Forest development on Kihnu Island and the role of the human factor in it

Of the total area of Kihnu Island (16.38 km²), 26% is under a 420-ha pine forest growing on sandy soils and dunes. The forest was estimated to cover about 130 ha (8%) in the early 19^th century and 180 ha (11%) in 1949. In 1829-1935 the island's forest was managed predominantly by means of clear cuttings of 1.1 ha in size. Thereafter, it was treated as protection forest. In parallel with clear cutting, clear-cut areas and bare sandy zones were afforested where necessary. Altogether, 210 ha of forest plantations were established in 1829-1949. Intensive forest management and collateral use of forest (grazing on woodlands, gathering of forest litter) led to the impoverishment of the forest soils and stand diversity and deterioration of the forest growth conditions. In the last 75 years the island's forest has effectively enjoyed the status of protection forest, and its area has increased due to shrinking farming activity.