KFS to Reinforce Pine Forest Management
- effective management of pine trees through the "Project on Reducing Pine Forest Disasters"





The pine forest is known to be very fragile to forest disasters and intensive management plan will be implemented to grow healthy pine forest.





Last year''s high temperature due to climate change caused massive withering of pine trees in the southern region and 1.05 million stands had to be removed. Based on the results of pilot projects, it was evident that the Project on Reducing Pine Forest Disasters will be effective in improving the health of pine forest. Therefore, KFS is to implement the project starting this year.





Last year''s intensive thinning of pine forest in 9 areas in the southern region (339 ha) which was a part of the pilot project under the Project on Reducing Pine Forest Disasters was a great success. This enabled the pine trees to have enough space in between stands and allow ample amount of sunshine, water and nutrition for each tree. This kept the forests ecologically healthy and increased resistance against forest disasters. In order to continue such practice, intensive thinning will be implemented this year as well on 5,065 ha.





Furthermore, the Manual on Decreasing Pine Forest Disasters will be prepared based on the pilot project implemented the previous year. KFS is aiming to enhanced efficiency and benefits by practicing thorough planning and monitoring of each unit (more than 30 ha per unit).





The pilot project under the Project on Reducing Pine Forest Disasters returned great success in decreasing the density of forest pest and disease. At the same time, the project was able to collect timber that can be used (8,400 m3) and it contributed to increasing the forest owners'' household income of 700 million won. This year''s project is expected to output additional income of 6 billion won (200,000m3).





KFS noted the pine forest cover that used to be 50% in the 1970s has decreased up to 23% due to the change in the environment and competition with broadleaved species. However the KFS has positive outlooks on growing healthy pine forest, decreasing pest and disease control costs, and increasing forest household income through the Project on Reducing Pine Forest Disasters.


Intl Cooperation Div