Speaker
Description
Pack-mules are the archaic logging system that prevailed in the Apennine mountains until few decades ago. Today, despite the dramatic reduction in the number of teams, this system still survives, contrary to all expectations. Given that the system has its merits and cultural value, there is an interest in preserving and enhancing it, perhaps even expanding it.
To do so, however, we must first determine the conditions that have allowed this archaic system to survive to this day, the unique assets that can be leveraged to maintain it, and the hurdles that must be removed in order to support a possible expansion – before all know-how is forgotten and the purposedly-selected breeds degenerate and die.
In order to achieve this goal, CNR teamed up with the main draught animals’ associations active in Italy and developed a network of contacts with mule loggers – active, retired and newly equipped (yes, there are a few rare examples).
The research was based on face-to-face interviews and defined the characteristics of those businesses, the motivations of their entrepreneurs, the possibilities and methods for the preservation and eventual revival of mule logging in Italy.
Focus points were: the integration of animal and mechanized logging; the reduction of physical effort; the importance of animal selection and training; the capacity of achieving a minimum use intensity.
| Keywords | Mule1; Logging2; Challenge3; Mountain4; |
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