In recognition of the best employees for their contribution to forest regeneration and tending, the Forestry division of AS Latvijas valsts meži (LVM) traditionally presented its "Forestry Excellence Award" to the company's forestry teams in February.

The award for excellence achieved in forest regeneration in 2023 was received by the LVM South Kurzeme region forestry team, led by forestry manager Uldis Ozols. Meanwhile, for achieving excellent results in young stand tending, the LVM Middle Daugava region forestry team, led by Andris Neimanis, received the award for the second year in a row.

"We present these awards for the responsible and persistent work of our foresters and for excellent results in forest regeneration and tending work. Care for young trees in the first few years after planting is especially important for ensuring that the forest stand is healthy and valuable. It was not easy to choose the best of the best, but the numbers were the deciding factor. In forestry, work results are determined annually by taking measurements and assessing the outcomes of young stand tending in areas where the forest stand composition cycle is nearing its end," said LVM Forestry Executive Director Mārtiņš Gūtmanis while presenting the awards.

In 2023, state forests under the management of LVM were regenerated over a total area of more than 17.8 thousand hectares, including natural regeneration covering 4.6 thousand hectares. In 2023, the area of mechanically planted land increased significantly, reaching 997 hectares. The forest was mechanically sown over 627 hectares, which is almost twice as much as in 2022.

Meanwhile, in 2024, it is planned to regenerate forests over 18.7 thousand hectares, including 13.4 thousand hectares by planting and sowing. Mechanised forest sowing is planned for 688 hectares, and mechanised planting for 1216 hectares.