Usoda gozdov na slovenskem do 16. stoletja
The fate of forests in Slovene territory up to the 16th century

Summary/Abstract: After the introductory chapters, which in short depict various forms of exploitation of forests in the past, the contribution focuses on different sources on forests in Slovene territory between the Alps and the Adriatic. It analyses in detail the forest and wood legislation in mining and forest orders and in statutes of Istrian towns Koper, Izola, Piran and Trieste up to the 16 th century. In the conclusion the author finds that in the dealt period forest legislation was not entirely adjusted and conceived. On the one hand it tried to ensure incomes and protect interests of forest owners, and on the other it strove for proper exploitation and prudent dealing with the exploitation of forests. In Slovene territory between the Alps and the Adriatic the forest and the mining orders reflected profitable interests of the landlords and provincial dukes. The forests were to serve in a greatest possible measure the needs of profitable mines and ironworks, and commerce. In the Istrian Littoral the statutes protected benefits of town communes, in the Western Istrian hinterland of Venice as well. The towns needed wood mainly for their own everyday needs: heating and wood crafts, Serenissima for the building of vessels and Venice itself. As well as forest and mining orders as the statutes share a common concern and fear of forest fires and uncontrolled chopping and pasture in forests. Both define the manner of protection and control over forests, which was carried out by forest masters, mining masters and judges and forest guards. Up to the 16 th century the aim of the legislation remained above all the protection of the forest and not investment into its regeneration. Such expedient forest legislation was brought to Slovene territory between the Alps and the Adriatic not sooner than in the 18th century with the Theresian reforms.

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