How to manage forests after radionuclide contamination

The aim of this paper is to introduce forest management options for forests contaminated by radioactive deposition. The evaluation of practicability of the measures is briefly outlined. Since the countermeasures related to wild foods are radioecologically simple and rather few options are available, they are commented only briefly. Main emphasis is on the contamination of trees and timber. Acceptability of management options applied and sustainability of management of forests during intervention are currently emphasised. Activation of evaluation processes in normal conditions is very useful to all actors involved in potential intervention. Predictive assessments can improve the comprehension on the consequences of fallout to forestry, although they do not replace field research and measurements of radioactivity. Dissemination of coherent and consistent advice to the users of forests is needed in an emergency situation. (LN)