Use of forest areas
The forests of the City of Kuopio are divided into six different areas based on the special characteristics of the forests and the objectives set for them.
The objectives and special features set for the different parts of the forests are mainly influenced by different aspects of economic, social and ecological sustainability, such as the planning situation, recreational values and multifunctionality, diversity, construction pressure and economic return.
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Rural outdoor forests are managed as a recreational area, and the forests follow a longer turnover time than commercial forests. The aim of forest management is to ensure the suitability of forests for recreational use.
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Urban forests are mainly forests with local detailed plans for parks. These forests are important nearby recreational areas for the residents of Kuopio. Two thirds of the residents use these forests at least once a week.
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According to the master plan, the outdoor and recreational forests in the central urban area are forests designated as nearby recreational areas. They are intended for residents’ various outdoor recreations, outdoor activities, exercise and other recreational activities.
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Land use change areas are forests intended for the City’s business life, industry and housing. Forest management anticipates future land use changes.
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Commercial forests are managed in accordance with the forest management recommendations and the recommendations of the PEFC certificate. In commercial forests, the aim is to practise forestry as efficiently and productively as possible by carrying out forestry work and felling on time.
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The purpose of protected forests is to protect and increase natural diversity and preserve valuable natural sites and landscape structures. Nature reserves play an important role in promoting biodiversity in the city.