Landscaping, ecological and economic considerations related to the development of spontaneous afforestation. Example of wooded grazing lands in the regional nature park in the "Haut-Jura

Abstract

The territory of the Haut-Jura Park is located in a medium mountain area. It is covered to 70% by the forest and is marked by the presence of extensive agriculture mainly related to the production of the special Haut-Jura cheese brands having an "Origin Verified Designation". The tendency of farmers to concentrate on their lands, which are most easily cultivated has led to insufficient use of areas which were historically used for forestry and grazing grounds. This has led to spontaneous reforestation of the abandoned grazing grounds. After a description and a historical analysis of the operation of these wooded pastures and the specific local traditions, the study of the changes and practice leads to the ecological, landscaping and economic consequences of these reforested areas. Finally, to reconcile these collective considerations with the status of private property of most of these spaces, often vast, various types of operations are proposed with a multiple-use approach: agriculture, forestry, value of the land and tourism. The goal is to allow these landscapes to find a permanent place in the economy of the region, its quality of life and its traditional products.