Record number of Christmas trees brought from state forests 06.01

Toomas Väät, RMK Silviculture Head Specialist, said that purchasing spruces from the state forest by mobile payment has increased greatly – while last year there were 2400 mobile payments for spruces, then this year over 4000 payments came through mobile phones. “The RMK Christmas tree website and the 135 locations for spruces, which simplified finding a Christmas tree from the state forest this year even more, proved to be very popular,” said Toomas Väät.

According to Marge Rammo, Head of the Nature Management Department of RMK, more than 500 people participated in the guided tree trips held in seven locations all over Estonia. “It is positive that in recent years bringing one’s own Christmas tree home from the forest has clearly become more and more popular,” said Marge Rammo. “People’s connection with traditions and nature is becoming stronger and our task at RMK is to support that in every possible way,” said Rammo.

This year, two instances of felling Christmas spruces illegally in the state forest were discovered. “Unfortunately these were young spruce growths in Harju and Valga County that had been established and grown with the care and hard work of forest specialists,” said Toomas Väät. He added that due to RMK’s operative action the illegally felled spruces were caught on site. In addition to the damage caused to the forest owner, these cases may involve possible environmental damage, but proceedings on that matter are conducted by the police.

RMK is a profit-making state agency established under the Forestry Act, aimed at sustainable and efficient management of the state forest. RMK grows reforestation materials, organises forestry works, is engaged in the sale of forest and timber and organises game upkeep. In addition, RMK establishes opportunities for hiking in nature and forest recreation on recreational areas, in Estonia’s five national parks and 40 other protected areas, and shapes awareness of nature. RMK manages 38% of Estonia’s forests.

Further information:
Toomas Väät
RMK Silviculture Head Specialist
Tel: +372 676 7520, +372 520 5734
E-mail toomas.vaat@rmk.ee

Further information on guided tree trips:
Marge Rammo
Head of the Nature Management Department of RMK
Tel: +372 513 7035
E-mail marge.rammo@rmk.ee
www.rmk.ee/kuuseke