The forest is a dominant element of the Vosges massif, it is an integral part of our environment. The medium altitude mountains of the Vosges, whose high point is the Grand Ballon at 1,424 m, has 60% of its surface area covered in forests. Our forests haven't always had the appearance that they have today. Firs have been deliberately encouraged to meet the needs of construction. Spruce arrived as agricultural land was left uncultivated. Scots pine remains in a minority, but is well established in the traditional areas. Stands are treated, in the main, as normal forest plantations or as forests parks. With growth conditions in the massif being so favourable the Vosges forest ranks amongst the most productive.