Condition of Lithuanian forests and main tendencies. The ecological, economic, and esthetic role of forests in people s lives was and is special. The forest ecosystem occupies a third of dry surface area and produces almost two thirds of organic material, so it is important in conditioning the material and energy metabolism in nature, as well as the general biosphere condition. With the increase in anthropogenic effects and in particular pollution of the environment, the ecological function of forests as a green filters is becoming even more important. On the other hand, trees, the basic forest ecosystem component, are characterized not only by their impressive dimensions and age, but also by their sensitivity to the effects of pollutant material.
Most coniferous forests are especially sensitive.
When the environment is polluted, the condition and structure of forests worsens, their species diversity and productivity decreases and aging processes speed up. Forests, with their longevity, important effect up on ongoing processes in the biosphere and sensitivity to anthropogenic agents integrally reflect modern-day negative processes and are one the most suitable objects for ecological monitoring.