Traditional charcoal production as a forestry system has a great importance in the livelihoods of local communities in the northern Zagros, western Iran. This research attempts to describe the traditional knowledge of charcoal production. For the registration and review of the traditional charcoal production process, field works were conducted in order to learn from physical activity during continuous time of recording. An inventory network (100×100 m) of 30 circular sample plots (0.1 ha) was established in a selected charcoal stand. In each sample plot, for all trees (collar diameter ≥ 5 cm) the identity of the woody species was recorded and collar diameter and diameter at breast height were measured. In addition, collar diameter of cut stumps was also measured. The results showed that in the study area, selection of forest area for charcoal production, cutting and harvesting of oak trees, occur one year before charcoal making. Selection of forest area for charcoal production activity are performed on the basis of the following criteria: (1) existence of dead trees (including naturally dead trees and standing trees cut down by local farmers in the year prior to charcoal making), (2) location outside pollarding areas, and (3) forest areas that are not in sight (to avoid punishment). Charcoal production takes place both inside the village and inside the forest areas. Charcoal making is carried out using three types of kilns (i.e., earth kilns, barrel kilns and tanker kilns). Earth kilns are used inside the forest, tanker kilns are used inside the village and barrel kilns are used both in village and forest. The efficiency of earth kilns, barrel kilns, and tanker kilns was 27.5, 42 and 40%, respectively. Eighty three percent of cut tree stumps corresponded to three diameter at breast height (DBH) classes 7.5-17.5 cm. The maximum frequency (29% of total cut trees) belong to the DBH class of 17.5 cm. The process of traditional charcoal production in each kiln involves 16 steps. The possible annual harvest was estimated 0.78 m3/ha. The use of three types of kilns and charcoal production at any season of the year, show the strong dependence of local communities on forest resources and their efforts to earn a complementary income. Although charcoal production has been banned in the study area since 1973, this traditional use continues, and the financial fines by the Iranian Forests, Rangelands and Watersheds Organization have not been able to prevent this traditional use. In order to fulfill the principles of sustainable forestry, it is recommended to pay attention to the traditional knowledge of local communities in preparing their plans and their participation at all stages of the plan.
