Ätnarova experimental forest

Experimental Forest

The Ätnarova Experimental Forest was established in 1961 and is located about 23 kilometers southwest of Gällivare, on land owned by Sveaskog. The forest spans approximately 3,800 hectares and borders Muddus National Park to the southwest. With its high elevation - ranging between 430 and 540 meters above sea level -  Ätnarova serves as an important research environment for subalpine forests and high-altitude ecosystems.

Staff from the Svartberget research station are deployed to Ätnarova as needed.

Forest and Nature

Roughly 70% of the experimental forest consists of subalpine forest, where old and sparse Scots pine stands dominate alongside spruce and birch. The forested area covers about 2,849 hectares, while the remaining land consists of mires, marshes, and water bodies. The forest's composition has historically been shaped by wildfires and windthrow events.

Research and Climate

Ätnarova experiences a locally continental climate with long, cold winters and snow cover typically lasting from October to May. Research in the area has evolved from an initial focus on regeneration challenges in subalpine forests to now also include the impacts of climate change and continuous cover forestry methods.

Forest Management and Field Trials

Established field trials are present within the area, primarily led by Skogforsk, testing various forest management techniques. Around 30 hectares have been harvested at Kuosavaara for experimental purposes, while older forest stands at Ätnarova are being studied to understand how species composition has changed over time.