Evaluation of mountain forest policy in Austria

1998

S. 107-136

Unselbständiges Werk

200066967

This paper describes and evaluates the choice, the implementation and the effects of policy means aimed at establishing and preserving stable mountain forests. Legal protection of forests against clearing and clear-cutting in Austria dates back to the Middle Ages. The present situation is characterised by the fact that many mountain forest stands are growing old but lack regeneration due to browsing by cattle and game. When trying to enforce regulations, the forest administration is confronted with land-use interests which are backed by more powerful lobbies than forestry, namely: hunting, agriculture, transportation, and tourism. The forest administration, like all sector administrations, is captured by the interests of its clientele and implements sustainable management of protective forests only in accordance with forest owners' goals. Subsidies are chosen to restore the damaged stands because they lower conflict levels, serve informal interests of the bureaucracy and are regarded as transfer payments for farmers.