With the aim of developing the ecological, aesthetic and economic value of the capital's forests, as well as planning future forest maintenance work, “Rīgas Meži” is organising an information session for media representatives regarding the planned maintenance of Jugla Forest.
The event will take place on Tuesday, 7 September 2021, from 12.30 to 13.00, in Jugla Forest, Riga. Participants will include representatives of “Rīgas Meži”, industry experts and local residents.
Location: travelling along Juglas Street towards Jugla, after the “Gaiļezers” children’s hospital, turn right into the forest (go through the barrier, approximately 400 metres into the forest). Please park vehicles at the hospital car park! There will be a tent/canopy at the meeting point.
Before the media event, a public consultation will be held, to which local residents who use these areas daily are invited, as well as forestry sector specialists and representatives of professional organisations.
Forest maintenance in the 127-hectare area will take place in accordance with the Forest Management Plan approved by the Riga City Council. Furthermore, forest landscape planning principles will be observed during the work. Based on the values present, the area to be maintained has been divided into zones (road noise buffer zones, biologically valuable stands, scenic locations, forest clearings, etc.). Specific maintenance goals and conditions, tree and shrub species to be felled, and the intensity of work have been set for each zone. No logging is planned in the rest of the forest in the near future. After the work is completed, pathways will be cleared, and in certain areas, the surfacing will be improved and rest areas will be set up. Planned work schedule: autumn 2021 – spring/summer 2022 (depending on weather conditions).
To continue exploring public opinion and hearing reasoned proposals, an online survey is scheduled to be launched after the public consultation. The results will be available in about a month. “Rīgas Meži” encourages the submission of constructive and well-argued proposals, which will be taken into account when refining the logging work in Jugla Forest.
Moving forward, “Rīgas Meži” will continue to involve industry specialists and local residents in the exchange of views and consultation process. Such discussions are also planned prior to other forest maintenance work.
The company manages 62,000 ha of forest, 306 ha of gardens, parks, squares and greenery (116 properties). “Rīgas Meži” looks after the sustainable development, biodiversity and public accessibility of these territories.
“Rīgas Meži” follows principles of good corporate governance and sustainability. The company holds FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certificates. These certify responsible forest management, as well as the fact that forest products provide social, environmental and economic benefits to society.
Participation in the event is only permitted with a Covid-19 certificate or a negative test!