In this research, we analyzed the number of registrations of legal reserve areas (LRA) in Sergipe state and conducted interviews with technicians of environmental organizations. The cases were divided in territories and organized into systematized tables according to size of rural property and biome between 1980 and 2011. We observed that LRAs were registered in 714 properties, representing only 0.7% of total amount of rural properties in the state. Lack of structure, low number of officials in government agencies, in addition to the absence of disclosure, education and encouragement policies to landowners are the main causes of such scenario, demonstrating the fragility of forest management in state.
rural property; environmental legislation; forest management