This paper discusses the continuous field view of representing geography and its role in forest inventory. Describing all forest attributes at any location or point and storing this information in digital databases, as an alternative to store forest compartments as vector polygons and associated attributes, is considered to be important for development of remote sensing and GIS applications for forest inventories. Main results achieved following this approach during the last decade in Lithuanian university of agriculture are described. Special research polygon near Kaunas was developed. Four auxiliary data sources (Spot Xi, Landsat TM, digital aerial photos and stand-wise inventory material), three estimators (two-phase sampling with stratification, the k-nearest neighbours and regression) as well as different methods for auxiliary data integration were examined to get point-wise forest characteristics. The lowest root mean square errors at a level of virtual sample point using optimal implementation tactics are – for mean diameter 24 %, height 18%, age 28%, basal area 37%, volume per 1 ha 40% and percentage of coniferous trees 29% of the mean value of corresponding forest characteristic. Integrating additional auxiliary information – characteristics of forest compartments, estimated during the conventional stand-wise inventory – and satellite images improved the overall estimation accuracy. Pre-stratification of sample plots using the attributes of compartments improved the estimation accuracy for certain stand groups. A new approach of segmentation, aimed to construct conventional forest compartments – estimation of point-wise forest characteristics for every pixel of satellite imagery and using them instead of original image values – was suggested and investigated.

This paper discusses the usability of non-parametric knn (k-nearest neighbour) method to detect changes in forest areas from satellite images. Spot Xi images acquired 1999, main forest characteristics from field measured sample plots and data of conventional stand-wise forest inventory from the year 1988 were used to estimate the grids of following forest characteristics: mean age of main forest storey, diameter, basal area, height, volume per 1 ha, as well as the percentages of coniferous, soft and hard deciduous tree species. The differences of grids, created using stand-wise forest attributes from the 1988 inventory and estimated using the k-nearest neighbour methods were experimented to detect changes in the forest. 68.7-75.5% of areas, classified as the potential felling areas, were detected to be clear cut areas or young stands less than 15 years according to the data of stand-wise inventory of year 2003. Different settings for the methods investigated are evaluated, too.

This paper deals with the evaluation of the geometrical accuracy of Lithuanian forests compartments geographical data that has been developed using different forest inventory techniques. Geo-reference background database GDB10LT was used as the standard for comparisons. 2500 control points on clearly identifiable places – crossroads, dikes’ intersections, etc. – were selected randomly. The main finding was that the maximal positional root mean square error of clearly identifiable objects in forestry geographic data was 16.47 m (12.37 m and 10.87 m for X and Y coordinates respectively). However, such rather big errors refer to the techniques of GIS database development using paper topographic maps as a background for forest maps and manual digitizing. Enhancement of techniques for GIS database development was found to lead to significant increase in geometrical accuracy of the information.

The productivity and quality of different origin Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) progenies at the age of 43 were estimated. The investigation was carried out in 1964. The seeds from six stands growing on mineral and peaty soils in different environmental conditions were sowed. The thinning was done in 2006. The following growth and quality characters were investigated: height of the trees, diameter at breast height, stem volume, standing volume, branch free tree length, branch thickness, branch angle, stem’s straightness. The growth and quality differences of the progenies depending on the seed origin were estimated. The environmental conditions of the Zvirgzde origin place and the test locality were similar. The progeny of the Zvirgzde stand showed superiority in the growth traits (height, diameter, stem volume) as well as good stem quality and high quality of the assortment outcome in thinning. The progeny of the swamp stand (Tireli) had low values in all investigated traits. A significant influence of the environmental conditions of the seeds origin place on the growth and quality of the progeny was found out. Environmental conditions of seeds origin locality and place of forest regeneration have to be similar to avoid decrease of progeny stand’s growth and quality.

In Latvia, birch is the second most widespread tree species; the share of birch is higher in private forests. The Forest Research Inventory that was launched in 2004 provides credible and up-to-date information about all forests of Latvia irrespective of the ownership. The data from first three years’ data base of this Project has been used in the present study. The aim of this study was to analyse birch stands in state and private forests concentrating on different aspects: mixture degree, origin of the stand, productivity and quality of the stand. 735 sample plots were selected from the database for the analysis. The proportion of the birch stands in the private forests was slightly higher than in the state forests. There were more mixed stands in the state forests than in the private ones. The standing volume was higher in the mixed stands while the opposite was true for the current annual volume increment of birch. The main regeneration method in both the state and private birch stands was natural regeneration from seed. Artificial regeneration was used only rarely in the private birch stands. The productivity did not differ significantly between the state and private forests; the same was true for the quality, expressed by the outcome of veneer logs. The stand quality differed significantly among site types, being the highest in the forests on dry mineral soils and the lowest in the forests on drained peat soils.

Reduction of agricultural production has led to abandonment of farmlands in Latvia. According to the Central Statistical Bureau, 1.4 million ha of lands, including 0.6 million ha of farmlands were set aside in 2008. Most of them transform into forests; however, information about the afforestation has been limited until recent years. The first field measurement based evaluation of forest stands on abandoned farmlands was implemented within the scope of the National statistical forest inventory (NSFI). The NSFI covers forests, farmlands, settlements, wetlands and other lands, providing valuable information about the land use and forest resources. According to the NSFI, total area of naturally afforested farmlands is 257,850 ± 3,606 ha with growing stock of 2,870.364 ± 239,088 m³. Naturally afforested lands occupy 4% of the total country area. The highest share of naturally afforested lands is in Ludza (11% of the total area) and Krāslava districts (9% of the total area). Birch (Betula pendula Roth) and grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) are the most common dominant tree species in naturally afforested areas (77,092 ± 1,861 ha and 40,285 ± 1,395 ha, respectively). In relation to the Kyoto protocol it is important to separate lands afforested before and after 1990. The total area of lands afforested after 1990 in Latvia is 170,890 ± 2,862 ha with total growing stock of 1,367.427 ± 125,482 m³ and annual increment of timber volume – 122,530 ± 10,513 m³.

Latvia is one of the forest-richest countries in Europe. Very often in young forest stands of spruce admixture of coniferous or deciduous trees are taking place. During the growth trees suffer from influence of different risk factors. Damages in mixed stands depend on chosen mode and intensity of economic activities. Forest management cannot be imagined without creating the infrastructure (roads, ditches, etc.). However, the development of infrastructure may cause an effect of fragmentation and lead to changes in the forest structure. The aim of the research is to analyze influence of forest spatial features on the sanitary state of mixed stands of spruce. In 2011 and 2012 mixed stands of spruce younger than 40 years were investigated in all regions of Latvia. Nineteen stands were measured and surveyed and 80 sample plots were arranged. With the help of Geographical Information System (GIS) data base of the State Forest Service of Latvia the forms of forest plots (regular or irregular), as well as location of neighbouring infrastructural objects and location of mixed stands in forests were stated. In unnaturally created regular form plots damages of risk factors usually tend to be larger than in those, which have been created naturally. With the credibility of 95%, linear connection between occurrence of damages caused by browsing and intensity is relevant (r=0.937 is greater than r0.05=0.575), as well as occurrence and intensity of damages caused by Lophophacidium hyperboreum Lagerb. (r=0.999 is greater than r0.05=0.575).

Economic importance of Silver birch in Latvia has been increasing in last decade, triggering scientific research, dedicated to improvement of this species, including tree breeding. Bulk of progeny trials will reach the evaluation time in next few years; therefore, decisions for further tree breeding activities have to be made. The aim of our study is to evaluate profitability of silver birch breeding, based on current situation in the year 2010 and circumstances in Latvia and assess the factors that might notably influence the result. Analysis considers all available breeding material and links between tree breeding, seed orchards and end product – forest stand, regenerated with improved plants in order to evaluate profitability of different alternatives based on differential approach. Results reveal that differential benefits from forest regeneration with selected birch material in comparison to natural regeneration, in areas with highest site indexes (Ia-II) with 3% interest rate and at least part of the stands managed in order to maximize yield of large diameter trees at age of final felling, are positive. The highest profitability can be reached if selection of best individuals is done based on clonal testing, genetic gain is maximized and combined with proper silvicultural praxis and annual planting area (utilization of seeds from selected trees) are maximized.

According to the forecast, in future the number of storms in Latvia is going to increase. The wind and the snow are risk factors influencing damages of forests; the least tolerant species against wind damages is Picea abies (L.) Karst. It is impossible to avoid the damages caused by weather conditions – windbreaks, windthrows, snowbreaks, snow crushes and snowthrows in forests, since they reoccur in certain periods of time. The aim of the research was to analyze the impact of abiotic risk factors on the management of young Picea abies (L.) Karst. stands. Young stands of Norway spruce were researched in all regions of Latvia in 2011 and 2012. These stands were up to 40 years old. In total, 75 stands were measured and surveyed, and 257 sample plots were arranged, where the following damages were identified: frost damages, snow crushes, snowbreaks, snowthrows, windfall and windthrows. The sample plot method was used. The intensity of damages is higher on drained soils. The linear correlation between occurrence and intensity of impact damages caused by abiotic factors was significant (r = 0.988 is greater than r0.05 = 0.253). There is no significant (p = 0.686 is greater than α = 0.05) difference between the intensity of impact damages caused by abiotic risk factors in the stands with regular and irregular shapes of forest compartments. Irregular form forest plots have formed naturally, occurrence of abiotic factors there is 7.5% but the factor intensity – 6.7% and that is higher than in regular forest plots where abovementioned parameters reach 4.7% and 2.9%.

The role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the development of economics becomes more important, as they can quickly re-orientate in the rapidly changing economic situation, and they are the main guarantee of wellbeing on the regional scale. Although these enterprises are different, still the SME in the European Union meet several similar difficulties. One of the main problems of the SME is lack of management competences that causes difficulties in ensuring efficient management of the enterprises. The aim of the research was to investigate the competences that are necessary for the employees to carry out their duties from the point of view of small and medium-sized forest enterprises (SMFE). The task of the research was to identify problems faced by the SMFE management in daily business. To get results, the qualitative interview method was used as well as, survey was carried out, and the obtained data from well-established methodology and criteria were evaluated. The research results show that the distribution at the SME is specific professional competence with 40%, social competence with 23%, methodical and individual competence with 19% and 18%. The results show that necessary management competences in SME and large enterprises are equal, but the kind of their application and topicality differ; therefore, it is essential to organize activities of professional development concerning the definite model and type of business. The professional teaching models for SMFEs should be according to enterprises management specifics, focusing on the fact that managers of SMFEs to combine the competences.