This study explores the relationship between poverty and Amazonian forest management by Brazil nut harvesters in southeastern Peru. Although the poor rely more upon natural resource-based income than the rich, wealthier households use more forest wood and land than poorer ones. Contrary to the belief that exploitation of nontimber forest products can alleviate deforestation, this study finds that seasonal Brazil nut extraction is accompanied by unsustainable forestry activities during the rest of the year. Only those who find employment in activities unrelated to forestry manage to break the link between poverty and environmental degradation. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.