Editorial Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

The journal Forestry Studies / Metsanduslikud Uurimused (FS/MU) is devoted to the publication of research results of scientific importance in forestry both basic and applied, with the aim of encouraging international communication between Eastern and Western Europe scientists in different fields who share a common interest in forest science.
The journal is peer-reviewed and is published twice a year in paper and electronic versions. Forestry Studies publishes original articles, reviews, and short communications covering all aspects of forest research. Papers are published in English and Estonian with English summary.
 

2. Manuscript submission

To avoid unnecessary delays in the review process, please consider the following policies carefully before you submit your manuscript.
Manuscripts preferred for publication in FS/MU are those which:
1. contain original work - which is not published elsewhere in any medium by the authors or anyone else, and is not under consideration for publication in any other medium. This restriction does not apply to review articles.
2. are focused on the core aims and scope of the journal - FS/MU is a scientific journal publishing research papers on all aspects of forestry (silviculture, dendrology, tree physiology and genetics, forest products, forest operation and techniques, forest economics and policy, etc.), and also close subjects related to forest (environmental protection, ecology, botany, zoology, entomology, pathology, soil science, etc.).
3. are clearly and correctly written - should contain all essential features of a complete scientific paper, should be written in a clear, easy to understand manner.
4. are written in English or Estonian with English summary - should be clearly and grammatically written, in an easily readable style. Attention to detail of the language will avoid severe misunderstandings which might lead to rejection of the paper. (Please note that native-speaking Estonian authors whose papers are in English should include also a summary in Estonian). 
5. are delivered in electronic format

Manuscripts should be emailed directly to the Editor-in-Chief of FS/MU:
Dr. Ivar Sibul
Forestry Studies / Metsanduslikud Uurimused
Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering
Estonian University of Life Sciences
Kreutzwaldi 5
51014 Tartu
Estonia
e-mail: forestry.studiesemu.ee 

3. Peer Review Process

The submitted manuscripts receive individual identification codes and are submitted for potential publication to at least two independent (anonymous) reviewers. However a submission may be declined by the Editor-in-Chief without review, if deemed inappropriate for reasons other than scientific merit.

The Editor of FS/MU seeks advice from experts in the appropriate field. Research articles and communications are reviewed by a minimum of two reviewers, review papers by at least three.

The Editor is fully responsible for decisions about manuscripts. The final decision whether to accept or reject a paper rests with them. The Editor only communicates the final decision, and informs the authors about further processing.

The Editor reserves the right to make some corrections (without altering the essence of the work) to style, phraseology, arrangement of tables, etc., without communicating with the author. If the Editor decides that the manuscript requires essential changes, the author will then be asked to accept those changes.

4. Revised manuscript submission

When revision of a manuscript is requested, authors should return the revised version of their manuscript as soon as possible. Prompt action may ensure fast publication if a paper is finally accepted for publication in FS/MU. If it is the first revision of an article authors need to return their revised manuscript within 30 days. If it is the second revision authors need to return their revised manuscript within 14 days. If these deadlines are not met, and no specific arrangements for completion have been made with the Editor, the manuscript will be treated as a new one and will receive a new identification code along with a new registration date.

5. Final proofreading

Authors will receive a pdf file with the edited version of their manuscript for final proofreading. This is the last opportunity to view an article before its publication on the journal web site and in print. No changes or modifications can be introduced once it is published. Thus authors are requested to check their proof pages carefully against manuscript within 48 hours of receipt and prepare a separate document containing all changes that should be introduced. Authors are sometimes asked to provide additional comments and explanations in response to remarks and queries from the language or technical editors.

6. Reprints

After publication, the corresponding author is notified by email, and receives a pdf file with the published version of the manuscript, and also journal volume by standard mail (free of charge).

7. Errata

If any errors are detected in the published material they should be reported to the Editor. The corresponding authors should send appropriate corrected material to the Editor via e-mail. This material will be considered for publication in the earliest available issue of FS/MU.

8. Transfer of Copyright Agreement

By submitting the manuscript, authors give up all publishing rights to the publisher of the Forestry Studies / Metsanduslikud Uurimused, including online (Internet) publishing rights. Authors of manuscripts accepted for publication will receive a Copyright Transfer Agreement to this effect, which they need to sign and return immediately.
Parts of the journal’s content, such as figures and tables, may be reproduced without prior permission, provided reference is made to their source. For other types of reproduction, publisher’s express permission in writing is needed.
A properly completed Transfer of Copyright Agreement must be provided for each submitted manuscript. A form is sent via e-mail after completing the review process.

Transfer of Copyrights Agreement should be signed and sent by regular mail to the address listed below:

Dr. Ivar Sibul
Forestry Studies / Metsanduslikud Uurimused
Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering
Estonian University of Life Sciences
Kreutzwaldi 5
51014 Tartu
Estonia