Over the last 20 years, a series of myths and misconceptions about forests, their owners, and silviculture have become rooted in the consciousness of Latvian society. Describing forest ownership in Latvia as a whole, it should be noted that approximately half of the area belongs to the state, while the other half belongs to private owners. At present, we can see a gradual shift in how owners perceive the value entrusted to them, which is also a significant national asset for Latvia. It can now be stated with reasonable confidence that the era when forests were viewed as a source of quick and easy profit belongs to the past. There are approximately 150,000 private forest owners in Latvia. Among them are many who manage only a couple of hectares of forest. Since I primarily work with private forest owners on a daily basis, I will focus on them in this article.

One of the myths widely circulated in the 1990s is the story of the unscrupulous forest owner who clear-fells inherited woodland, spends the money, and subsequently abandons the property. In one form or another, almost everyone will have heard this story. There is a grain of truth in it – unscrupulous and irresponsible individuals are found among forest owners, just as in any other field. However, the experience of our forestry experts indicates that forest owners are treating their properties with an ever-increasing sense of responsibility.