Forstpolitik im Spiegel eines Gemeindewaldes

1990

S. 191-201

9 Abb., 2 Tab., 27 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200038907

It is a possible to demonstrate forestry politics by describing institutions which form the frame of forestry action, and by describing forestry actions as depending on those institutions. For a long time this approach was limited to timber forestry. It had to be completed by describing the full range of forest benefits, thus recognizing multiple-use forestry. Institutions and forest benefits have both been considered largely as fixed conditions to forestry. But institutions are instruments of politics. Once introduced they become subject so conservative interests trying to maintain them, or to progressive interests aiming at change, thus trying to improve their respective positions. Forest politics therefore is a process. It is a long turn process, since forests as habitat of plants and animals are lasting much longer than human beings. A case study is presented which demonstrates the use of a forest area during several hundred years. In a first period untill 1832, the local people were entitled to use these forests by cutting timber and fire wood, collecting resins and other products, hunting, fishing, cattle grazing etc. Beginning in the 15 th century the land lord successfully intervened by writing rules of the forest use and establishing piece by piece the acceptance of his property rights governing the people's practice. A second period then was established by a treaty which gave property rights on a part of the forest land area, not to the people but to their community. This was the beginning of timber growing forestry within the institutional frame of a forestry firm. Highly productive sustained yield forestry however turns out as hardly paying its costs, while new demand arose for recreation and conservation of natur. The present situation is considered the beginning of a new period in which the institutional frame has not yet been reset according to necessities. Solutions are not yet visible, they should care for sufficient cultivation and protection of forests, for clear long-term responsibilities, and for funds to finance the system. The forestry firm apparently stays indispensable.