Small forest improvement projects in Limousin

Abstract

The Regional Centre for Private Forest in Limousin conducted in 2000 an analysis of the experience of "small forest improvement projects", an initiative launched 11 years before. The study was conducted in the Plateau de Millevaches area and concerned private forests of an average 15 ha. It included the description of stands and operations done, as well as a meeting with the owner. Forest management appears to be a private matter, which takes time. Several types of relationship exist simultaneously between the forest and its owner, related respectively to patrimony, social concerns and nature awareness. The forthcoming "regional framework for sylvicultural management" will have to take into account all the expectations of forest owners. Finally, the promotion of sustainable forest management among forest owners will rely on local approaches.