Planning, a tool for sustainable forest management follow-up

Abstract

The enforcement of the new Law on Landscapes (01/08/93) shows that landscapes are now perceived and claimed by the Society. The assessment of Landscapes quality depends on subjective criteria, aesthetic ones in particular, which can be broken up in objective criteria. The method developed at Cemagref (Grenoble) was applied in the Loue valley in Franche-Comté. A landscape analysis, carried out at various scales, details visual components, dominance criteria, and surrounding "atmosphere" components. Those criteria, once integrated by the observer, help her/him to make her/his own mind. Resultats lead to proposals that will be then submitted to the local authorities before the final setting-up of an intermunicipality landscape management plan.