Reforestation after clear cutting on the forest fund lands of the taiga forest zone in Russia
Forests are one of the most extensive terrestrial ecosystems which provides habitat for a vast array of plant and animal species. Over several centuries of human activities, the total forest area has decreased, and now forests cover 31% of the land area. Approximately half the forest area is relatively intact, and more than one third is occupied by primary forest. Nearly half of the world’s forests grow in five countries: Brazil, Canada, China, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America [9]. The importance of reforestation is undeniable since timber harvesting is gathering pace. The main objectives of reforestation are timely restoration of clear-cut areas, dead stands, burnt forests and other non-forest lands of the forest fund, an increase in forest productivity, improvement of species composition, and conservation of forest biodiversity and useful functions of forests. The forests of the southeast of Western Siberia (Tomsk region), untouched by human activities, are located in the remote northern part of the region. The study analyzed clear cutting of forests and measures for reforestation on the forest fund lands in Tomsk region.