Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This degree project comprises a study of the conditions for forest owners on islands in the Grönö archipelago in northern Uppland in Sweden. The land on the islands is owned partly by private landowners, the company BillerudKorsnäs and the Grönö village community. This adds up to a total of 15 landowners.
The purpose of the study was to determine the forest owners' intention with the land holdings in the short and long term and to give them an insight in planned measures effect on profitability. If desired they will be given individual proposals for forestry measures based on their own special conditions.
The environmental impact and the ongoing land uplift have contributed to algal blooms and more reed as well as shallow bays. Milder winters and the growing reeds give weaker ice which makes it difficult to transport machines and wood.
The landowners received a questionnaire covering a total of nine questions, and every one answered. All were contacted in person and submitted comments on the answers they provided, three were interviewed in more detail. The questions dealt with the forestry measures they plan for the next 30 years and if felling, how to transport.
Five landowners were waiting to define goals pending authority decisions on the logging request submitted. One was planning to piece off plots. Several had set aside land for nature conservation and some were positive towards doing this in the future. Almost half responded that they thought they could manage the forest efficiently and get a financial return.
The questionnaire that was distributed consisted of some questions were one had to select one or more alternatives. A couple of questions had no answer alternatives and you had to describe the answer in own words.
Various methods were used for data collection. The participants were either contacted by telephone or visited in person about the survey and its purpose. All accepted to participate and answer the questions. Those who were personally visited got the questionnaire handed over and chose to answer the questions directly and at the same time discuss the issues and explain the answers and how to perceive the situation as owner of forest land on an island.
It was important and valuable to discuss the answers with all the participants. This has added understanding and partly led to a different interpretation of the results. The participants who so desired will receive proposals for management measures and a long-term plan.
One crucial factor in gaining profitability is to perform own work and plan and perform measures together with others to share costs and to shorten the time spent. If contractors are to be hired, make sure that they also participate in the planning from an early stage. Transports must be via smaller barges or over ice with smaller carriages and harvesting with small/light types of harvesters.