The article provides an overview of the experience of using shelterwood systems in Estonia and the methodological aspects of their economic assessment. The methodology is tested with calculations made on the management alternatives of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stand in Rhodococcum site type. Based on the Estonian forest management rules and the results of previous silvicultural studies, the management models were elaborated for different types of shelterwood harvesting. The difference model was used when predicting stand development, the actual prices of different wood assortments and the actual cost of management activities were used in calculations. The net present value of cash flows is used as a criterion, which allows comparing management periods of different lengths. Calculations were performed for three different periods: one regeneration felling cycle, two regeneration felling cycles and perpetual management cycles. The results of different types of shelterwood systems are compared with the results of clear-cutting scenarios. The calculations indicate that in the short term, the net present value of the different types of shelterwood harvesting and clear-cutting are quite similar. The results of the first cycle of regeneration felling are most affected by the costs of cultivation and tending of a plantation and young forest. In the long run, clear-cutting will have an advantage over shelterwood harvesting, as the stand regeneration period is shorter.
