Madeireiras no Oeste catarinense: a cooperativa madeireira do Vale do Uruguai LTDA

Abstract

The Western region of the state of Santa Catarina underwent a rapid process of transformations during the 20th century, driven by the intensification of colonization and the exploitation of natural resources. The establishment of the first colonization companies not only promoted colonization but also led to the exploitation of timber resources. The objective of this research is to investigate the formation and operation process of Cooperativa Madeireira do Vale do Uruguai LTDA between the decades of 1940 and 1970, a period in which the cooperative was established and consolidated its actions in support of the timber industry that exploits the region. Using the methodology proposed by Environmental History, we aim to analyze various sources to achieve our objective. Among the sources studied are local circulating journals, maps, photographs, and official documents from Cooperativa Madeireira do Vale do Uruguai LTDA took place during a period of high environmental exploitation, as families of settlers arrived to colonize the region and establish themselves.