The management of A/s “Latvijas valsts meži” (LVM) includes peatland territories; both those where peat extraction is taking place and those where, for various reasons, peat extraction is not. In order to find the best and most productive ways to use these land areas and increase the utility of land use, LVM has begun the process of identifying historical peat extraction sites and degraded peatlands.
The future use of historical peat extraction sites and degraded peatlands is determined by various factors, which are evaluated by surveying the specific territory in situ. On-site assessments evaluate the hydrological regime and the condition of the drainage system, the thickness of the remaining peat layer, the type of peat, the relief, the chemical composition of incoming mineral water, the adjacent territories and other factors. When evaluating future activities or potential operational restrictions in a specific territory, one of the most significant conditions is the natural values identified there.
“If, upon surveying a peatland territory, it is concluded that restoration of the peatland is possible, then the best solutions for doing so are sought, as this is a long-term investment for future generations, ensuring potential peat extraction, which is a significant source of income for the Latvian economy.”
Since the peatland restoration process is very slow, as part of this recultivation process LVM is examining various options, such as the cultivation of sphagnum moss and paludiculture, which is part of the peatland formation process. These are innovative solutions that are still in the research stage, but such knowledge and experience would be useful for LVM in achieving future goals as well, in searching for alternatives to compensate for depleting natural resources or for new ecological solutions to replace existing raw materials,” explains Dārta Amelija Pūliņa, a recultivation specialist at “LVM Zemes dzīles”.