Silviculture must not be allowed to have a negative effect on water quality. This is a question of carefulness, consideration for other values and creating a balance. Consequently, we are very concerned about wetlands when executing forestry. When, for example, we fell, clear up or fertilize, we always leave extensive protective zones between operations and watercourses. We often leave larger margins than those set in the FSC® standard or by legislation in order to be on the safe side. And we restore wetlands and supply drinking water to provide the forest's animals and vegetation with the water environment they need to flourish.
We never construct forest roads over wetlands or fertilize over watercourses. The forest needs water in order to grow, and we facilitate this by digging drainage ditches or clearing existing ditches that have become blocked. This is work that entails following precise procedures.
We are developing new forestry working methods to make it easier to accommodate wetlands. Researchers are also studying the water situation on our land. Sveaskog's R&D unit is running a pilot project together with the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to study the effect of drainage ditching on the environment. More knowledge is needed!