Traditional use of forests in Finland

1. Traditional use of forests in Finland Fishing and hunting were the most important means of living in mainland up to the beginnin of 1800. Squirrel was one of the most important game animal besides beavers. Year 1799

2. Tar production – major forest product Tar was burned all over the country for sale and own use. There was big business in it and some people made a fortune. Major use of tar was for wooden boats. The good market for tar continued up to the end of 1800. Large areas of pine forests were cut down and there became a lack of construction materials.

3. Logs for house construction Local people earned part of living by selling construction logs to towns and abroad . Only the best quality timber was selectively and extensively cut . That time forest was considered to belong to everyman´s right. Year 1712

4. Manual sawing of logs Year 1764

5. Charcoal processing Charcoal was also important forest product and consumed small size timber . Especially iron producing factories and blacksmiths used large amount s of charcoal . This period lasted up to 1950 and that time mainly for tranportation energy. 1764

6. Traditional use of Forests in Finland 1700 luku

7. 1800

8. 1830

9. 1850

10. 1887 Evo

11. 1862 -64