Updating Your Forest Management Plan in 2026
A forest management plan (also known as a forest plan) is an important document for every forest owner, describing the forest's condition, growing stock, species composition, and permitted felling volumes. A valid forest management plan is required for selling forest, selling harvesting rights, and for day-to-day forest management. This article explains when and how to update a forest management plan, and what has changed in 2026.
Key facts about forest management plans
- A forest management plan is valid for 10 years
- The plan is based on a forest inventory (stand description)
- The inventory is carried out by a licensed forest manager
- Data is entered into the national forest register
- A felling permit cannot be applied for without a valid plan
- Cost of updating: 2-8 EUR per hectare
When is it necessary to update the forest management plan?
A forest management plan must be updated in the following cases:
- The plan has expired — if the last inventory was carried out more than 10 years ago, the plan is outdated
- The forest condition has changed significantly — a storm, bark beetle damage, felling, or fire has altered the forest condition
- You are planning to sell the forest — buyers need a valid plan to make an accurate offer
- You wish to apply for a felling permit — the Environmental Board requires a valid forest management plan
- The property has been divided — each new property needs a separate plan
Update process and costs
| Stage | Action | Time required | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Selecting and commissioning a forest manager | 1-3 days | — |
| 2 | Field work (forest inventory) | 1-5 days | 2-8 EUR/ha |
| 3 | Data processing and plan compilation | 1-2 weeks | Included in inventory price |
| 4 | Submitting data to the forest register | 1-2 weeks | Free |
| 5 | Confirmation in the register | 1-4 weeks | Free |
Total time: 3-8 weeks from commissioning to confirmation in the register.
Total cost: for a small property (5-10 ha) approx. 100-300 EUR; for a larger property (50+ ha) approx. 300-1,000 EUR.
How to find a forest manager?
A forest management plan can only be compiled by a licensed forest manager. There are several ways to find one:
- Environmental Board website — list of licensed forest managers
- Estonian Private Forest Centre — offers advice and contacts
- Local forestry co-operative — co-operatives often carry out inventories at lower cost (economies of scale)
- Metzfund — we can recommend reliable forest managers or commission an inventory on your behalf
Practical tip
If you are planning to sell your forest and your management plan is outdated, do not worry too much — Metzfund can make an initial price offer even on the basis of an expired plan. If the transaction proceeds, we can commission a new inventory at our own cost if necessary. This way you do not have to incur expenses before the transaction price has been agreed.
The forest register — what is it and how to use it?
The forest register is a national database that holds inventory data for all forests in Estonia. From the forest register you can:
- Check your forest's current management plan
- View stand ages, species composition, and growing stock
- Check felling rights — whether and when felling is permitted
- See conservation restrictions and special conditions
- Download the forest management plan in PDF format
The forest register is accessible at register.metsad.ee, by logging in with an ID card, Mobile-ID, or Smart-ID.
Changes to forest management plans in 2026
In recent years, several important changes have taken place in forestry regulation, also affecting the updating of forest management plans:
- Introduction of remote sensing — the Land Board is increasingly using satellite-based data collection to supplement field work data
- Digital forest inventory — an increasing number of forest managers are using LiDAR data and drone imagery to supplement inventories
- Updated felling regulations — regulation of felling ages and felling volumes has changed, and this is reflected in plans
- Biodiversity considerations — new plans pay greater attention to biodiversity preservation
“The forest management plan is the forest owner's most important tool — it is like a business plan for your forest. A valid plan enables you to make informed decisions and achieve a better price when selling forest. Investment in a plan always pays off.”
— Metzfund forest management consultant
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my forest without a valid forest management plan?
Yes, it is possible to sell forest without a valid management plan — a sale is a real estate transaction that does not require the plan to be present. However, a valid plan is important to the buyer, as it provides an overview of the forest's value. Without a plan, the offer is usually more conservative.
How much does updating a forest management plan cost?
The cost depends on the size and location of the property. On average, an inventory costs 2-8 EUR per hectare; the minimum order is typically 100-200 EUR. For a 10-hectare property the cost is in the range of 100-300 EUR; for a 50-hectare property, 300-600 EUR.
Does Metzfund help with updating the forest management plan?
Yes, Metzfund can help with updating the forest management plan. If you have decided to sell your forest, we can commission an inventory at our own cost and deduct it from the transaction price. Ask us for an offer and we will discuss the best solution.
What happens if the forest management plan data does not match reality?
A forest management plan is an estimated document — the actual growing stock and species composition may differ considerably from the plan. In the case of large discrepancies (e.g. caused by a storm), it is worth commissioning a new inventory. Metzfund always checks the actual condition of the forest on site before the transaction.