The Effects of Environmental Politics on the Forest in 18th Century Transylvania
The Effects of Environmental Politics on the Forest in 18th Century Transylvania

Summary/Abstract: The effects of forestry policy on the forests of the mining regions in Transylvania were multiple. 1. Forestry was subordinate to mining and had, as its goal, a better exploitation of resources. 2. The best managed forests in Transylvania were in the fiscal area, where the clearcutting system was introduced for the first time. 3. The administration was aware of the negative impact of mining on the environment. The landscape in the fiscal areas was changed because of the use of wood for mining and the cultivation of mining-specific facilities, such as poaching works, ponds and water pipes, where wood was also used. The change in climate and the floods of 1784 led to a more intensive use of firewood as well as a reduction in the use of timber for mining. Towards the end of the 18th century, however, efforts to protect the forest can be noted, such as the introduction of new technology in mining, which used less wood, and the restriction of free access of people and livestock to the forest. The Bánffy family introduced reasonable measures to protect the forest by employing forest guards and limiting access to the forest.

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