Planting the Forest: Unveiling the Identities and Methods behind the Green Initiative
Modern Methods of Reforestation in Yakutia
Every year, forest fires and clearings wreak havoc on Yakutia's forest funds. To combat this, a modern reforestation technique has been employed in the republic. Specific seedlings, bred in nurseries and selected based on Yakutia's climate, are utilized for this purpose.
In 2023, "Yakutlesresurs," a state autonomous institution in the republic, spearheaded reforestation efforts on over six hundred hectares. The focus was on areas affected by forest fires (charred areas) and locations of intense clearings.
Ignat Spiridonov, Deputy General Director of the institution, shared their reforestation plans for 2025.
Planting Tough Pines
- How many hectares does "Yakutlesresurs" plan to sow with tree seedlings this year?
Spiridonov estimated that approximately nine hundred hectares would be sown with seedlings this year. As of now, 60 hectares have been identified in Gorny, Tatatin Skii, Nyrbinksi, Suntarskii, Verkhneviluyski, and Namskii districts for sowing. Moreover, the institution is participating in several tenders from companies needing reforestation work and anticipates securing large contracts.
Usually, reforestation sites are chosen on charred areas and clearings near populated areas and roads. At least two thousand seedlings are planted per hectare, so in 2023, when 77 hectares were sown in the Namskii district, a minimum of 154 thousand trees were planted there.
Mostly, common pine seedlings are used. These are mainly purchased from Krasnoyarsk Krai and the Khabarovsk Krai, as well as Yekaterinburg, as their climate is suitable for Yakutia. Other seedlings may struggle to survive in these conditions.
Why Not Larch?
- Why pine and not larch?
Pine is hardy and less demanding in terms of survival compared to larch. However, there is also a need for larch seedlings where the forest's characteristics require it. Spiridonov noted that pine seedlings with a closed root system are preferred for reforestation due to their ability to withstand the stressful period of survival, which can last a year or more.
Homegrown Greenhouses
In 2023, an experimental greenhouse was established at "Yakutlesresurs" where 50,000 pine seeds were planted. The experiment was successful, with over 90% of the seeds germinating into saplings, all of which were used for reforestation. This indicates that large-scale sapling cultivation is feasible in the republic.
Currently, a 12 by 50-meter greenhouse with a special microclimate for coniferous plants has been built in Yakokit village, Aldan District. It can accommodate 250,000 saplings and is equipped with a metal frame and special film cover. Intensive sowing is underway in it. Additionally, a 100,000-sapling wooden greenhouse has been built in Suntar, and a large greenhouse in Tabaga village, designed for 500,000 saplings, is nearing completion.
These greenhouses will help ensure that Yakutia has a consistent supply of saplings for regular reforestation work.Greenhouse maintenance can be handled by four people, according to the experience of other organizations.
Seasonal Sowing
Reforestation work is not limited to a specific season. "Yakutlesresurs" forest firefighters engage in reforestation work in the spring and autumn-before and after the fire season. They conduct compensatory reforestation on areas where the forest has suffered damage.
Entrepreneurs and companies using forest resources are obligated to carry out reforestation work on equivalent areas after felling trees over an area of 50-100 hectares. In most cases, these Lessees act as clients, and "Yakutlesresurs" signs a contract for the forest restoration work.
Reforestation goes beyond planting saplings and forgetting about them. Contracts are signed with the condition that the institution provides care for young plantations for three years, including replanting seedlings to replace those that did not take root. Agricultural care also includes fertilizing saplings and mowing weeds on the plot. By the end of the three-year period, the institution expects a good percentage of sapling survival and growth.
- "In the future, "Yakutlesresurs" is planning to plant even more tree seedlings, targeting approximately nine hundred hectares in 2025 for reforestation."
- "When choosing the type of tree for reforestation, specific considerations are made, with pine being preferred over larch due to its hardiness and lower demands in survival conditions."
- "As part of efforts to ensure a consistent supply of saplings for reforestation, "Yakutlesresurs" is constructing and operating greenhouses, such as the one in Yakokit village, Aldan District, which can house 250,000 saplings."
