OREANDA-NEWS. June 25, 2009. Harvesting units of Ilim Group OJSC located in Irkutsk region started annual spring reforestation activities. In 2009, about 35 million roubles (USD 1.1 million) were allocated for reforestation in the region, as reported by the Group’s press service.

In Ust-Ilimsk, in the framework of artificial reforestation, it is planned to perform planting on more than 1,800 hectares, about 10 million roubles (USD 321.2 thousand) are allocated for reforestation purposes this year. 232 hectares are prepared for pine seedlings planting. On 1,488 hectares tending activities for forest cultures planted earlier are planned as well as soil preparation for the next year on 1,884 hectares.

Around 25 million roubles USD 802.9 thousand) were allocated for reforestation works in Bratsk. 1,121 hectares are subject to artificial reforestation there. Natural reforestation stimulation will be performed on 8,711 hectares, including 5678 hectares by young growth conservation and 3,033 hectares by soil mineralization.

According to experts’ estimation, survival rate of forest cultures is around 85-87%.

Another Ilim’s business unit, IlimSeverLes LLC, located in Arkhangelsk region, also started reforestation, 12.8 million roubles (USD 411 thousand) are allocated for this purpose in 2009. This is 15% higher than in 2008, which is due to growth of area of forest sites took on lease by Ilim Group in Arkhangelsk region.

Reforestation program for 2009 entails wide pack of measures: acquisition of planting material, soil preparation, planting of seedlings and seeds as well as interplanting. More than 3 million seedlings of spruce and pine and 210 kg of seeds of these species were purchased for this purpose. Seedlings planting will be performed on the territory over 822 hectares, seeds planting – on 189.9 hectares. On the whole, specialists of IlimSeverLes LLC and contractor organizations will perform planting on the territory over 1,200 hectares.

In summer and autumn 2009 forest management activities will be continued with forest cultures care, young growth conservation, cleaning cutting in young growth, and fire prevention activities.