas. In addition, RMK has reserved suitable forest areas for flying squirrels where forest manage-ment does not take place, in order to allow the little creatures to establish new habitats. Those areas are monitored each year, the results of which indicate that flying squirrels have settled in forest areas that were planned and placed under protection by RMK.

The flying squirrel is a small nocturnal rodent, whose life passes mostly in trees, covering long distances by gliding from tree to tree. In the Euro-pean Union, flying squirrels are currently only found in Estonia and Finland. Flying squirrel belongs to 1st protection category of species in Estonia.

The short-term goal of the flying squirrel protection plan was achieved over a period of 10 years – to identify at least 60 settled habitats per year.

3736 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION

RMK bought 38 land units with nature protection restrictions from private owners. The acquired land, with total area of 317 ha, cost EUR 2.99 million.

RMK earned the funds necessary for buying the 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 from Land Board to RMK, only EUR 570,000 were spent of the funds and so RMK did not have to sell any more land in 2019.

The purchasing of the land with nature conservation restrictions is based on the decree of the Minister of the Environment and is prepared by the Environ-mental Board. The state acquires the land unit, if its protection procedure significantly restricts its use for the designated purpose. A material restriction could be, for example, the complete prohibition on regeneration cutting. Thanks to the amended system, the waiting period for selling land to the state has dropped to one year from ten. The wait is longer only if, when buying the land, the owner was already aware of the nature conservation restrictions.

RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION

KEY BIOTYPES

On RMK land, 20,472 hectares of key biotype have been taken under protection and the area increased by 1855 ha in a year.

Key biotopes are habitats that are suitable for unique and endangered species, which are located on managed forest land, where various structures unique to natural forests have been preserved, such as very old trees, big trees that have fallen and trees that are dead or trees that have burned. Since there are very few forest areas such as these in managed forests, and those that do exist are spread apart, it is important that forest areas with characteristics such as these be preserved in order to ensure the survival of unique and endangered species.

Key biotypes strictly fall under protected forest, which compose 29% of RMK’s forests. The strictly protected forest consists of nature reserves, special protection zones, permanent habitats and planned protected areas, key biotypes, and strictly protected areas within RMK, such as flying squirrel stops and potential key biotypes.

Key biotypes in RMK forests (ha)

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

14,784 14,712 15,160 18,61720,472

PROTECTED AREAS

Protected Areas in RMK forests (ha)

Special mgmt. zone of the Protected Area 195,951

Limited mgmt. zone of the Protected Area 70,123

Limited mgmt. zone of Species Protection Site

29,101

Special mgmt. zone of Species Protection Site

23,850

Special conservation area 18,964

Strict nature reserve of a Protected Area 3,316

Protected Area without protection rules 690

Single object in nature 122

Thanks to the amended system, the waiting period for selling land to the state has dropped to one year from ten.

3938 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION

Habitat restoration works (ha)

Community restoration

Semi-natural community restoration

Bog community restoration

Total3283

Total1976

Total1148

Total727

Total2023

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION

NATURE PROTECTION WORKSExpenditure on nature protection works (EUR)

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Self-financing of RMK 1,447,300 665,000 901,000 1,126,000 1,214,000

Other financing (from state budget, UCITS)

1,403,000 1,417,000 2,351,000 3,767,000 4,602,000

Total 2,850,300 2,082,000 3,252,000 4,893,000 5,816,000

In Estonia, 572 plant, fungi, lichen and animal species have been taken under protection. Out of these, 494 have also been registered on RMK’s lands. Accordingly, the good condition of the habi-tats located on RMK’s lands plays a great role in the wellbeing of Estonian biodiversity.

The wellbeing of certain protected species depends on whether humans preserve or restore the habitats necessary for their survival: meadows, heathlands, bogs, semi-open forest communities, etc. Another set of species needs no more for coping than the preser-vation of the forest, water and bog habitats, inherent to Estonia. In the latter case, man can contribute by eliminating established infrastructure that is damaging habitats – the drainage ditches, old river dams, etc.

In 2019, RMK performed restoration works on nearly 2000 ha of habitats – 1422 ha of bog habi-tats and 554 ha of semi-natural biotic communities were restored.

The financial volume of nature protection works increased by one-fifth during the year, reaching EUR 5.8.

SEMI-NATURAL BIOTIC COMMUNITIES

Lands rented out for maintenance of semi-natural biotic communities (ha)

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Total 21,000 22,462 23,355 23,962 24,304

...new lands rented out during the year 2,734 1,462 893 607 342

RMK restored 554 ha of semi-natural biotic com-munities, or simply put, meadows and pastures. The most meadow habitats were restored in Saaremaa and in Soomaa National Park, on mainland Estonia. Most restored areas in Saaremaa were alvars and in Soomaa, flooded meadows. In addition, nearly 100 ha of wooded meadows were restored mainly in western Estonia and Pärnu County.

The area of semi-natural biotic communities leased out for maintenance increased. RMK has entered into land use agreements on these areas with 408 tenants and 24,304 ha has been leased out. Land has been leased out for maintenance in all Estonian counties, the most in Saaremaa (approx. 6000 ha), Lääne County (approx. 5700 ha) and Pärnu County (approx. 4700 ha).

There are still 11,200 ha, former meadows and pastures, on state land, which are not under maintenance. Out of these, 2/3 comprises meadow communities designed on the flood meadows and in fens by human in the past, the maintenance of which with modern equipment is difficult.

To improve access to semi-natural communities, RMK builds and reconstructs roads, bridges and cul-verts. Eight roads, built in 2019 with total length of 11 km, provide better access to more than 1700 ha under meadows. Bigger roads were completed near the City of Tartu, in Ropka-Ihaste and Alam-Pedja Nature Reserves. One of the more exiting projects in terms of engineering was the road and bridge by the Narva River, on the Karoli wet meadow, which follows the contour of the landscape and in addition to the maintenance of the wet meadow contributes to the control of Estonia’s eastern border.

In 2020, RMK is also planning to restore more than 500 ha of meadows and expects proposals from entrepreneurial people for taking the former meadows and pastures, not in use anymore, under maintenance. For that, RMK in cooperation with the Land Board has also created a web solution at www.maaamet.ee/rmk.

Semi-natural biotic communities are areas character-istic of the Estonian landscape, that have been used as pastures and meadows, where moderate human intervention is required to preserve their biodiversity.

4140 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTIONRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | NATURE PROTECTION

BOG HABITATS

Restoration works in bogs were completed on 1422 hectares. The most extensive works were carried out in the Maarjapeakse Bog on the Luitemaa Nature Reserve, in Pärnu County (539 ha), and in Ördi and Kikepera Bog, in Soomaa National Park (484 ha). On Saaremaa, the Kõlaja Bog was restored as a complete ecosystem, when the large drainage ditch that divided the bog into two was closed.

The pace of restoration of former peat processing areas gained momentum. In Pärnu County, works were completed on Alu and Kõima cut-over peat-land, but also in Meelva Bog, in Põlva County. The most exciting restoration works were carried out in Viru Bog, where the drainage systems were closed right next to one of Estonia’s most visited board-walks. For a few days, the water even rose above the boardwalk, with one dam having to be removed very quickly and the height of the boardwalk having to be raised. Altogether, restoration works were com-pleted on 280 ha of bogs that had been damaged by peat processing.

Bogs are very important for preserving biodiver-sity, clean water, fighting floods and droughts and binding carbon from the atmosphere. To recover the bogs, drainage ditches are closed and any forest that has grown on the surface of the bog due to drainage is cleared where necessary.

WORK FOR THE PROTECTION OF SPECIES

Specific works were performed for the benefit of 20 rare and endangered species on a total of 77 ha.

Most of the works were carried out to improve the condition of the habitats of traditionally protected plant species and amphibians. More extensive work was the creation of growth conditions in the red hel-leborine habitat, on Saaremaa (20 ha). The bodies of water where the great crested newt and spade-foot toad spawn were improved at 13 sites as well as the condition of different plant habitats in 14 sites.

In Vilsandi National Park, on Harilaid, in Saaremaa, restoration of once afforested dune habitats contin-ued, from which the 1st category species, natter-jack, should benefit. The formative cutting carried out for that purpose will also continue in 2020.

PARKS AND LANDSCAPE VIEWS

Landscape maintenance and restoration works were carried out on 28 ha, for example, in the Varbola Stronghold, in Rapla County, and around the Neeruti lakes and hiking trails in Lääne-Viru County. Mostly, these works meant opening up the views.

Maintenance and restoration works were carried out in 14 parks. For example, in Glehn Park in Tallinn, trees that posed a risk for visitors were cut down and the park area was cleaned of household waste. The works in other parks included mowing the hay and cutting the bushes and cutting down dangerous trees.

PÕLULA FISH FARMFish populated to rivers from Põlula

Year Species LarvaOne-

summer-oldOne-

year-oldTwo-

summers-oldTwo-

years-oldTotal

2015 Salmon 98,500 127,541 40,638 3,580 41,885 312,144

2016 Salmon 86,157 44,755 5,393 36,796 173,101

2017 Salmon 54,682 60,851 21,186 42,795 179,514

2018 Salmon 75,000 118,355 79,497 9,256 32,767 314,875

2019 Salmon 47,370 164,375 73,862 12,739 28,648 326,994

2016 Whitefish 33,810 33,810

2017 Whitefish 6,885 6,885

2018 Whitefish 43,774 43,774

2019 Whitefish 30,374 30,374

2019 Sturgeon 4,820 4,820

Besides the restocking of salmon and whitefish rivers, experiments were carried out at Põlula on the farming of sturgeon and preparations were made to start farming freshwater pearl mussel. With the support of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, a quarantine building was completed, where it is possible to keep fish and fish roe brought from nature during the conducting of disease research. In spring and autumn, nearly 327,000 young salmon were released into the rivers. The fish was released into Valgejõgi, Pühajõgi, Pärnu, Loobu, Purtse, Selja, Jägala and the Pirita River rapids. Experimental whitefish farming has proven success-ful for the fourth year in a row. A total of 30,000 whitefish were released into Pärnu River.

In cooperation with Wildlife Estonia, 11,000 stur-geon larvae were brought to Põlula from the Born fish farm, in Germany, at the end of July. Out of these, 5000 young fish were released into Narva river in autumn and 2000 were left at Põlula to grow. Atlantic sturgeon disappeared from Estonian waters at the end of 19th century. The natural habitat of freshwater pearl mussel is poor and population has reached a critical limit, so it is necessary to grow this species outside its natural environment. Põlula prepared a plan for freshwater pearl mussel farming, carried out water research at the fish farm and river and identified bottlenecks. Practical activity will be launched in 2020.

VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS

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

Visitors to Sagadi Forest Museum 41,900

Participants in nature education programmes 49,400

Expenditures on visitation infrastructure and promoting nature awareness EUR 8.1 million

45RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS44 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS

A SMART MAN IN YOUR POCKET

RMK recreation and protection areas were visited 2.6 million times, which is 100,000 times less than the year before when the summer was hot and the Republic celebrated its centennial.

Just before Midsummer Day, RMK’s new mobile app was completed. The app contains the areas where RMK’s hiking routes and hiking trails are located, the locations of all of RMK’s attractions, instructions on how to arrive, information about equipment and photos. The app enables the user to position their location and find the nearest attractions.

RMK’s new app ‘RMK Loodusega Koos’ is available in Estonian, Russian and English, for devices oper-ating on iOS as well as Android software. The app was developed by the IT department of RMK and business services provider CGI Eesti.

NEW BEAUTIFUL ATTRACTIONS

To improve the opportunities for visiting the nature, eight sites were completed and eleven reached their final stage. In 2020, works will continue at 13 sites.

Completed sites:• The Valgesoo Observation Tower, with its

architecturally impressive solution• The Kabli Nature Study Trail for bird lovers,

in Pärnu County• The Selli-Sillaotsa Study Trail, in Tartu County,

introducing swamp communities• The Altja Study Trail’s wooden footbridge,

in Lääne-Viru County• The Võlingi Spring Hiking Trail and the Simisa-

lu-Matsimäe Nature Trail, in Järva County • The Kakerdaja Nature Trail and Paunküla Hills

Hiking Trail, in Harju County

VISITING NATUREVisits to RMK's recreational areas and protected areas

2,700,000

2018

2,400,000

2017

2,300,000

2016

2,200,000

2015

2,600,000

2019

27forest cabins

20forest houses

3off-road areas

Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve820 km328

covered fireplaces

59campsites

3100km of nature trails

The connecting element ofRMK’s visitation infrastructure

is RMK hiking routewith three branches.

The 1800 km long hikingroute is divided as follows:

Penijõe-Aegviidu-Kauksi614 km

Oandu-Aegviidu-Ikla372 km

SPECIAL FAVOURITES

RMK offers opportunities for visiting nature in 13 recreational areas, six national parks and several protected areas all over Estonia. Visitation infra-structure is built in such a way that it offers good opportunities to visitors, but also protects the forest and natural treasures. In this manner, RMK directs people to move to areas where nature can withstand the stress. The stress-tolerance of nature is con-stantly being monitored.

The most visited recreational areas were: • The Northern Shore of Lake Peipus Recreation

Area (including Oru Park, 294,900 visits)• The recreation area near Tallinn

(including Keila-Joa Park, 237,600 visits) • The Nõva Recreation Area

(a total of 221,100 visits)

The most visited protected areas were: • Lahemaa National Park (228,200 visits) • Soomaa National Park (99,100 visits)

Compared to 2018, the number of visitors increased in Lahemaa National Park and Soomaa National Park, Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, the Vormsi Landscape Protection Area and the Naissaare Nature Park.

High rates of visitation continued at the Viru Bog Study Trail, the Taevaskoja Hiking Trail, and the Rannametsa-Tolkuse Study Trail. Also, the recently reconstructed sites were attractive. Compared to the time before renewals, the Selli-Sillaotsa Trail was visited nearly three times and Valgesoo Study Trail more than twice as much.

4746 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESSRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS

NATURE AWARENESS SAGADI FOREST CENTRENature programmes and nr of participants 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Nature programmes organised 2,695 2,766 2,667 2,594 2,380

Participants in programmes 48,500 52,800 52,000 51,600 49,400

Number of visitors to the Sagadi Forest Centre 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Visitors at Forest Museum 28,500 32,800 31,400 34,600 41,900

Accommodation clients 9,500 9,100 7,100 8,200 9,700

Nature education programmes were carried out for 49,400 people at RMK visitor centres, nature houses and the Sagadi Forest Centre. Nursery school children and schoolchildren can participate in the campaign projects, which take place three times a year, for the symbolic participation fee of EUR 1.

The number of people participating in the nature awareness activities organised by RMK was 282,000. RMK’s information desks gave advice 98,400 times.

RMK’s interactive forest quiz was taken by 471 classes from 150 schools. RMK organised the con-tests ‘Forest Crafts’ and ‘Forest Postcard of Estonian Schoolchildren’.

RMK’s Sagadi Forest Centre was visited 68,900 times. On 41,900 of those occasions, the Sagadi Forest Museum and the exhibitions of the manor museum, located in the Sagadi Manor mansion, were visited. The number of visitors was 20% higher compared to the previous year.

In August, Sagadi Manor celebrated its 550th anniversary with the big event “White Night at Sagadi”. The manor and the surrounding park were filled with enchanting lighting art with beauti-ful concerts and delicate aromas of outdoor cafes. A light festival of this calibre was held for the first time at Keila-Joa in 2018, on the initiative of RMK. A total of 4500 people attended the wonder-ful party at Sagadi.

As traditional events, Sagadi Forest Centre also held one hundred costumes day, night museums, family days at a nature school, timber days, a mushroom exhibition, and a week of Lahemaa flavours. For the second year in a row, Ivan Tur-genev’s play A Month in the Country was per-formed by the Russian Theatre, in Sagadi Manor Park, as a summer play.

The Sagadi Forest Museum offered the possibility to visit the permanent exhibition ‘Forest Feeds’ and in summer Meelis Kihulane’s travelling exhibition ‘Trees and People. A Genuflection to Ants Viires’, which introduced Estonian common woodwork through house tools of the past. The exhibition ‘100 Steps in the Forest’, devoted to Estonian forestry, was still open at the Sagadi Manor mansion.

The main duty of the Sagadi Forest Centre is increasing the awareness of nature, and maintain-ing and introducing cultural heritage in a manor complex.

ELISTVERE ANIMAL PARKOver the year, 61,300 people visited Elistvere Animal Park. While more visitors can be expected in summer months, the other most popular period is the time after Christmas. For example, almost 1200 people attended the birthday of the bear Karoliina, on 26 December. The event was a success possibly also due to the fact that Elistvere Animal Park now has a Facebook page.

Visitors also celebrated Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day at the animal park. During the longest nights of summer, at the end of June, Elistvere Animal Park was open to the visitors until midnight.

The population of Elistvere animal park grew with the addition of two fallow deer cubs. The animal park mostly displays animals found living in Esto-nian forests in an environment that is as natural possible.

The number of visitors of exhibitions was 20% higher compared to the previous year.

4948 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESSRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | VISITING NATURE AND NATURE AWARENESS

CHRISTMAS TREESNATURE CAMERAS

Over the year, RMK’s nature cameras transmitted images from eight locations in Estonia.

An extraordinary event happened in front of the bea-ver camera in Ura, near Kilingi-Nõmme. At the pre-cise moment that the beaver was enjoying a feast in the shallow water, a tree on the river bank snapped and hit the beaver. After the accurate hit, the pair of beavers was no longer seen swimming together.

The image from a beaver camera at Penijõe offered clear evidence that the rare eagle owl can still be found in Matsalu. The upright aspen trunk set up for the beavers to chew became a suitable observation place for the eagle owl one night.

At the beginning of the year, it was possible to follow the underwater biota in the trout stream in the ter-ritory of Põlula Fish Farm, in spring in Võrtsjärv, and from the beginning of summer, in the Keila River.

From the images of the camera placed in the shal-low water of the flooded area of Võrtsjärv, one could notice the surprising fertility of invertebrates. On several occasions pike came to curiously examine the camera; also, fish worm tails caused a certain amount of excitement.

A badger camera mediated the doings of city bea-vers who had settled in the territory of the Tallinn Zoo. Four to five animals could often be seen at night in front of a camera set up at the foot of an artificial hill. It came as a surprise that the badgers changed their bedding so often. One of their main activities was rolling grass balls into their nest and out again. The badgers did not even hibernate.

A long-established deer camera in Saaremaa showed a flock of deer bucks, the time of shedding antlers and growing new antlers, a dozen racks was dropped directly at the deer site or in the immediate vicinity thereof.

The jackal camera was set up on the Saastna peninsula. Despite the relatively snowless winter, we were able to see the animal specifically on the couple of days when the land was covered with a decent carpet of snow.

9700 Christmas trees were brought home from RMK’s forest. Neither the lack of snow nor the storms that ravaged the land in December were an obstacle. RMK’s app helped people find the right place for the trees and pay for them.

Christmas trees from the state forest decorated the rooms of several public establishments. With the support of RMK, a Christmas forest emerged in front of the Office of the President of the Republic of

HERITAGE CULTUREOver the year, 479 objects were added to the data-base of heritage culture prepared by RMK, now containing information on 39,158 objects. Among others, information about 153 natural sacred sites in Harju County and the eastern party of Viru County were entered into the database.

Natural sacred sites have been much discussed in society during recent years. The National Heritage Board has taken an inventory of them since 2016, however in 2019, an important milestone was reached when a new monument class - historical natural sacred site - was created with the new Heritage Conservation Act. As the first site of its kind, the Rosma Forest of Crosses, in Põlva County, was placed under state protection, a large portion of which is located on RMK’s forest land.

The inventorying of natural sacred sites, led by the National Heritage Board, continues. The plans for 2020 include mapping one half of Estonia’s parishes. Out of the sites described with invento-ries, only the most prominent part will be awarded state-protected status. In order to also make use of the rest of the information, it will be entered in the database of cultural heritage sites managed by RMK, on the proposal of the National Heritage Board, which is an informative public database for land owners and other persons interested in landscapes.

In 2019, RMK ordered an inventory of 14 poten-tial natural sacred sites on its land, which the National Heritage Board had not yet managed to inventory.

Christmas trees from RMK forest

2015

2016

2017

9,800

11,500

10,100

2018 9,700

2019 9,700

RMK’s nature cameras can be viewed on YouTube (channel Riigimets).

Estonia, in Kadriorg, the message of which stressed the importance of different generations in a forest as well as in human society.

51RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI50 RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI

RESEARCH

Applied research projects supported 17, including 2 active

2008–2019 budget for applied research EUR 2.4 million

Forestry scholarships 5

Scholarship spending EUR 42,000

5352 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCHRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCH

APPLIED RESEARCH FINALISED SCIENCE PROJECTS

‘The effect of the cutting time and cutting meth-ods for spruce forests on the proliferation and population of pathogens and on the biodiversity of forests in high-yield types of growing areas’

Duration: 2016–2019Project managers: Rein Drenkhan, from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, and Leho Tedersoo, from the University of TartuProject‘s main executives: Rein Drenkhan, Leho Tedersoo, Kalev Adamson, Tiia Drenkhan, Katrin Jürimaa, Piret Lõhmus, Allar Padari, Katrin Rosenvald, Raul Rosenvald, Elisabeth Rähn, and Hardi TullusRMK funding: EUR 299,913

The purpose of the work was to explain the impact of managing the stands of the common spruce on the spread and damage by root rot and the biodiver-sity of fungi and epiphytes compared to not man-aged stands. Research material was gathered in 2016 and 2017, and it covered thinned and unthinned spruce stands within fertile habitats (oxalis, hepatica and ash-weed), altogether 185 stands. These were located in different areas across Estonia and were divided into six age classes: 4–20, 21–40, 41–60, 61–80, 81–100 and older than 100 years. It became clear that if we were to calculate the lost profit on all stands, where the majority is Estonian

spruces, the damages caused by rot extend to EUR 8.5 million per year. Since the increase in the percentage of rots in a stand is influenced by the age of the stand, number of improvement cutting and type of habitat, the risk of root rot infection increases when cutting dominant and thick spruces by improvement cutting. This can be mitigated by mak-ing only one or two improvement cuttings when the stand is younger (up to 15 years) and then leave the stand untouched until regeneration cutting. The idea of improvement cuttings made during the young age of such stands would be also forming mixed forests, to avoid the creation of mono-cultural spruce stands. Insofar as the economic maturity of spruce stands is up to 10 years lower due to the damage caused by rot, compared to a healthy theoretical stand, then from an economic aspect, the cutting of the stand at cutting age, with a majority being spruces, can be considered a reasonable decision. Yet, the sci-entists found that the economic maturity of spruce stands needs more analysing and also adjustment of spruce growth models. The quantity of down timber for the biodiversity of fungi, moss and lichen is most likely not as critical in fertile spruce stands as was initially assumed by the research group. Nevertheless, in order to support the biota, the standing dead wood and down wood with higher degree of degradation must be preserved during cutting works, as their quantity is less in thinned spruce stands than in unthinned stands. In addition, the negative impact from reducing the

THE RMK RESEACH COUNCIL

From the University of Tartu• Jaan Liira

Senior Research Fellow in Plant Ecology

• Krista Lõhmus Chair of Ecophysiology, Senior Research Fellow of Applied Ecology, Professor Emeritus

• Ülo Mander Chair of Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology, Profes-sor of Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology

From the Estonian University of Life Sciences• Hardi Tullus

Chair of Silviculture and Forest Ecology, Professor

• Kalev Jõgiste Professor of Forest Manage-ment and Forest Ecology

• Kalev Sepp Chair of Environmental Protection and Landscape Management, Professor

From RMK• Aigar Kallas

Chairman of the Management Board

• Kristjan Tõnisson Member of the Management Board

RMK started its targeted financing of research in 2008. During this time, funding decisions have been made for 17 applied research projects and EUR 2.4 million

were paid out. In 2019, a science project funded by RMK was finalised and two projects are underway.

5554 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCHRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCH

cutting age revealed for lichen can be mitigated by preserving living spruces (so-called veteran trees) and retaining the former stub trees and down wood before cutting, since these help to preserve the populations of habitat specialists after cutting as well as support the existence and creation of necessary micro-habitats.

ONGOING SCIENCE PROJECTS

Increasing the purpose of protected forest fragments

Duration: 2018–2021Project Manager: Kadri Runnel from the University of TartuProject‘s main executives: Anneli Palo, Piret Lõhmus, Raul Rosenvald, Indrek TammekändRMK funding: EUR 152,517

A considerable proportion of Estonia’s protected forests are small fragments of less than 15 hec-tares surrounded by commercial forest. Such forest fragments are important because they provide a habitat for many scattered endangered species. At the same time, they do not form a self-regulat-ing natural whole and are threatened by external impacts, which is why the natural values there are also at risk.

The project will examine whether the preservation of natural values in protected forest fragments depends on how the forests surrounding them are managed.

In 2019, fieldwork was performed and by spring 2020, these are nearly half-done. The activities in 2019 were related to searching for species and measuring the forest structure. In spring 2020, RMK started to take out spore catchers, to measure what kind of fungi spores are flying around in the forest fragments under investigation. This test will last until late autumn. In addition, lichen inventories are ongoing and more thorough studies of timber fungi is waiting ahead.

First summaries of the project will be made in autumn 2020. As a result, management recom-mendations are drawn up to improve the conser-vation of natural values. The project will be carried out in cooperation between the University of Tartu and the Estonian University of Life Sciences.

Biocontrol efficiency and the use of antagonistic fungi to control root nesting in the tree of the spruce and the infestation of different plant types in fertile nursery types

Duration: 2019–2021Project Manager: Tiia Drenkhan, from the Estonian University of Life Sciences Project‘s main executives: Kadri Põldmaa, Tiit Maaten, Kalev Adamson, Leho Tedersoo, Rein DrenkhanRMK funding: EUR 194,213

The growth of common spruce stands in fertile types of nurseries is inhibited by the widespread spread of root rot. The use of the Rotstop® Phlebiopsis gigantea based bio-preparation helps to mitigate the damage caused by Heterobasidion annosum. The project analyses the efficacy of the preparation and the effects of the treatment on the biota, as well as studies of other antagonistic fungal species and their effects on Heterobasidion annosum. Root rot agents are aggressive in fertile types of growth and can infect young trees at an early age. Testing areas with different plant types shall be established for the analysis of root rot infestations of young trees.

The status of the project at the end of 2019 was the following.

• To identify the efficiency of the fungi Heteroba-sidion annosum biocontrol preparation Rotstop®, 1520 wood samples were taken from common

spruce stands of thinning age. From the gathered samples, the existence and amount of Heteroba-sidion annosum and Phlebiopsis gigantea are analysed before treating the stumps. To assess the abundance of Heterobasidion annosum spores from the air and the seasonal spread of spores, the samples were taken from two com-mon spruce stands.

• To compare the fungal biota in stumps treated and not treated with the bio-preparation Rot-stop®, 400 wood samples were taken from the common spruce stands of thinning age. The very initial results have revealed that using Rotstop® has not statistically significantly influenced the diversity of fungi species in stumps.

• To isolate the parasites Heterobasidion annosum, fruiting bodies have been gathered; their analysis continues.

• To investigate the infection of different plant types with root rot agents, four test areas have been established: three in RMK areas and one in the area of Järvselja Training and Experimental Forestry District. In spring 2019, open root and potted common spruce, common pine and white birch were planted in all areas. The first samples are analysed two years after planting.

The project will be carried out in cooperation between the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the University of Tartu.

The project will examine whether the preservation of natural values in protected forest fragments depends on how the forests surrounding them are managed.

5756 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCHRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | RESEARCH

CONFERENCEIn November, RMK hosted in Pärnu a high-level conference devoted to restoration works. The conference included 29 presentations, focussing on the restoration works of eco-systems carried out in Estonia over the last decade and their effectiveness.

RMK has performed practical nature protection works on state-owned land since 2010. During this time, bog and meadow habitats have been restored on thousands of hectares and the area of possi-ble spawning grounds of migratory fish has been increased. The condition of the population of several amphibians and fish species has been improved successfully. Insofar as these restoration works often also involve intense debates, the conference was a good opportunity to share experience and knowl-edge, to contribute to the reparation of mistakes made in the past in Estonian nature in a smarter and inclusive way. On the first day of the conference, the terminology of restoration ecology, the evolutionary aspect of resto-ration works and the connections of the restoration activity with social processes were discussed. The other presentations on the restoration activities were divided into three parallel sessions – inland waterway habitats (rivers and lakes), habitats of semi-natural communities and habitats related to forests and bogs.

On the second day of the conference, the partici-pants listened to the experiences of the Finns and looked towards the future. The discussions were about what and how much should be restored in Estonia’s nature and views were exchanged about the contact points of science and practice.

Among the others, presentations were made by Tuul Sepp, Asko Lõhmus, Aveliina Helm, and Kaija Eisto.

Conference was held on 4–5 November, in Pärnu. A total of 200 people – scientists, practitioners and officials – attended the conference. Presentations from the conference can be read on the homepage of RMK.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Endel Laas Scholarship

• for doctoral students at the Estonian University of Life Sciences

• EUR 4800 per year • Recipients in 2019:

Merit Fjodorov and Marek Uri

Heino Teder Scholarship • for Master’s students at the

Estonian University of Life Sciences

• EUR 3200 • Recipients in 2019: Mari

Tuvikene and Kristjan Täll

Toomas Ehrpais Scholarship • for students of Luua Forestry

School • EUR 1917• Recipient in 2019: Risto Kiisk

MASTER’S THESIS AWARD

RMK awarded EUR 700 to Priit Vellak, Master’s Student at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, who examined the short- and long-term profitability of thinning.

To assess profitability, Priit Vellak used a simulation programme and compared three forest management scenarios – management of a stand based on the recommendations of Finnish forest management, management according to Estonian forest manage-ment rules, and natural development of a stand without thinning.

According to the results of the Master’s thesis, forest management with thinning yields 18.8% higher profitability, on average, than no thinning.

In the simulations without thinning, the most timber was harvested; however, due to the large share of firewood and mortality of trees, the average price of timber was lower, while thinning increased the share of assortment with higher price of thicker and high-quality timber.

The Master’s thesis titled ‘Economic analyses of the thinning in Järvselja Training and Experimental Forest Centre in period 2015–2017’ was advised by the MA in Forest Management Risto Sirgmets and associate professor Paavo Kaimre. RMK rewarded the best Master’s thesis of the Estonian University of Life Sciences for the 19th time already.

RMK has performed practical nature protection works on state-owned land since 2010.

FINANCIAL SUMMARYAsset valueEUR 1.4 billion

Operating profitEUR 75.6 million

6160 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FINANCIAL SUMMARYRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FINANCIAL SUMMARY

BALANCE SHEET

ASSETS 31.12.2019 31.12.2018

Current assets

Cash 96,527 93,498

Receivables and prepayments 14,952 13,131

Inventories 25,794 23,821

Biological assets 23,690 48,794

Total current assets 160,963 179,244

Fixed assets

Investment properties 1,117 1,662

Tangible assets 556,168 536,222

Intangible fixed assets 1,375 1,391

Biological assets 642,690 1,093,838

Total fixed assets 1,201,350 1,633,113

TOTAL ASSETS 1,362,313 1,812,357

(in thousands of euros)

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CAPITAL 31.12.2019 31.12.2018

Liabilities

Short-term liabilities

Debts and prepayments 21,239 18,604

Short-term provisions 3,075 3,185

Total short-term liabilities 24,314 21,789

Long-term liabilities

Long-term prepayments 7 9

Long-term provisions 745 766

Total long-term liabilities 752 775

TOTAL LIABILITIES 25,066 22,564

Equity capital

State capital 1,177,854 1,178,835

Retained profit 569,318 750,356

Accounting year profit (loss) with profit (loss) from the revaluation of biological assets

-409,925 -139,398

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL1,337,247 1,789,793

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

6362 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FINANCIAL SUMMARYRMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | FINANCIAL SUMMARY

INCOME STATEMENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

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 purpose and capitalised

31 117

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 of biological assets

-409,925 -139,398

(in thousands of euros)

65RMK AASTARAAMAT 2019 | PEATÜKI NIMI64 RMK ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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.