Forest management and conservation in Latvia

摘要

This paper provides an overview of forestry and forest conservation in the Republic of Latvia. The information was gathered during a training exchange, supported by the European Union, in May 2006, and includes technical details and reflections on some of the management issues currently being addressed, and of some relevance to forestry in Scotland. The most notable features of the forest scene in Latvia are the high level of production, the contribution of forestry to economic development, and the extensive conservation and habitat restoration work currently ongoing. Among the wildlife of most interest is the European beaver. Issues surrounding habitat management and population control may have special relevance in Scotland, where re-introductionsof beaver and other mammals are currently being considered.