The forest in Akademgorodok appeared at the end of the 40s owing to Krasnoyarsk scientists. The initial density of young pines was about 12 thousand per hectare. In adulthood, as experts say, this is unacceptable for the healthy tree growth. Therefore, the so-called cuttings are periodically implemented.

“First of all, weak and dead trees are cut down. Here, all the trees are of the same age, which is 72. Ignorance leads to an impression that if the tree is thin, it means it is young, but it is, on the contrary, the most oppressed and weakened one, and thus, it must be the first to be removed, "- explains the director of the V.N. Sukachev Institute of Forest FRC KSC SB RAS, Alexander Onuchin.

Moreover, such trees are dangerous.

The sawn wood is used for the needs of the Krasnoyarsk Science Center, for example, in nurseries and hospitals. And in this area, the pine forest has not been subjected to thinning yet; one can see the roots of fallen pines. Many of them are infected with fungal diseases, according to experts. It is planned to cut about 800 pines on almost 4 hectares - i.e. 200 trees per hectare. Out of 1400 trees, 1200 will remain. The thinning will amount to about 20%.

Due to the high recreational load, the soil here has compacted to the state of asphalt, which, according to scientists, is also very harmful for the high-quality life of the forest. There is an alternative to cutting - the European experience, when the forest area is fenced off for people and there’s a sign: “Forest on vacation”. The limitation period is 3-5 years. But will the city residents agree to such measures?

The land belongs to the state. Forest restoration is carried out by the Federal Research Center "KSC SB RAS". Scientists note that the measures are costly, and if the city authorities helped, diseased trees would be eliminated within a month. Without funding from the city, the work will last for several years.

Source: Vesti. Krasnoyarsk