| Abstract: | Abstract Mexican forestry science has been affected by its relationship with the Mexican state, and by the history of state forestry institutions. Conflicts between conservationists and politicians engaged in land reform resulted in loss of power for conservationists in the forest department in the 1940s. More recent political struggles for control of the forests color the interpretations which forest communities and foresters place upon forest management practices, and may lead to present day debates over specific silvicultural practices. If foresters are to apply silvicultural techniques, they need to be aware of the political experience of the landowners they work for, and the political implications of their own technical knowledge. |
