Shipov Forest

Shipov Forest 

a wooded region in Voronezh Oblast, RSFSR. Shipov Forest, situated on the right bank of the Osered’ River, has an area of 39,200 hectares (ha). It is the largest insular oak forest on the southeastern border of the forest-steppe, and it is important for water storage and land protection. Unwooded ravines divide the forest into three parts. An area of 35,600 ha is covered by trees, including oak (92 percent), ash (3 percent), and aspen (2 percent); maple, elm, linden, and other species account for 3 percent of the forested area. The oak stands of Shipov Forest produce an abundance of high-quality timber.

In 1709, Peter I had the forest reserved for the use of the shipbuilding industry. In 1908 projects in experimental forestry were begun in the forest. The Central Scientific Research Institute of Forest Genetics and Selection maintains a forest genetics and breeding laboratory in Shipov Forest.