Hiking - La haute vallée de l'Arzon

Medeyrolles

Medeyrolles derives its name from the exploitation of wood (materia = timber). The forest is indeed the dominant element of the commune’s landscapes. Conifers are overwhelmingly prevalent, accounting for 70% of the area, with beech (or fayard) being the main deciduous species present on the territory. These high rates of forest cover are found throughout the Ance Valley, where the forest occupies 13,435 hectares, or more than 50% of the total surface area (75% in Medeyrolles!). The management and exploitation of these forests is made difficult by the fragmentation of parcels among a very large number of private owners. To offer an alternative to clear-cut logging (clear-cutting) the Regional Center for Forest Property and the Livradois Forez Regional Nature Park, among others, are raising awareness among owners about more sustainable management techniques such as irregular or garden-like clearcutting.