10.01.2007 - RMK and Ministry of Defence begin cooperation 29.09

Press release of Ministry of Defence and RMK

On 10 January 2007, Director General of the State Forest Management Centre (RMK) Ülo Viilup and Deputy Undersecretary for Defence Investments of the Ministry of Defence Martin Hurt signed an agreement defining the activities of the Defence Forces and RMK in state forests located in the Defence Forces’ training areas. The agreement was concluded in connection with the new Forest Act that entered into force on 1 January and makes RMK the manager of state forests located in the Defence Forces’ training areas.

“The agreement is another step in the development of the Defence Forces’ central and other training areas,” said the Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence Martin Hurt. “It sets out the rights and obligations of both parties. In addition, the agreement provides RMK sufficient time for reforestation and maintenance of forest cultures. The exact schedules for carrying out different forest management work and training will be set out in agreements between RMK’s forest districts and military units”.

The first object where RMK will perform work, pursuant to the agreement, is the Defence Forces’ central training area. Beginning in 2007, extensive cutting work (deforestation) will be performed in the Defence Forces’ central training area in the rural municipality of Kuusalu. Cutting work has been started in order to establish the Lõuna target area (300 ha) and Kukepalu shooting area (203 ha). This work is expected to be completed by July. Cutting will be carried out to an extent that will ensure the Defence Forces the visibility necessary for shooting exercises. In total, 1000 hectares is to be deforested in the central training area in the near future. In the longer term, cutting work may also be carried out in order to establish roads for armoured equipment, landing zones for helicopters, and areas for blasting and firing ranges.

“Forest management in the central training area is subject to military needs and thus the main aim of forest management there is not the gaining of profit, but instead the development of an environment suitable for the training area through reasonable management,” said the Director General of RMK Ülo Viilup.

The establishment of the 12 000-hectare central training area was approved by the government in October 2001. The detailed plan necessary for the establishment of the training area was adopted by the council of the rural municipality of Kuusalu. All possible environmental impacts were assessed and considered during the drawing up of the detailed plan. The service centre of the training area received its cornerstone in November of last year.

RMK is a state profit organisation established under the Forest Act, the main function of which is the economical and effective management of state forests. RMK grows reforestation material, organises forest work, sells forests and wood and organises the upkeep of wild animals. In addition, RMK creates possibilities for exercise in nature and recreation in forests, and develops people’s awareness of nature. RMK manages 38% of Estonia’s forests.

Additional information:
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Media Operations Section
Phone: +372 717 0024 and +372 7170 078
E-mail: press@kmin.ee

RMK
Ülo Viilup, Director General
Phone: +372 676 7500
E-mail:rmkrmk.ee