Metsähallitus to revolutionise the network of deserted cabins – “Big threshold to close Lapland cabins in the wilderness”

Olli Lipponen, Liaison Manager of Metsähallitus’ Nature Services, says that decisions on the sites will be made during the spring.

This spring, the fate of Metsähallitus’ deserted cabins, huts, lodges and other service structures is at hand.

– We are launching a call for tenders to find maintenance contractors for the sites. By then, the lists of sites to be maintained should be ready,” says Lipponen.

According to Lipponen, the furthest progress is being made in Southern Finland, where tenders are already under way. In Lapland, most of Metsähallitus’ nature sites and desert permits have been processed.

Opinions sought from municipalities

Metsähallitus has 300 areas in Finland and 2,400 hiking structures with a total of 34,000 hiking structures such as desert huts, shouts, lean -to and firewood storage. The routes are 13,000 kilometers. All of this is combed and decisions are made step by step.

As a basis for its work, Metsähallitus has also asked the opinions of municipalities and hiking organizations about different nature sites. According to Lipponen, the role of individual sites and their fate are considered in the area of \u200b\u200bthe area.

The objects to be preserved are important local recreation sites or meaningful for tourism. According to Lipponen, the classification of the sites is also increased by the fact that they are accessible to public transport.

The activities of the site are also considered.

– The classification is raised by the fact that there is something that is not available elsewhere, says Lipponen.

Comprehensive network of deserted caravans

Lipponen considers it important that in Lapland the desert hut’s network remains comprehensive.

-We have a really big threshold to close the desert, as there are so large wilderness areas in Lapland.

However, if there are two wilderness huts close to each other, one of them may be closed.

Lipponen says that if Metsähallitus does not continue to maintain the cottage and the firewood delivery, it can be taken to the account, for example, a municipality.

– If the municipality sees that the destination is important to the residents, we can enter into an agreement with the municipality to maintain it. We are not pouring huts and excursions in the municipal lap, but we still ask what the municipalities think about it.

Although the amount of funding and the number of huts is compromised, some places may even be invested.

– It is important to identify the number one destinations that are considered good and also developed.

Metsähallitus’ savings also hit nature centers, for example. Metsähallitus has said that it will explore the abandonment of Hossa, Kilpisjärvi, Seven and Teijo’s nature center buildings.