There are approximately 20 villages and two towns located in the Gassinski Model Forest (GMF) area, which is situated in the Amur River valley on the western edge of the Sikhote Alin mountains. In easily accessible areas, the region's forests have suffered from over-harvesting and wildfires, however, valuable stands of ash, elm, birch, oak, fir, larch, and other species remain. In upper elevations, there are highly valuable stands of Korean pine, which are protected and being reintroduced throughout the area. One-third of the population is indigenous Nanai or Udege. Lowland areas include a mixture of wetland, pasture, and hardwood forests. Highland areas are mixed forest. This description details the project work that is being carried to conserve and develop the forest and might be of interest to foresters. International Development Research Centre (IDRC) http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-99188-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html
