Method for Preserving High Conservation Value Forests in the Prichulym Taiga of Tomsk Region During Logging

Abstract

The paper presents a method to preserve high conservation value forests in accordance with the international certification system of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in the Prichulym taiga of Tomsk region during logging. The taiga landscapes in the area of Prichulym’e are unique due to natural monuments, reserves, and specially protected natural areas with rare species of animals, birds, plants and valuable coniferous stands. These territories included in the forest fund of Tomsk region demand increased attention and systematic control, especially during logging and timber harvesting. At the first stage of the study, forest areas in the operational forests of the Zyryanskiy forestry in Tomsk region, leased by Sibirles OOO for logging and timber harvesting, were investigated. Based on the results of the study, some forest areas were referred to the category of high conservation value forests in accordance with the above-mentioned voluntary international certification system that implies an important function of protecting habitats of rare and endangered species of animals and plants, including those listed in the Red Book and regionally significant species. In such forests, logging and any type of felling are prohibited. Thus, these areas were conditionally excluded from the list of forests allowed for final felling. The results of the independent monitoring performed by the authors allowed the following conclusion: no violations were found in logging activities of Sibirles OOO that leased the parts of the forest in Zyryanskiy district for logging and timber harvesting. On the one hand, such joint activities and monitoring are economically costly; on the other hand, they are important and significant for further identification of the places abundant in unique flora and fauna.