Farm forestry in the black forest southern nature park from a socio-political point of view

In this study the interactions between forest management and the preservation of rural structures, as well as the economic implications should there be a shut-down of silvicultural activities in the small-scale private forestry of the Southern Nature Park of the Black Forest in Germany, are examined. The jobs, which are connected to the production of wood and the quality of the landscape, are characterized and projected on the region as far as possible. The creation of value by owners managing forests for production is demonstrated for the area of investigation. In combination with estimated average monetary values for the infrastructural benefits of the forests, scenarios point out the consequences of management as well as of a shut-down of the smallscale private forests. Finally, the paper explores whether it is it is appropriate to extend the meaning of the term ‘Environmentally Sound Forest Management’ beyond the conventional sense of forest functions, and to an holistic approach which integrates the people as well as forests and other landscape features. If an holistic approach is adopted, a redefined model of the mixed farm forest enterprise, which pursues many targets in the same area, must be developed. In this way, it seems possible to solve conflicts regarding land-use in rural areas and to achieve desirable socio-political development.