The private forests and forestry of Oulainen, Finland: a study in forest geography

Abstract

Areal variations in forest type and forestry practice are described for the 600 km² area of Oulainen. The areal survey is based on information gathered from air photographs used in taxation assessment and from detailed topographic maps, and is compiled for a grid of small squares imposed upon the total study area.

The most powerful single factor responsible for areal differentiation in forestry lands and forestry practices is the distribution of peatlands, which in turn is dependant on topography, surface deposits and hydro­graphy. The chief cultural differentiatory features lie in the location of centres of population and agriculture and the variations in road density. Land enclosure conditions also vary considerably within the area.

In many places the present growing stock reflects the earlier his­tory of the forests. Birch forests have grown up on the sites of forest fires. In earlier times pine was the species in greatest demand, and this can still be seen in the dominance of spruce in areas to which it is basic­ally unsuited.

The areal distinctions in forestry land and forestry practices may be subsumed in a series of zones running across the area, parallel to the major river, Pyhäjoki. The highest‑quality forests, though limited in area, extend alongside the river. The proportion of forested land in­creases outwards towards the watersheds, but its quality decreases correspondingly. The land enclosure pattern is most favourable in these peripheral areas, but the forest situated nearer the river has much better road communications.