Shelterwood cuttings in the North-West of Russia: situation, opportunities and obstacles for implementation

The overview of the proportion of shelterwood cuttings (without thinning and sanitary cuttings) in the total volume of timber harvesting in the Northwest of Russia is presented. It is based on the state statistics data and those received by the survey of a number of large FSC-certified timber companies of the region. The review of the long-term positive effects of introducing partial cuttings (selective, gradual) and small-scale (including striped-couple cuttings), clear cuttings into the forest management practice is given. The main barriers that prevent the widespread introduction of such cuttings are analyzed. The options to prevent possible adverse effects of such cuttings in Russian forests are proposed. The recommendations are made to implement the forest management with the maintenance the forest environment and forest landscape mosaic, due to the striped-couple cuttings and small-scale clear cuttings.