Using historical sources, we analysed the development of forest management in the region of Idrija through the past centuries in order to define its key milestones. The deforestation began after the year 1490 when mercury was discovered in Idrija and the mine was opened. In the end of the 16th century the first wooden water barriers 'klavže' were built. With the help of 'klavže'an inventive and technologically perfected method of floating timber from the distant forests into town was introduced and developed during the centuries. The forest railway reached even deeper into the forests in the beginning of the 19th century. Utilized forest wasn't satisfying social and economic needs any more. Aspiration for durabilityćs brought first forest mapsat the end of 18th century. In the middle of 19th of century is forestry office divorced of mine. At the same time the forests in the region of Idrija were developed in two forest management units. In the past century a forest cableway was introduced, too, and it still holds an important role in wodd harvesting nowadays. In the past forest management was subject to satisfying economic demands of the mercury mine, nowadays the forest management is of a close-tonature type.
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