Opinion of forest owners and the public on forests and their use in Finland

Finns’ preferences about forests and forestry in Finland were clarified via a questionnaire mailed to a sample of citizens. Maintaining the health of forests was regarded the most important objective of forest management. Also forest landowners found that aspect most valuable in the management of their own forests. Wood production and employment got surprisingly low priority compared with other modes of use and values of forests. The results demonstrate the multiple‐use nature of the utilization of forests in Finland. Although biodiversity was regarded as quite important, a majority was not ready to pay more taxes for maintaining it. Slightly more than half of the respondents accepted clear‐felling of forest. Most would, however, like to see a maximum size set for clear‐felling areas. Nearly one out of two of the respondents were of the opinion that the area of forest land under conservation should be increased. Some differences between opinions of different strata were observed. Generally, in the light of public opinion, recent years’ changes in forest management directives to more environmental friendly practices in Finland appear to be correct.