RMK kicks off the nature holiday season by opening information points 21.05

According to Marge Rammo, Head of the Nature Management Department of RMK, the time is right to kick off the season now that the first days of warm and sunny weather have arrived. “In order for people to find a type of recreation that is suited specifically for them, we will be providing tips and brochures at our information points on how to make your way through the relevant areas and plan your walk in nature to ensure the maximum experience possible,” explained Rammo, pointing out that RMK engages in visitor management in a total of five national parks, 13 recreation areas in the State forest and approximately 40 other nature reserves across Estonia. For those making their way through nature, approximately 2 000 kilometres of hiking trails, 309 sheltered fire sites, 41 campsites, and accommodation facilities in 22 forest cabins and 17 forest lodges have been set up across Estonia.

In addition, RMK is planning this year to renovate a range of major nature conservation infrastructure with the support of the European Regional Development fund. According to Rammo, works on a more ambitious scale – reconstruction of the road network, viewing platforms and structures – will be undertaken at Taevaskoja, in the parks at Keila-Joa and at Oru, and in Lahemaa. “Even though the works are being planned so as to not shut down any areas for visitors, traffic may be suspended from time to time, and we will provide notice about it both at the sites and on the RMK website," affirmed Rammo.

RMK’s information points for those making their way through nature will be open through 15 September, generally from 10.00 to 18.00 daily, with the details available from: www.rmk.ee/teemad/looduses-liikujale/teabepunktid. To prepare a suitable nature excursion, help is provided by a detailed search engine on RMK’s website: www.rmk.ee/teemad/looduses-liikujale/voimaluste-otsing

In 2011, RMK spent EUR 4.2 million in order to provide opportunities to enjoy nature based on the freedom to roam (everyman's right) and to further awareness about nature among the general population. This year, the amount is EUR 6 million, of which EUR 3.5 million is being provided by the European Regional Development Fund.

RMK is a profit-making state agency established under the Forestry Act, aimed at sustainable and efficient management of the state forest. RMK grows reforestation material, organises forest works, executes practical nature protection works and is engaged in forest management and timber sales. In addition to that, RMK creates hiking and forest recreation opportunities at its recreation areas, five national parks of Estonia and approximately 40 other reserves, and shapes people’s knowledge of nature. RMK manages 38% of Estonia’s forests.