The management of the forests of the Dukes of Arenberg from 1600 until 1820

With the rise of wood prices in Western Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, forest owners could increase their revenues. The duke of Arenberg, who owned large forests in the Southern Netherlands, France and the Rhine area, managed to grasp this opportunity. By managing internal and external challenges, the dukes of Arenberg improved the production of their forests considerably over time. This article identifies four managerial changes that contributed to this change. First, the administrative structure and processes in the ducal organisation were upgraded. Second, remuneration policies were adapted to better align the interests of stewards and dukes. Third, the property rights over the forests became more exclusive and lastly, scientific insights percolated through the ducal administration proved beneficial for the forest management practices.