Forestry in a Mountain Environment

The importance of mountain forests in several countries is shown and the environmental role of geomorphologic processes, particularly the role of rare events and their significance for forestry, demonstrated. Planning of forestry operations must give recognition to these factors, if long lasting erosion problems are to be avoided. The development of environmentally acceptable and efficient logging systems and silvicultural practices for steep slopes is urgently required if the full potential of mountain forests is to be realized.