Forest Farm Contest

Since 1993 the Private Forest Union has been organizing a contest to find the best private forest owner who is managing his/her forest with the “heart and soul”. Every forest owner can apply for the award despite the size of his/her forest land. It is important that the candidate is an active forest owner, the chance of winning the title increases in case she/he is an initiator of local activities and contributes to the development of the local community (eg an active member in a forest owners association).

The first selection is made locally by the local support person with the help of the local private forest owners association. Locally appointed persons are assessed by the selection committee (formed by the PFU) and from the top three forest owners the winner – the best private forest owner of the year – is selected.
During the selection procedure the activities of the forest owners are assessed in terms of forest felling (the quality of felling and conformity with the forest management plan, meeting of the requirements for the preservation of biodiversity), reforestation (after final felling), the quality of forest management work and conformity with the forest management plan), land improvement (the need for drainage, ditch cleaning, road maintenance) and overall management (the quality of timber and efficiency of management).

In 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 the best private forest owners were Mr Einar Pärnpuu from Lääne county, Mr Kalle Laid from Hiiu county, Vahur Eenmaa from Harju county and  Enn Raide from Valga county, respectively.
For more information about the 2012 contest, please contact Kristel Arukask, kristel.arukask@erametsaliit.ee, +372 53 468 109