Large scale wood cutting dates back to era of Turkish suzerainty over the Romanian principalities. Peripheral parts of Habsburg Empire have opened coal and ore mining or processing ventures, Cugir is one of them, as part of Maria Teresa’s defense policy against Ottoman Empire pressure in Balkans. Timber was taken progressively from virtually all parts of the Carpathians at the end of 19 century.
Râul Mare log drivind
Main splash dam was at Canciu, next Luncile Rogojinii, combinet to maximize the number of logs floated throgh watershed.
Log booms at Grebla Cocoselului, Afinului, Ploat, and Sibot.
Main user, Steel factory Cugir, as it is or charcoal. Besides shipbuilding, charcoal production is responsible for the disappearance of large parts of European forests (the disappearance of yew trees (which were ubiquitous in antiquity) from present day forests, by the way, is due to the middle age bow-and-arrow industry - nothing beats a yew bow!). Charcoal production was a major industry and the source of the many charcoaler ("Köhler") stories in fairy tales and folklore. It is not missing here, topografic names as Bocsitura tell this story.
Râul Mic log drivind
Between 1923 and 1924 was build main splash dam at Curmătura Lupșii by Simian and a serial of dams from 5 to 5 miles. Low river flow have as result building of railroad up to Ariesu.
Timber rafting was in use until 1955. Log drivers do not have cnt hook, another more heavy tool, tapina was in use.
Mures timber rafting
Was in use from second or third centry, “Colegium nautarum”, from Apullum, 11 century have chronics regardind salt transport. Nicolae Olahus from Orastie recordet ths transport route at 1550.