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PLATEAU DE MILLEVACHES, LIMOUSIN

PLATEAU DE MILLEVACHES, LIMOUSIN

We saw them plant these fir trees.

In the meadows, everywhere.

That's all there was.

LA CORREZE IN PICTURES
START OF VIENNE IN MILLEVACHES

LA CORREZE IN PICTURES
START OF VIENNE IN MILLEVACHES

IN CORREZE
AT THE PLATEAU DE MILLEVACHES

IN CORREZE
AT THE PLATEAU DE MILLEVACHES

When they got tall,

it became the black forest.

it became the black forest.

Mornings became evenings.

Nothing penetrates the fir trees,

Nothing penetrates the fir trees,

not even a bird song.

I left because of the trees.

THE TIME OF FORESTS

THE TIME OF FORESTS

DIRECTED BY FRANCOIS-XAVIER DROUET

We're in the middle
of a monotype plantation.

We're in the middle
of a monotype plantation.

It means that only one type
of tree that has been planted

about 20, 25 years ago.

about 20, 25 years ago.

It's the lined-up trees we saw.

They made rows of trees,

They made rows of trees,

one tree every ten feet.

That's about 400 trees per acre.

But can we call it a forest?

The question arises.
It is indeed a tree plantation.

The question arises.
It is indeed a tree plantation.

If you listen closely...

Can you hear any birds? No birds.

Look at the ground, there's no life.

Look at the ground, there's no life.

No plants grow.

The only thing they got,
and that was the goal,

in this case, are spruces,

to have 400 spruces per acre.

And they call it a forest.

It is not like a forest at all.

If I look at the ground,
I have spruce needles.

If I look at the ground,
I have spruce needles.

If I dig,

I have several years of needles
stacked on top of each other,

they haven't changed.

they haven't changed.

It doesn't make humus.

For it to be converted
you need other types of trees

For it to be converted
you need other types of trees

so their leaves mix with the ground.

It's not recycling the material.

It's not recycling the material.

The tree pumps into the ground,
sends its needles

and they stay there.

Nothing happens. No life.

Nothing happens. No life.

If you dig, you won't find any
earthworms, there's nothing.

This is the temple
of the Douglas fir.

What kind of tree is it?

What kind of tree is it?

They use it a lot in
the Massif Central right now.

Today, in terms of planting,

when you plant 10 trees,
nine are Douglas fir.

Why?

Why?

It's mostly because
they grow quickly.

You get wood quickly.

You get wood quickly.

One acre of Douglas fir produces

about 200 to 280 cubic feet
of wood per year.

about 200 to 280 cubic feet
of wood per year.

Compared to oak,

two and a half acres of oak produce
about 175 cubic feet a year.

two and a half acres of oak produce
about 175 cubic feet a year.

That's four times less.

When you look for performance,
is clear.

When you look for performance,
is clear.

This tree produces much faster.

They decided to grow
only Douglas firs here.

So everything
that nature wants to put...

So everything
that nature wants to put...

because nature knows what it needs.

This, for example,

This, for example,

it's birch, it's leafy.

it's birch, it's leafy.

It mixed with these Douglas firs
by itself.

The big advantage

The big advantage

is that when the leaves and needles

mix on the ground,

it's going to make humus much faster

it's going to make humus much faster

than this carpet
of Douglas fir needles

which will remain stagnant for years.

which will remain stagnant for years.

So this mix is very profitable
for the ground.

But it's not the tree they wanted,

they didn't ask for birch,
but for Douglas fir.

they didn't ask for birch,
but for Douglas fir.

So they remove them.

Nature grows birch

Nature grows birch

and we're going to pay people
to come destroy these birch trees.

Don't touch the established order.

Don't touch the established order.

They want Douglas fir,
they'll get it.

PRIVATE FOREST

WE ALL LOVE THE FOREST. RESPECT IT!

The place where we are
is called a "clean cut".

The place where we are
is called a "clean cut".

It was, for a time,
a plantation of trees,

It was, for a time,
a plantation of trees,

which grew to 130 feet high,

with trees that are
about 40 years old.

Then mankind came
to take trees for their needs.

Then mankind came
to take trees for their needs.

And they do this with a technique
called "clean cut".

And they do this with a technique
called "clean cut".

How does this happen?

There were originally loggers,

but it's a very physical job.

but it's a very physical job.

It wore men down.
It made people work.

It wore men down.
It made people work.

They replaced them with machines.

Since trees are all the same,

they made a machine that
corresponds to this type of tree.

It's called a harvester.

It's called a harvester.

You can imagine on this ground,
when it will be laid bare,

they'll plant small trees
that are like corn.

they'll plant small trees
that are like corn.

An industry minister said:

"The forest should be treated
like a tomato field

"The forest should be treated
like a tomato field

"or a cornfield."

It's a vision of things.
But these small trees

will be the only vegetation here.

They'll make sure they don't compete

with what will come naturally.

with what will come naturally.

It will have to be protected
against insect attacks.

On this empty plate,
they'll have nothing to eat.

On this empty plate,
they'll have nothing to eat.

So they're going to go
after these small plants

and they'll make sure
these small plants aren't eaten

and they'll make sure
these small plants aren't eaten

by small weevils called hylobes.

So they'll use pesticides.

So they'll use pesticides.

For the common man,

putting pesticides
in forests sounds crazy.

putting pesticides
in forests sounds crazy.

And yet, here we are.

On a global scale,

the problem of deforestation
is often mentioned.

the problem of deforestation
is often mentioned.

It is not so, here.

It's not a deforestation regime,

It's not a deforestation regime,

it's a regime of mal-forestation.

With a size like this,

we need to cut
at least 7,000 cubic feet a day.

we need to cut
at least 7,000 cubic feet a day.

-How much?
-7,000 cubic feet.

7,000 cubic feet!

To start being profitable.

To start being profitable.

A machine like this

costs about 9,000 euros a month.

costs about 9,000 euros a month.

So it needs to work.

So it needs to work.

We can't stay home
just because it's raining.

In the evening,
we don't want to go partying

when we've finished the day.

Do you work long days?

10 to 12 hours a day.

10 to 12 hours a day.

You have to hang on.

Sometimes owners are unhappy

because we destroy paths a little.

But the job requires it, so...

But the job requires it, so...

We see the track,

almost straight,
taken by the machine.

almost straight,
taken by the machine.

It doesn't correspond to any path.

It crossed the river at right angles.

It crossed the river at right angles.

Probably several times.

When it went down, it probably

pushed mud into the stream.

pushed mud into the stream.

I think it was this area
that caused the alert

to the local river
management services

to the local river
management services

and the state water police services.

Because it polluted the Vienne.

Because it polluted the Vienne.

We could ask ourselves,

as the State services came

to see the damage.

to see the damage.

They notified the operator
of the problem

before Christmas,
before the end of December.

before Christmas,
before the end of December.

It's already early February,
nothing has happened,

It's already early February,
nothing has happened,

so we can assume nothing
more will happen on this site.

For them the case is closed.

For them the case is closed.

When you put machines
that weigh 15, 20 tons,

or even when a loaded forest carrier

or even when a loaded forest carrier

that weighs up to 40 tons
on such fragile ground,

that weighs up to 40 tons
on such fragile ground,

even in dry weather, loamy soils
are sensitive to compaction.

But they worked in wet conditions

But they worked in wet conditions

so the silt becomes thinner
and makes a kind of molasses.

With this slope,
it makes a sediment slide

With this slope,
it makes a sediment slide

which goes directly into the stream.

I'm standing in the stream.

You can't really see it.

To take my sample,

I have to push all of this.

I have to push all of this.

I'm originally from Burgundy.
I did two years of forestry school.

I'm originally from Burgundy.
I did two years of forestry school.

I arrived in the Limousin in 2008.

And when I got here,

it was quite shocking to me.

Especially as we may
have made mistakes in the past,

Especially as we may
have made mistakes in the past,

but today we have a forest knowledge

but today we have a forest knowledge

that is quite developed

and we know
the consequences of our actions.

and we know
the consequences of our actions.

And we arrived
with a maturity of settlement

And we arrived
with a maturity of settlement

which put us at a crossroads

and we could consider,
we can always consider

and we could consider,
we can always consider

other forestry approaches.

Look, the stump
is so big that the shovel...

Look, the stump
is so big that the shovel...

It's huge!

That should
really stay in the ground.

That should
really stay in the ground.

It's food for the ground.

It's food for the ground.

The forest needs it to start over.

Look at the extent
of the root network!

Look at the extent
of the root network!

It's organic matter,
it's stored carbon.

It's organic matter,
it's stored carbon.

It's all of those things at once.

And it's also a network

And it's also a network

which allows water
to seep well into the soil.

It's a whole operation
that's disturbed.

It's a whole operation
that's disturbed.

This technique is directly inspired
by an agricultural model

This technique is directly inspired
by an agricultural model

and not just any model.

It's the current classic
intensive agricultural model.

There's no more soil.
It's gray, yellow.

There's no more soil.
It's gray, yellow.

The entire fertile part of the top
of the ground has been stripped.

There's a bit left there,
it's a little brown.

There's a bit left there,
it's a little brown.

The upper part of the soil
that isn't thick,

The upper part of the soil
that isn't thick,

sometimes a few inches,
sometimes four inches,

that's where the organic matter is,

that's where the organic matter is,

which gives that dark color.

That's where the greatest
fertility on forest soils is,

That's where the greatest
fertility on forest soils is,

that's often where we find

nutrients for plants

nutrients for plants

and it really constitutes the
important environment of the soil.

and it really constitutes the
important environment of the soil.

It's disappeared,
it was torn off by the machines

that pushed the branches
and stumps at the same time

that pushed the branches
and stumps at the same time

in the piles you can see.

The clear part
of the ground you can see

The clear part
of the ground you can see

will remain sterile
for a very long time

and the fertile part
is going to be in the Andeans.

But since they'll replant
between the Andeans,

it's going to be a problem.

it's going to be a problem.

It opens the door to legitimize
the use of fertilizers.

Because there's nothing left.

Because there's nothing left.

They cleaned up,

but cleaning up

doesn't work with nature.

doesn't work with nature.

This is an operating site
we bought from a private individual.

We're going to go into clear-cut.
We're going to cut everything.

We're going to go into clear-cut.
We're going to cut everything.

Because if they get too big,
it will be difficult to sell them.

The clean cut method
may seem shocking.

The clean cut method
may seem shocking.

Why do you think it's necessary?

It is seen negatively.

It changes how the landscape looks.

It changes how the landscape looks.

People start wondering,

People start wondering,

but they don't have to.

These trees
were planted to be harvested

and this is the harvesting period,
so we have to cut them.

and this is the harvesting period,
so we have to cut them.

Is forestry like agriculture for you?

It's like a garden. We sow,

transplant, plant, clean,

transplant, plant, clean,

weed... Well, we clear brush,

then we cut them when they're ready.

When they're mature,
it's time to cut them.

When they're mature,
it's time to cut them.

We work a lot
on a just-in-time basis.

Some factories have gone

Some factories have gone

from five trucks per day to 30.

They need such a volume of wood

They need such a volume of wood

that we had to meet their demand.

When they need wood,

they pressure us and we have to cut.

they pressure us and we have to cut.

We can't have any delays.

We saw the wood as soon as we cut it.

We saw the wood as soon as we cut it.

It puts some pressure on us

It puts some pressure on us

that we didn't have before.

This is a tree

we'll have a hard time selling
on the French market.

we'll have a hard time selling
on the French market.

Since its diameter is so big,

nowadays,

nowadays,

at least in the Limousin,
no one will buy it.

We sell them sometimes.

We sell them sometimes.

But this one will go to China.

It'll be shipped to China,
India or Pakistan.

It'll be shipped to China,
India or Pakistan.

Harvesters have
significantly revolutionized

Harvesters have
significantly revolutionized

the forestry industry.

In terms of manpower,
a harvester represents...

In terms of manpower,
a harvester represents...

A lumberjack makes
about 700 cubic feet a day,

A lumberjack makes
about 700 cubic feet a day,

when he's worked well,
in decent woods,

on average.

A harvester makes 5300.

Is this an interesting site?

Yes.

If we only had sites
like this all year round,

If we only had sites
like this all year round,

we wouldn't complain.
Unfortunately...

The unit volumes
of the trees are interesting.

The unit volumes
of the trees are interesting.

It allows us to get huge yields

It allows us to get huge yields

from the trees.

These trees are easy to grab,

These trees are easy to grab,

we don't have to keep coming back,

so the carrier
will be filled up quickly.

so the carrier
will be filled up quickly.

We get them on their way quickly.

Is it more interesting for you
to work with a clean cut,

Is it more interesting for you
to work with a clean cut,

with a single species?
Is it more comfortable?

Yes, because when
we have several species,

Yes, because when
we have several species,

we have to sort everything.

we have to sort everything.

It's funny, I was thinking...

These are machines
that save you a lot of pain,

but you still have to work a lot

but you still have to work a lot

to make them profitable?

Yes. We're slaves to our machines,
that's kind of the problem.

Yes. We're slaves to our machines,
that's kind of the problem.

What's this pile of wood?

What's this pile of wood?

All this,

it's a pile for wood energy.

it's a pile for wood energy.

There are many species.

There are many species.

People are made to believe
that compressed wood

is sawmill waste, but it's not.

is sawmill waste, but it's not.

They cut down whole trees,
valuable trees.

This is a pretty nice oak

This is a pretty nice oak

that could make beautiful boards,

quality wood.

quality wood.

Same for this Scots pine.

It's not damaged, it's beautiful,
there are no fungi.

It's pretty straight.

They're going to put these
in huge grinding machines

They're going to put these
in huge grinding machines

to make pellets or granules

or I don't know what else
in compressed wood.

or I don't know what else
in compressed wood.

Is this something
that has appeared recently?

It started ten years ago, but it's
really taken of five years ago.

We see these piles of trees
more often now.

We see these piles of trees
more often now.

They're easy to spot
because they have whole trees.

They don't sort them anymore.

They don't sort them anymore.

All that matters
is the volume of wood

that will go into the grinder.

that will go into the grinder.

They can deal with
considerable diameters.

What does it feel like to see it?

What does it feel like to see it?

It's even worse than clean cuts

because biomass
is supposed to be renewable,

because biomass
is supposed to be renewable,

since it grows and is supposed
to grow back perpetually,

since it grows and is supposed
to grow back perpetually,

as a result,
this kind of action is valued,

stamped "green", ecological,

stamped "green", ecological,

in favor of carbon offsetting,
carbon saving,

since we're going
to use that wood in boilers

since we're going
to use that wood in boilers

and not oil or coal.

So they won't have used fossil fuels.

So they won't have used fossil fuels.

So they think that

by using this,

it's a 100% ecological action.

it's a 100% ecological action.

But they destroyed the ground
and used huge machines,

But they destroyed the ground
and used huge machines,

because grinding Scots pines
that are over two feet in diameter

because grinding Scots pines
that are over two feet in diameter

requires lots of energy

and substantial grinders.

There's no end:

There's no end:

they think nature will always
give everything it can

and that we'll always take
as much as we can,

and that we'll always take
as much as we can,

without limits

and without ever asking questions

about the meaning of what we do.

about the meaning of what we do.

An economic meaning,
an ecological meaning,

a human, social meaning.

a human, social meaning.

One could wonder

what the person
who did this was thinking.

what the person
who did this was thinking.

Did he agree with that?
Did he have a choice?

Was it explained to him or not?

Was it explained to him or not?

What did he think when he did that?

Stacking piles of wood randomly

Stacking piles of wood randomly

with branches still on the trees

is against the forester's profession.

is against the forester's profession.

Be careful, it's going to fall.

Be careful, it's going to fall.

Did you see
these big machines coming?

Yes. Early 90s.

At first they weren't efficient.

They were just scrap metal back then.

They were just scrap metal back then.

They evolved well.
They're really efficient now.

It's monstrous.

It's monstrous.

Monstrous?

Impressive.

Impressive.

I don't know
if the forest massif will resist.

The number of machines
and how efficient they are.

The number of machines
and how efficient they are.

So one day we'll have no more
old forests?

Not if this keeps going.

Not if this keeps going.

Only young forests.
The oldest will be 50 years old.

They cut them after 50 years.

They cut them after 50 years.

They say trees are mature
after 50 years

but that's not true.
A Douglas fir takes longer.

but that's not true.
A Douglas fir takes longer.

Not here.

The problem with these machines

is that they cost
about 500,000 euros.

is that they cost
about 500,000 euros.

It's a big investment

and then you work
for the bank and John Deere.

That's the problem.

That's the problem.

John Deere?

It's the machines' main brand.

There are others.

There are others.

A chainsaw is 1,500 euros.

But it is obviously
much more physical.

But I don't work for the banks.
That's how I see it.

You understand?

You never wanted
to go into debt to go...

You never wanted
to go into debt to go...

No. Never.
I want to sleep at night, peacefully.

I want to take time to live.

I want to eat lunch
and sleep at night.

31 years of lumbering
and still happy.

31 years of lumbering
and still happy.

I can say I'm happy in the woods.

That's why I don't give up this job.

That's why I don't give up this job.

I make log cabins too,
but I still do this.

In the winter,
I like to be in the woods, alone,

In the winter,
I like to be in the woods, alone,

in the country,
especially on nice days like today.

It's very nice,
it's not like this every day.

It's very nice,
it's not like this every day.

I have to admit.

Could anything make you give it up?

My body, of course.

My body, of course.

It gets harder with age.

The hills, the slopes,
the weight of the chainsaw...

The hills, the slopes,
the weight of the chainsaw...

It's my body that will make me stop.

Unfortunately.

Unfortunately.

If only I could do this
until the end...

What a joy to be here, alone, quiet.

What a joy to be here, alone, quiet.

Especially in this shitty society.

Especially in this shitty society.

The forest is one of the last places

you can still be at peace.

Nature. Well, what's left of it.

Nature. Well, what's left of it.

These small branches...
That's a nice one.

There you go!

That's a nice tree.

That's a nice tree.

It is.

How old is it?

How old is it?

About 50,
you have to count the circles.

It's a young Douglas fir.

In their country of origin, they last
three, four centuries; the Rockies.

In their country of origin, they last
three, four centuries; the Rockies.

Why do we only use Douglas fir?

Because there's a market for it.

Because there's a market for it.

But the market
for large Douglas fir trees

is disappearing.

is disappearing.

For small and medium sections,
for pallets, farmhouses,

there are always opportunities.
Especially pallets.

It's sad to use good Douglas fir
for pallets

It's sad to use good Douglas fir
for pallets

but that's what they do.
Unfortunately.

Is it a waste?

Yes, because this wood
would be great for framing,

Yes, because this wood
would be great for framing,

in construction, in carpentry too.

Quality Douglas firs
can be used in carpentry.

It's a waste, yes.

I regularly do 45,
50-year-old Douglas firs

for pallets.

for pallets.

Even bigger than that,
billed at 2.40 meters

for pallets.

I often do it behind the machines.

Does it hurt you?

Of course!

I also use wood in construction

I also use wood in construction

and I know it would be better

in construction than in pallets.

As pallets are
only for packaging and transport,

As pallets are
only for packaging and transport,

that's it.

It's used once,
then it's thrown away.

It's used once,
then it's thrown away.

It's globalization.

It's globalization.

Containers, boats, transportation.

That's it...

That's where our beautiful
Douglas firs go.

That's where our beautiful
Douglas firs go.

This blue mark
is recognized by lumberjacks

and loggers.

They know these trees
need to be kept protected.

They know these trees
need to be kept protected.

I'll mark this Douglas fir with blue.

I'll mark this Douglas fir with blue.

It's not the biggest of the group,

but its branches are the thinnest.

but its branches are the thinnest.

I think this is the tree

I think this is the tree

that will stay here the longest.

I'm going to remove
its most aggressive

I'm going to remove
its most aggressive

competitor

that has many more branches:
this one.

I don't think

there is an old forest culture
in Limousin.

there is an old forest culture
in Limousin.

I come from Germany,

I lived in an area

where there's
a very old forest culture.

where there's
a very old forest culture.

I cannot pretend that it provides
a solution to everything,

I cannot pretend that it provides
a solution to everything,

but it gives
a relationship to the forest

that is a little different.

that is a little different.

I see the forest more as a continuity

than as a plantation

than as a plantation

which must be cut
to finish the cycle.

which must be cut
to finish the cycle.

I see the forest as a continuity
where we take samples

I see the forest as a continuity
where we take samples

of trees here and there
as we need them

and in the long run,
if we add them all up,

and in the long run,
if we add them all up,

you realize that you take

you realize that you take

the same volume of wood

than with other methods.

than with other methods.

This is a cherry tree.

A cherry tree that came by itself.

It wasn't planted.

It's quite big already.

It's quite big already.

These don't sell right now.

These don't sell right now.

But that's OK, we'll wait.

But that's OK, we'll wait.

One day, the cherry tree
will be fashionable again,

which is when we can sell it.

As long as it's standing,
it's growing.

Is it important not to give in
to fashions when managing a forest?

Is it important not to give in
to fashions when managing a forest?

Yes, because fashion changes.

The trees remain.

The trees remain.

You just have
to have different species

to provide for different fashions.

to provide for different fashions.

It's practical.

It's practical.

As long as the trees
aren't cut down, they grow.

There's another one.

There's another one.

In the undergrowth, you can see

In the undergrowth, you can see

seedlings of beech trees,

a small Douglas fir
and a chestnut tree

a small Douglas fir
and a chestnut tree

that came here spontaneously.

If I remove this tree,

If I remove this tree,

their conditions will improve.

So they'll keep growing

So they'll keep growing

and in 30, 40 years, it might

be a young tree
with a promising future.

be a young tree
with a promising future.

It didn't cost us anything.

It didn't cost us anything.

So if it fails,
it doesn't matter either.

In monoculture plantations,
we often see

a single species
and all of the same age.

a single species
and all of the same age.

There's no undergrowth.

Why is it important?

It's important for two reasons:

It's important for two reasons:

On the one hand,
to ensure the future.

If you do not want
to go through the clean cut,

If you do not want
to go through the clean cut,

we'll have to renew one day.

Trees cannot be allowed
to age forever.

Trees cannot be allowed
to age forever.

One day they'll be too old,
they'll collapse.

They will also lack room to grow.

So having this regeneration

So having this regeneration

under adult trees

is reassuring.

is reassuring.

We don't have to worry too much,

this natural regeneration
will come in

one way or another
if we give it time.

one way or another
if we give it time.

We often hear that deciduous trees
have no value in the Limousin.

We often hear that deciduous trees
have no value in the Limousin.

There are many timber merchants

who live almost exclusively
from deciduous trees.

If they had no value,

If they had no value,

I think they'd turn
to something else.

The most expensive oaks are worth

The most expensive oaks are worth

at least ten times more
per cubic foot

at least ten times more
per cubic foot

than the most expensive Douglas firs.

Come see!

A fawn!

A deer's not really a friend
of the forester usually, right?

A deer's not really a friend
of the forester usually, right?

They say they're a disaster

in plantations,
that they eat the plants.

in plantations,
that they eat the plants.

I don't know, I think he's
very happy to be in the forest.

I don't think he wants
to hurt the forest.

I don't think he wants
to hurt the forest.

The forest doesn't want hurt
the deer either.

If there aren't too many.

But deer does much less damage

But deer does much less damage

in this type of forest
than in plantations.

A living forest is open

A living forest is open

to many enthusiasts.

There are foresters,
hunters, walkers,

mushroom pickers, ornithologists,

mushroom pickers, ornithologists,

herbalists.

Everyone finds

something interesting in the forest.

I like this idea that

the forest isn't used exclusively
for the production of wood.

the forest isn't used exclusively
for the production of wood.

Wood production

is what pays for forest management.

is what pays for forest management.

But we have, as collateral benefits,

a whole bunch of things

a whole bunch of things

for which we don't get paid,

but which are essential.

but which are essential.

MORVAN MASSIF, BOURGOGNE

MORVAN MASSIF, BOURGOGNE

SAVE OUR FORESTS

SAVE OUR FORESTS

IS THE MORVANDELLE FOREST
A WOOD FACTORY?

We mustn't give up!
We have to hang on!

We mustn't give up!
We have to hang on!

The situation is serious,

we can't minimize these problems.

we can't minimize these problems.

I hear too often, even now,

"What can we do?",

"Douglas firs are reaching maturity,
they must be cut!"

Of course not! Don't clean cut them!

Of course not! Don't clean cut them!

We can do other things,
we have alternatives!

The group owns
a Douglas fir monoculture plot.

The group owns
a Douglas fir monoculture plot.

We're making it uneven
to bring back a mix

and it's working! It is possible!

and it's working! It is possible!

The foundation
of the group is collective action.

We're all here together
because we love the forest,

We're all here together
because we love the forest,

we want to save forests.

Let's move forward!

Long live the Morvan
and its diversified, tiered forests,

Long live the Morvan
and its diversified, tiered forests,

and let's continue the fight
to save as much as possible!

and let's continue the fight
to save as much as possible!

Thank you all for your support!

It was a beautiful deciduous forest,
a mixed forest.

It was a beautiful deciduous forest,
a mixed forest.

We could very well have exploited it,

We could very well have exploited it,

thinned it out,

but without clear cutting everything.

In addition,
you can see how the forest was

and what it'll be

because we can already see
small Douglas fir seedlings.

because we can already see
small Douglas fir seedlings.

The Morvan wasn't covered
with coniferous forests.

The Morvan wasn't covered
with coniferous forests.

There were some very pretty
fir beech forests mixed in,

There were some very pretty
fir beech forests mixed in,

but which had nothing to do with
Douglas fir monocultures like this.

Institutional investors
then took control of it.

Institutional investors
then took control of it.

The Caisse d'épargne de Paris,
Axa assurance and others.

The Caisse d'épargne de Paris,
Axa assurance and others.

They came to the Morvan

for profitability.

for profitability.

They cut down the deciduous trees

to replace them with
monocultures of Douglas fir.

to replace them with
monocultures of Douglas fir.

Are they still??

They are!

Look at this.

Look at this.

The worst part is that
people are getting used to it.

The worst part is that
people are getting used to it.

I come from a very modest family,

a large family of six children,

a large family of six children,

with its own difficulties.

We were poor.

We were poor.

But there was nature, the forest,

But there was nature, the forest,

the woods, the garden,
all those things that made us live.

I have wonderful memories of my youth

I have wonderful memories of my youth

despite the lack of money.

My dad would take me to the forest

My dad would take me to the forest

in the morning
when he was getting firewood.

I have a wonderful memory

I have a wonderful memory

of those foggy mornings, very cool,

when we went in the forest.
It was extraordinarily quiet!

when we went in the forest.
It was extraordinarily quiet!

I've always remembered it.

That's what has always motivated
me to defend the forest.

That's what has always motivated
me to defend the forest.

The group was created
to ally with the city of Autun

The group was created
to ally with the city of Autun

and the Burgundy
Natural Spaces Conservatory

to buy these 270 hectares.

to buy these 270 hectares.

It's our property now.

The first thing was to save
this massif from a clear cut,

The first thing was to save
this massif from a clear cut,

but we continued
with the same objectives.

Our goals are to buy forests

Our goals are to buy forests

to prove that they can be managed
in an environmentally friendly way

and still be profitable.

In fact it gives us all
we can hope for:

In fact it gives us all
we can hope for:

the owners don't operate at a loss,

nature is protected,
its biodiversity, the landscapes.

nature is protected,
its biodiversity, the landscapes.

And there'd be
no more conflicts,

which is always the case in Morvan.

which is always the case in Morvan.

People are fed up with clear-cutting.

They wonder what's going on,
they're just not informed.

They wonder what's going on,
they're just not informed.

We see it when we go out
with the forestry group.

We explain that exploitation.

We explain that exploitation.

I've never heard
an associate of the group say:

"Scandalous,
you're cutting down a tree!"

"Scandalous,
you're cutting down a tree!"

GASCONY MOORS

GASCONY MOORS

This is the Gascony Moors massif.

This is the Gascony Moors massif.

This massif has peculiarities

This massif has peculiarities

related to its soil,
which is mainly sand,

and to its climate.

and to its climate.

And to the presence,
for nearly 150 years,

of a very elaborate silviculture,

of a very elaborate silviculture,

which is described as intensive,

but in a good way,
of the maritime pine.

The maritime pine is a local species

The maritime pine is a local species

which existed before
the establishment of this forestry.

It was developed
by a will of the state

at the time of Napoleon III,

to develop the development
of these lands.

to develop the development
of these lands.

They were poorly drained,
poorly valued.

They were poorly drained,
poorly valued.

There was a significant
reforestation policy

which resulted in a massif of one
million hectares of maritime pine.

which resulted in a massif of one
million hectares of maritime pine.

One of the most productive
massifs in Europe.

We tried to diversify
the types of species.

We tried dozens of species
all over the world.

We tried dozens of species
all over the world.

But at over 80% the maritime pine

But at over 80% the maritime pine

is and will remain
the king of the Gascony forest.

is and will remain
the king of the Gascony forest.

We're evolving quite quickly now.

We had an operating age
that was around 60 years

We had an operating age
that was around 60 years

20, 30 years ago.

We're now looking at 40, 45 years.

We're now looking at 40, 45 years.

These pines
will be exploited more quickly

with rotations of 30, 35 years.

with rotations of 30, 35 years.

We're moving towards
a reduction in rotations

because pine trees grow faster

because pine trees grow faster

and because we have to take
into account climatic events.

We all remember
the two storms suffered

We all remember
the two storms suffered

by the massif in 1999 and 2009.

So we take into account
these evolutions

So we take into account
these evolutions

to minimize risk

and ensure that the forest investment

and ensure that the forest investment

accounts for these risks.

What do you think of this landscape?

It's mine.

Are you OK with that?

It's monotonous
if you know nothing about it.

For me, every tree is different

For me, every tree is different

and speaks to me differently.

You feel like an army general

with its people perfectly in line.

It's nice and clean.

It's nice and clean.

This means that we can
clear brush between the lines

This means that we can
clear brush between the lines

very easily.

This means

This means

there's no competition for pines,

only they eat.

After the storm,

was there a change
in forest management?

Did it make you change things?

After the storm,
we tried to reforest.

After the storm,
we tried to reforest.

Did you reforest in the same way
or did you learn lessons?

Did you reforest in the same way
or did you learn lessons?

About that,

we did more than plantations.

we did more than plantations.

With seedlings

With seedlings

selected as "top level".

We have almost no dead trees.

We have almost no dead trees.

This means that birds can't nest.

This means that birds can't nest.

Ecologically, we keep it quiet,

Ecologically, we keep it quiet,

because since they can't nest,
well, there aren't any!

You'll say that it's too hot,

that they went to sleep elsewhere.

that they went to sleep elsewhere.

But there are none!

There's a technique
called "Pro Silva".

There's a technique
called "Pro Silva".

You need to have

one to two dead trees per acre

in which birds make their nest.

in which birds make their nest.

Then nature and animals

Then nature and animals

grow in harmony.

What do you think of it?

Theoretically, it's ideal.

But economically, it's not.

Nature made it so
that the maritime pine

Nature made it so
that the maritime pine

really likes it here.

Naturally.

Naturally.

And since we haven't found anything
else, we make maritime pine.

In line

plowed.

I don't know
if we used fertilizer here.

I don't know
if we used fertilizer here.

I think so,
because they're growing very well.

What is the use
of plant protection products

in Landes forestry?

Chemical treatments

are products we are forbidden

are products we are forbidden

to use a little more each day.

This forest
was created by our ancestors,

continued by us.

continued by us.

It's here because
it was managed well.

And they bother us

And they bother us

with their regulations,

while we've always done things right!

while we've always done things right!

Why would we change?

We're on a plot

that was damaged by the storm.

that was damaged by the storm.

Almost all the pines
ended up on the ground.

Almost all the pines
ended up on the ground.

We left the few survivors

so they could continue to grow.

so they could continue to grow.

It gives us an idea
of the landscape there was.

Even early in the 20th century

there were still these big moors
around the neighborhood.

The fields were fertilized

The fields were fertilized

only with sheep manure.

Otherwise the soil was too poor.

Otherwise the soil was too poor.

When the forest began
to be developed,

things became difficult
between shepherds and foresters.

things became difficult
between shepherds and foresters.

They said that sheep ate pines,

but it was the pines
that ate the sheep.

but it was the pines
that ate the sheep.

That's the moral of the story.

This storm

This storm

was traumatizing for everyone,

was traumatizing for everyone,

but I wasn't a forest manager yet.

I had been an owner for two years.

I had been an owner for two years.

It was a family property.

I didn't choose to manage it.

I didn't choose to manage it.

My parents were taking care of it,

then, little by little,
they started delegating

then, little by little,
they started delegating

to the large local forestry company,

the co-operative.

I hadn't asked myself too many
questions, but with this storm...

Such large areas were on the ground

that it forced me to wonder
about how the forest was managed.

that it forced me to wonder
about how the forest was managed.

I started looking into it

and I discovered that there were
other ways of doing things

and I discovered that there were
other ways of doing things

like in other regions.

On the Landes massif,
it was more timid,

On the Landes massif,
it was more timid,

but there were attempts.

I heard about Pro Silva management.

I heard about Pro Silva management.

I met Jacques Hazera,

who's been managing
his property with it

who's been managing
his property with it

for years.

And I had to find something else,

And I had to find something else,

because the more big machines

with use...

Forestry has become monumental.

Forestry has become monumental.

It's the general trend
in agriculture.

The machines used
in the forest are terrible.

The machines used
in the forest are terrible.

So, since this soil is very fragile,
with very little humus,

each time they're used,

each time they're used,

everything is turned upside down.

You don't have to be a specialist

You don't have to be a specialist

to know that trees would be stronger
and better rooted down

to know that trees would be stronger
and better rooted down

if we left them be.

if we left them be.

That's what I think.

There are pine trees everywhere,
on different levels.

There are pine trees everywhere,
on different levels.

Those that emerged
from the vegetation

and the tiny ones growing here

and the tiny ones growing here

under the grasses and ferns,

looking for their piece of sun.

looking for their piece of sun.

Letting this natural regeneration

Letting this natural regeneration

takes its course saves money,

but it also preserves the soil.

but it also preserves the soil.

All this vegetation

All this vegetation

provides the structure

that allows trees

that allows trees

to grow

and anchor their roots down.

and anchor their roots down.

Some birch trees are also growing
in the middle, small oaks.

Some birch trees are also growing
in the middle, small oaks.

There are lots of birch trees,
because they need light.

Trees are stronger

Trees are stronger

when they're together.

Just like us, a forest is a society!

Just like us, a forest is a society!

We'll see what this forest
will look like in a few years.

We'll see what this forest
will look like in a few years.

What kind of valuation do we want

What kind of valuation do we want

for this forest?

Eventually, we must be able

Eventually, we must be able

to replace fossil fuels

to replace fossil fuels

with the cellulose of these trees.

I strongly believe in it.

And there are industrialists
who believe in it!

And there are industrialists
who believe in it!

This is how this innovative
and optimistic economic model

of today's France

of today's France

is spreading everywhere.

It's not because we mechanize,
robotize

It's not because we mechanize,
robotize

and modernize a sector

that this sector is losing jobs.

It's the other way around!

We must stop
being afraid of progress.

We must give it meaning,
but we must stop being afraid.

We must give it meaning,
but we must stop being afraid.

We also need to invest,
to change the trades,

train, accept that the life
of tomorrow is not that of yesterday.

train, accept that the life
of tomorrow is not that of yesterday.

VOSGES FOREST

Fir 45!

-Spruce 30!
-Fir 35!

-Spruce 30!
-Fir 35!

40!

Fir 40!

-2!
-A second one!

-2!
-A second one!

Fayard 75!

Fayard 75!

What's "fayard"?

It's a beech tree.
It came from Old French.

It's a beech tree.
It came from Old French.

In the forest,
we prefer to say "fayard"

In the forest,
we prefer to say "fayard"

because it sounds better
than "beech".

It's easier to understand
from far away.

Spruce 70!

Spruce 70!

Fir 35!

Fir 35!

What is this gesture
you're doing with the hammer?

I first remove the bark

I first remove the bark

with the axe part of the hammer.

I turn the hammer over,
and with this side,

I have a mark that is engraved.

It's in Gothic letters: A.F.,

which means
"Forestry Administration".

which means
"Forestry Administration".

I put this mark
on the clearing I just made.

I put this mark
on the clearing I just made.

Why?

The interest is that when
loggers come to cut...

The interest is that when
loggers come to cut...

After the plot is sold,
the loggers come

After the plot is sold,
the loggers come

to cut down the trees,
and they can see the mark from afar.

This mark

This mark

is filed with the courts.

Counterfeiting it
is severely punished.

Counterfeiting it
is severely punished.

It's like making fake money.

Fir 40!

Fir 40!

And fir 50! Repeat it!

Fir 40. Repeat it for Jean!

Since the beginning of the trip,

I hammered 23.91m3, almost 24.

I hammered 23.91m3, almost 24.

Everything is listed by species
and by diameter.

Everything is listed by species
and by diameter.

Something amazing
happened a few years ago.

Something amazing
happened a few years ago.

An organization called
"the national forest inventory",

who is responsible
for estimating the resources

of wood and forests in France

and to deduce
what can be obtained from it.

and to deduce
what can be obtained from it.

They came up with numbers.

They came up with numbers.

I don't remember what they were.

We based our work on these numbers,
so did the ONF,

We based our work on these numbers,
so did the ONF,

to decide how much wood

should be cut from French forests.

should be cut from French forests.

Our work was based
on these numbers for years

before someone realized

before someone realized

that the baseline data
was completely wrong

and that these numbers
were far too high.

and that these numbers
were far too high.

We're always encouraged to take more.

We're always encouraged to take more.

It's up to us to resist the pressure,

It's up to us to resist the pressure,

but it can only be done
up to a certain point.

Maurice, has this forest changed much

since you've worked in it?

Yes.

I know it pretty well

and I see much fewer large trees,

and I see much fewer large trees,

large firs, large oaks,

especially in the plain.

especially in the plain.

The same is true in the mountain.

For fir trees the exploitability
diameter is 20 inches.

For fir trees the exploitability
diameter is 20 inches.

Beyond that,

Beyond that,

we usually lose money.

Does it hurt?

Does it hurt?

Of course!

We weren't raised in that culture,

to put it plainly,

to put it plainly,

of the forest as a wood factory.

of the forest as a wood factory.

This wasn't my vision
of the forestry profession

when I started to work for the ONF.

when I started to work for the ONF.

Has your sector evolved in size
since the beginning of your career?

Has your sector evolved in size
since the beginning of your career?

Yes.

It has tripled.

We spend a lot more time on the road

and a lot more time
on our computers, too.

and a lot more time
on our computers, too.

It's life-changing.

It's life-changing.

It's time we no longer
spend in the forest.

It's time we no longer
spend in the forest.

And a forester who is
in the forest less...

And a forester who is
in the forest less...

It's odd!

The game warden

wants to build a small shelter here.

wants to build a small shelter here.

I'll mark a few more trees

that will have to be removed.

But you'll do a classic cut.

This one will be for the BIL.

Unless you see a big BC,

the rest will be for the BIL.

the rest will be for the BIL.

And some Braunwurfe,
if there are any,

because there aren't many 40s left.

I've been with the ONF 25 years.

I've been with the ONF 25 years.

When I got in,

my appointment order

my appointment order

read that my job

was to ensure the sustainability
of the public forest.

That is, our priority objective

That is, our priority objective

is to ensure that
there is a regeneration

is to ensure that
there is a regeneration

and a renewal.

And not a positive balance sheet.

And not a positive balance sheet.

Do you see the difference?

The ONF's great concern

The ONF's great concern

is that our overall budget

is mainly based on the sale of wood.

is mainly based on the sale of wood.

But the forest doesn't
only produce wood.

That's what it produces in cash,
as money,

That's what it produces in cash,
as money,

but it does many other things.

but it does many other things.

It fixes carbon.

Here in the Vosges,
it's a real sponge.

Here in the Vosges,
it's a real sponge.

All the drinking water catchments
in our villages are in the forest.

All the drinking water catchments
in our villages are in the forest.

Two and a half acres
of forest catches

100 times more water than a hectare
of grassland or agricultural fields.

It's a wonderful reserve
of fresh water!

It's a wonderful reserve
of fresh water!

But that doesn't make money.

When I come here, I often think

about my colleague Alain.

He killed himself

He killed himself

three years ago.

three years ago.

Since 2002,

we have been being frequently
reorganized, restructured.

we have been being frequently
reorganized, restructured.

The reorganization
of 2002 was very violent

for the staff,

for the staff,

especially for forestry staff.

Support services
also suffered from it.

Support services
also suffered from it.

About three years ago,

About three years ago,

Paris decided to dislocate

our original team,

our original team,

dislocate this collective of work.

Alain had been
a forester in this area

for several decades.

for several decades.

He had to leave his local team

He had to leave his local team

to go to a new team

and he couldn't handle it.

and he couldn't handle it.

One morning, in his forest house,

he shot himself in the head
with his service weapon.

You have to be very strong
to put up with all this.

You have to be very strong
to put up with all this.

Or very flexible.

Or you have to not care!

Or you have to not care!

Or someone who doesn't care

because he doesn't understand.

because he doesn't understand.

But a person who has attached
himself and invested himself

in all this for decades...

in all this for decades...

As the loggers used to say,

they love to come back to see
if their plantations have grown,

they love to come back to see
if their plantations have grown,

if their clearings worked well,

how the forest has evolved.

how the forest has evolved.

You get attached.

It's a bit like our garden,

It's a bit like our garden,

even if it doesn't belong to us.

But we'll leave our mark.

But we'll leave our mark.

Alain couldn't deal with the change.

It's been quite sad since 2002.

We keep it as an accounting.

Over 35 foresters
have killed themselves.

Over 35 foresters
have killed themselves.

And you're told our work is to blame,

And you're told our work is to blame,

you want to yell at someone.

you want to yell at someone.

To tell them:
"Did you see what you did?"

But we carried on anyway.

But we carried on anyway.

The team was still disbanded,
despite that.

I never understood it.

I never understood it.

We could have... anyway.

It's still hard.

It's still hard.

200 YEARS TO GROW
A NANOSECOND TO SPECULATE!

The Center,

the North, Picardy,

the North, Picardy,

Pays de la Loire, Brittany,

Normandy,

Normandy,

Aquitaine!

The ONF Board of Directors
met this morning

in the Board of Directors Chamber

to discuss the draft objectives
and performance contract.

to discuss the draft objectives
and performance contract.

Today, in this draft contract,

the ONF's economic model
wasn't questioned.

the ONF's economic model
wasn't questioned.

Our main financing remains

Our main financing remains

the sale of wood.

We are moving towards
a privatization of employment,

a weakening of employment

and what does management
come up with?

and what does management
come up with?

Sell state forests.

We're here today because, in 1964-66,

We're here today because, in 1964-66,

our elders fought
to maintain the status

of public servant at the ONF.

of public servant at the ONF.

Today, it is clear

that an attack was launched
against this status of the ONF.

that an attack was launched
against this status of the ONF.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I fully understand

Ladies and gentlemen,
I fully understand

that, when for ten years,

you've had downsizing as a baseline,

you've had downsizing as a baseline,

all decisions, all announcements

all decisions, all announcements

have this downsizing
as a baseline too.

I understand that a climate
of mistrust can be built.

I understand that a climate
of mistrust can be built.

I believe that a climate
of trust can be rebuilt.

I believe that a climate
of trust can be rebuilt.

Trust is not unanimity.

It doesn't mean you have to agree.

It's not demagoguery.

It's not demagoguery.

Trust is about keeping promises.

One year ago I told you

One year ago I told you

that, starting in 2016, I wanted...

that, starting in 2016, I wanted...

Dubreuil, resign! Dubreuil, resign!

Dubreuil, resign! Dubreuil, resign!

Dubreuil, resign! Dubreuil, resign!

Resign!

Resign!

You have to know

that forest workers all over France

that forest workers all over France

are deeply exasperated!

Since 2002,
your government has put in place

Since 2002,
your government has put in place

a catastrophic reform.

We are good, well-behaved people,

We are good, well-behaved people,

but there are people among us
whose mental state I see

but there are people among us
whose mental state I see

with a deep dejection.

And you will be to blame.

Your fine speeches
will no longer be enough.

Your fine speeches
will no longer be enough.

Who will you make think
that selling state forests

Who will you make think
that selling state forests

is for the good of our communities?

We don't believe you!

Forestry, today, yesterday, tomorrow,

Forestry, today, yesterday, tomorrow,

are foresters
with a high technical level

who will also be indispensable

who will also be indispensable

for the problems of climate change.

What do you think foresters hear

in the countryside?

in the countryside?

Their exasperation
is on another level.

We're well behaved,
but you produce despair!

We're well behaved,
but you produce despair!

There's always been a sawmill here,
since before the revolution.

There's always been a sawmill here,
since before the revolution.

The French Revolution?

Yes. This is the road of sawmills,

Yes. This is the road of sawmills,

because there used to be
lots of them.

Just in the commune of Val-d'Ajol,

Just in the commune of Val-d'Ajol,

there were 14 sawmills

about 50 years ago.

There are only two of us now.

There are only two of us now.

There's only me and a larger sawmill

that's about twice the size.

that's about twice the size.

How do you explain this massacre?

Competition.

Competition.

Some small sawmills like us

couldn't modernize early enough.

couldn't modernize early enough.

European competition,
German competition,

the big French sawmills.

the big French sawmills.

The margins keep decreasing,

so you give up after a while.

so you give up after a while.

They're often not outright closures,

but liquidations,
because there's no follow-up,

no one wants to take over.

no one wants to take over.

No one wants to get into it nowadays.

The largest French sawmill
is in Alsace, in Urmatt.

It produces 141,250 cubic feet

per day.

per day.

That's my production
for the entire year.

In terms of volume,

it take them 30 seconds

it take them 30 seconds

to make what I make in a day.

And in one day,
they make what I make in a year.

And in one day,
they make what I make in a year.

It's not traditional

It's not traditional

or custom work anymore.

They always do the same thing,

They always do the same thing,

only standard, farmhouse products.

It's all standardized,
always the same pieces.

It's all standardized,
always the same pieces.

They go as fast as possible

to produce as much as possible.

All their products are sold

All their products are sold

to big store chains.
It's always the same thing

to big store chains.
It's always the same thing

and their prices
are always the lowest.

Your work's not standardized.

No, I do everything
that's traditional, tailor-made.

No, I do everything
that's traditional, tailor-made.

I do long lengths,
up to 42 feet long.

I make whatever I'm asked.

I make whatever I'm asked.

No one wants large diameters anymore?

The ONF's policy is changing.

It's a problem for us,

because we can't find wood anymore,
or less and less.

because we can't find wood anymore,
or less and less.

Forests are also
becoming standardized.

Forests are also
becoming standardized.

A large percentage of wood,
especially oak,

is being exported.

is being exported.

It comes back here as floor boards.

France doesn't have factories
to make floor boards anymore.

France doesn't have factories
to make floor boards anymore.

The second processing in France,

especially in deciduous trees,
was left to die.

The first processing,
so sawing, etc.,

The first processing,
so sawing, etc.,

is still here,

but the number of deciduous sawmills
that have closed in Lorraine

but the number of deciduous sawmills
that have closed in Lorraine

in the last 10, 20 years

is phenomenal.
And this is true throughout France.

is phenomenal.
And this is true throughout France.

It's a shame because my ancestors
in the public forest sector

have been making wood for decades

by carefully choosing
which trees should be cut down,

by carefully choosing
which trees should be cut down,

they thought it through.

They picked trees
of the best possible quality

They picked trees
of the best possible quality

to reach
the largest possible diameter

to get the most possible
uses out of them.

So if we no longer know
how to use these trees,

So if we no longer know
how to use these trees,

we have a big problem.

Construction standards
for softwood are dictated

Construction standards
for softwood are dictated

by Germany and Austria,

which have young softwood
plantations to value.

The faster they cut
the faster you get it.

The faster they cut
the faster you get it.

Trees that are 15,
20 inches in diameter

Trees that are 15,
20 inches in diameter

were bought from the Finns,
the Swedes and the Norwegians.

Why do these trees
have these dimensions?

Why do these trees
have these dimensions?

Because spruces that grow
at these latitudes

Because spruces that grow
at these latitudes

around the Arctic Circle

are still 15 inches
in diameter after 300 years.

are still 15 inches
in diameter after 300 years.

So this tool was designed
for that area,

but is also being used here.

but is also being used here.

They still exist.

They still exist.

We have modern saws
that can saw large diameters,

but there has never been an incentive
to get that equipment.

but there has never been an incentive
to get that equipment.

There's a resource,
and they need to be equipped

There's a resource,
and they need to be equipped

so that they their resource the best.

It can put a brake on the export

It can put a brake on the export

of roundwood, to China in particular.

Sawmills don't set these limits,

Sawmills don't set these limits,

consumers do, all of you.

As soon as you see

a knot or something
you don't like in a board,

a knot or something
you don't like in a board,

you don't buy it.

We didn't decide to lose interest

We didn't decide to lose interest

in some diameters of wood,
you guys did.

Sawmills

are a picture of the forest.

are a picture of the forest.

The first transformation adapts

to its supply basin.

to its supply basin.

Traditional

sawmills

can correspond to a natural forest,

can correspond to a natural forest,

even sawmill-museums,

depending on what you want.

If we want an industry,

If we want an industry,

we need a productive forest

we need a productive forest

that satisfies

that satisfies

the needs of our fellow citizens.

In quality and price.

You can't survive
without taking it into account.

You can't survive
without taking it into account.

What is a productive forest?

What is a productive forest?

What is a productive forest?

Consider Scandinavian forests,

Consider Scandinavian forests,

Russian forests that have

Russian forests that have

three species.

One with deciduous trees, birch,

One with deciduous trees, birch,

then pine and spruce.

Three dominant species.

Three dominant species.

In France, we have 46, 47.

That's the difference.

That's the difference.

We can't say

We can't say

that the forest is sacred,

that the forest is sacred,

because when we do,

and this is often what
our fellow citizens want to do,

and this is often what
our fellow citizens want to do,

we put it under a bell,
we make it totally natural.

we put it under a bell,
we make it totally natural.

But this is an economic war.

The Scandinavians
are clearly telling us:

The Scandinavians
are clearly telling us:

"Don't bother
making production forests.

"We're doing it,

"We're doing it,

"we'll sell you our production

"and you can make leisure forests."

They're fine with that.

It is an economic war.

It is an economic war.

An heterogeneous,
diverse and complex forest

An heterogeneous,
diverse and complex forest

calls for a presence on the ground,

people who live there,
who look at it,

people who live there,
who look at it,

loggers who understand the territory,

who know how
to take care of this forest.

Sawmills that know that
in that area, the oak is good,

Sawmills that know that
in that area, the oak is good,

there, it's bad,
chestnut trees are good here,

there, it's bad,
chestnut trees are good here,

who know the territory
and know how to value it.

That's what we did
in France for 300 years.

That's what we did
in France for 300 years.

All our sawmills, in each region,

sawed the wood of the region.

sawed the wood of the region.

We didn't send it
hundreds of kilometers away.

Each region adapted to what they had.

Each region adapted to what they had.

As soon as the management is done

by organizations
that are far from the territory,

by organizations
that are far from the territory,

transportation is expensive,

they're never there,
they don't know the territory well.

they're never there,
they don't know the territory well.

All this must be framed,
simplified to the extreme,

and it must be predictable

and it must be predictable

for shareholders, for investors.

for shareholders, for investors.

So we make "highway forests"

where it is all planned.

It goes a long way because
in the Landes, we have systems

It goes a long way because
in the Landes, we have systems

where at the time we plant, we've
already programmed the clear cut.

We already know what diameter
we're going to harvest,

We already know what diameter
we're going to harvest,

what volume, at what price
we're going to sell it.

what volume, at what price
we're going to sell it.

All this is simulated
with simulation software

that let you know

that let you know

how much you'll make
for a given investment.

You'll earn 2% with the yield,

You'll earn 2% with the yield,

tax benefits add one per cent.

All of this is predictable.

As soon as you're
in forests like this,

As soon as you're
in forests like this,

to predict something...

DARK FOREST, HAUT LANGUEDOC

I plant leafy trees,
I'm kind of the only one.

I plant leafy trees,
I'm kind of the only one.

Species like the sycamore maple,
which I can talk about.

I'm told: "It's not bad
but don't plant too much."

I'm told: "It's not bad
but don't plant too much."

Aside from that,
maybe the American oak,

but if you try something else...

but if you try something else...

If I want to have the guarantee
that my seeds are adapted...

If I want to have the guarantee
that my seeds are adapted...

We no longer have maple seeds here,

trees rarely produce them,

trees rarely produce them,

the natural regeneration
is very small.

We are out of forestry culture

since we have reforestation
of softwoods

since we have reforestation
of softwoods

and a few old trees.

There are few seeds.

So if I want to reintroduce maple
here, it won't come from here.

So if I want to reintroduce maple
here, it won't come from here.

It'll be the maple
from the northeast.

It'll be the maple
from the northeast.

It's dangerous.

It's annoying.

I would have to go get seeds

or collect seeds myself,

or collect seeds myself,

and plant them.

They used to do that before.

I have an owner who has a nursery.

I have an owner who has a nursery.

I told him
that what he's doing is great.

He needs to keep doing it.

He needs to keep doing it.

Only one! He buys seedlings,
grows them.

I told him it'd be even better
if he started from seeds.

I told him it'd be even better
if he started from seeds.

But you know,

there are now only two forest
seed producers in France.

If Vilmorin decides
not to make maple anymore...

If Vilmorin decides
not to make maple anymore...

I'm convinced that no forester

I'm convinced that no forester

is indifferent

to seeing a forest like that,

to seeing a forest like that,

overnight, replaced

by a Douglas fir plantation.

I see them regularly

I see them regularly

and every time I stop

and I don't know how to feel.

My day is ruined.

I feel very bad,
I'm even ashamed of doing this job.

I feel like quitting.

I feel like quitting.

I comensate by telling myself
I'm not going to do that.

This is already a challenge.

I have enough economic stability

I have enough economic stability

to be sure that it won't threaten me,

that I can refuse it
without any problem.

And I don't.

On the other hand, employees
of companies that are managed

On the other hand, employees
of companies that are managed

by directives and silviculture
imposed on them,

by directives and silviculture
imposed on them,

either by the owner
or by a management service,

they have no choice.

they have no choice.

I chose this job
because I love nature

and I like to produce wood,
because it's alive.

and I like to produce wood,
because it's alive.

But I'm in a sector

which is driven by logics
that are not based on life,

which is driven by logics
that are not based on life,

that are not from life.

The logic comes from the plastics,

The logic comes from the plastics,

oil and finance industries.

oil and finance industries.

It doesn't go together.
At some point, you have to realize

that these two kinds of logic
cannot go together.

that these two kinds of logic
cannot go together.

Subtitling: Hiventy

Subtitling: Hiventy