The evolution of timber plantation in southern Chile is determined by several factors (political, economic, social and cultural) interconnected and acting at multiple spatial and temporal scales. This paper focuses on the promulgation of the Decree-law 701 in 1974 under the dictatorial government of Augusto Pinochet. The land cover and land use changes are strongly, but partially, influenced by this D.L. which encourages reforestation on land suitable for silvicultural activities and grants covering between 75 and 90% of the reforestation costs. We characterized and monitored timber plantations from the 8 th at the 10 th Region using multi-temporal satellite imagery taken in 1986, 1999 and 2008. The complexity and the imbrications of the factors of change are highlighted by the retrospective analysis. This public policy has a strong territorial inscription but also affects the social sphere, exacerbates the dissension between the landowners and generates social conflicts.