Forest characteristics and forest types
According to 1914 data, forest cover in Lithuania accounted for 19.5%. During World War II (1941-1944) demand for timber highly increased, forests were harvested more intensively, while reforestation rate reduced dramatically. In 1945, coniferous decreased and forest cover accounted for only 16.5%. Forest administration paid attention to forests after World War II. In particular, special attention was paid to forest protection and forest planting during 1944-1990. Due to forest planting (6-8 thousand hectares annually), forest cover started to increase: since 1948 forest cover increased by 13%. In 2003 the Republic of Lithuania approved an afforestation program, aiming at increasing woodland area by 3% within the following 20 years. In 2010 the total forest area accounted for 33.1% of the country’s territory and it is still increasing.
The average forest area per capita increased from 0,57 ha (in 2003) to 0,65 ha (in 2010) (Table 1). In comparison to other neighboring countries, this number is lower than in Latvia but higher then in Poland.
Coniferous stands prevail in Lithuania covering 56.3% of the forest area (Fig. 2). Softwood deciduous forests cover 39.6% while hardwood deciduous forests cover 4.1%.
In the beginning of 2010, forests according to their function were the following:
· group I (strict nature reserves): 1.2%;
· group II (forests for ecosystem protection and recreational purposes): 12.2%;
· group III (forests for protection): 15.5%;
· group IV (commercial forests): 71.1%
· group I (strict nature reserves): 1.2%;
· group II (forests for ecosystem protection and recreational purposes): 12.2%;
· group III (forests for protection): 15.5%;
· group IV (commercial forests): 71.1%