Colbert and the Nièvre – Act 4 The reform of forests of the duchy

Just returned from his first tour in the Nièvre, Colbert asked to Mazarin on 23 November 1659 to give him “during winter, 16 guards for the duchy to work on the conservation of forests”.

Colbert wanted to streamline the management of forest. He was able to convince Mazarin to reform the forests of his duchies of Nevers and of Mayenne. Thus, Mazarin ordered to abolish usurped use rights, to achieve plans and to judge abuses and crimes in his forests.

Colbert continued working on the duchy forests conservation and came back in Nièvre  the following year.