Monitoring Finnish family forestry

Non-industrial private forestry is important in many European countries as well as in the United States and eastern provinces of Canada. Private forests are especially important in Finland because the forest industries are highly dependent on private timber supply. In this article, we present the Finnish monitoring system for private forestry. Forest owners receive mailed inquiries regarding demographics, holding characteristics, ownership objectives, areas of silvicultural treatments, and timber sales, as well as connections with extension organizations. Studies based on such data have been useful in planning and implementation of national forestry programs and policies. Key words: non-industrial private forest owners, small-scale forestry, landowner characteristics, ownership objectives, forest management behaviour, timber supply, Finland