Treinys, R. and Mozgeris, G. 2006. Past and present nest-site requirements of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina C.L.Brehm) and their possible conflicts with timber harvesting. Baltic Forestry, 12 (2): 252-258

Recently, the growing demand for raw timber has resulted in the intensification of forest use in the Baltic countries. The aim of this study was to examine whether the increased timber harvesting during the last decade has influenced the requirements of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina C.L.Brehm) for their nest-sites. In 2004, 7% of checked Lesser Spotted Eagle territories were disturbed by forestry operations. The general tendency was that the characteristics of stands used for nesting differed from the average forest stand characteristics in the landscape less than a decade ago. Eagles were found to nest on 19 different forest types, while previously just 13 of such forest types had been recorded. Less productive forests (2nd site class) and normally irrigated stands were not avoided nowadays. The average age of nest stands decreased by 16 years. Though oak remained one of the most preferred nest-trees (20% of all cases), spruce became the most common one (48%). This leads to the assumption, that the eagles are less selective nowadays than in the past. The increased timber harvesting during the last decade might explain why eagles switched to nest in stands, more similar to the surrounding forest landscape than in the past, and why some nest-site preferences remained and others disappeared. It is likely that during the next 30 years forest operations will be one of the most important factors, having an effect on the Lesser Spotted Eagle population in Lithuania.

Key words: Lesser Spotted Eagle, nest-site selection, timber harvesting, disturbance

Žiogas, A., Juronis, V., Sneškienė, V. and Gabrilavičius, R. 2006. Pathological Condition of Introduced Conifers in the Forests of South - Western and Western Lithuania. Baltic Forestry, 12 (2): 234-242

Tree condition of Abies, Larix, Picea, Pinus and Pseudotsuga genera was studied in the forests of six forest enterprises and twelve forest districts in the south-western and western Lithuania in 2003 - 2005. Based on our studies, as perspective species for growing in this part of Lithuania could be considered Larix decidua, L. polonica, Pinus contorta and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Acclimatization success of other tree species: Abies alba, A. sibirica, A. concolor; Larix laricina, L. sibirica, L. leptolepis; Pinus banksiana, P. peuce, P. strobus; Picea glauca, P. pungens; Pseudotsuga caesia - is restricted by biotic (disease pathogens and pests) and abiotic (edaphic and climatic conditions) factors.

Key words: introduction, conifers, diseases, pests, condition

Belova, O. 2006. Game Management State and Topicalities in the Context of Small-Scale Forestry in Lithuania. Baltic Forestry, 12 (2): 243-251

There are some specific features of the Lithuanian game management dating back to ancient times, and the hunting traditions built through the centuries while humans have settled the territory of present Lithuania. Plenty of archaeological remains, historic metrics and folklore all proclaim the honour-founded relations of the ancient Lithuanian people with nature including wildlife. The initial notions of wildlife use and protection formed mostly because of the influence of nature worship. The function of hunting depends on the historical socio-cultural state. In the primitive society the hunting was source for subsistence. The next its character related to the mentioned nature worship and assumed a part of lifestyle based on the spiritual aspects. Further agricultural development of Lithuania has formed a game management as a source of additional food and need to protect human prosperity against damage caused by game. The development of game management was different from other countries because of quite specific history through last centuries. The game management assumed the features of leisure, pleasure, and passion in social life, of a contribution to the nutrition system as well as takes social and economic ground. Presently, changes in the use of natural resources including hunting are one of six EU and Lithuanian national priorities. The total common area of production (hunting area) constitutes 4,178,362 hectares including 1,931,651 hectares of the forest area. The total hunting area involves 897 hunting units, where hunters - users of game resources number 25,000 (FACE 2005). The area of production slightly decreases in comparison with last hunting seasons owing to the changes in an area of the new-formed and re-formed hunting units. The last national legal acts and ratified international conventions and directives defined the game management. Hunting competence, regulation rights, control of the orderliness are validated and divided on the ground of the Hunting Law (IX-966, 2002). There are a lot of ambiguous articles on the game management in the small-scale forestry. The main actualities and challenges of game management are discussed in conformity with differences between social groups, property rights, qualitative, quantitative and territorial regulation of game populations, forest damage, benefits of game management and development of the ecological and hunting tourism.

Key words: game management, hunting rights, legal acts, forest owner

Sadauskienė, L. 2006. The Top Diameter Limits in Integrated Forest Fuel Procurement System: Lithuanian Case Studies. Baltic Forestry, 12 (2): 227-233

Economic possibility of undelimbed stems parts usage for forest fuel production is analysed in this article. The aim of the research is to assess the top diameter limits in integrated cut-to-length and forest fuel wood procurement system.
The article provides mathematical model for calculation of spruce, pine and birch stems delimbing time. Delimbing costs of 1 m3 of wood, comprised from the same diameter stems parts, are presented in the article.
In order to reach the goal, study of time expenditures of spruce, pine and birch stems delimbing was carried out and delimbing costs were calculated. Delimbing time of 725 spruces, 733 pines and 1000 birches was observed by cumulative timing method. The top diameter limits were estimated by maximum difference in net income of integrated and cut-to-length wood procurement. The top diameter limits depend on difference in prices of pulpwood and forest fuel. The top diameter limits were estimated for spruces, pines and birches in relation with diameter and development class of trees.

Key words: top diameter limits, forest fuel, delimbing, time expenditures, costs, net income