“Timber!” Did Oberforstmeister Charles Bencard ever shout that in the Rostocker Heide? Probably. His life was deeply intertwined with this forest. Let’s talk about Charles Bencard.
Oberforstmeister Charles Bencard dedicated his life to the Rostocker Heide. A memorial stone now stands for him. It is in the coastal forest northeast of Heiligensee. This honors his contribution to the forest’s well-being.
Charles Bencard was born in 1877. He died in 1956. He became Oberforstmeister of the Rostocker Heide. He was responsible for reforesting large areas. These areas had been devastated during the war.
Bencard’s connection to Rostock runs deep. He was the grandson of a former mayor. He understood the importance of his role. In 1921, he started his work with a major review. This was of the forest management practices.
In 1925, on his initiative, the Rostocker Heide was unfenced. Bencard followed the ideas of the “Möllersche Dauerwaldbewegung.” This was the origin of today’s natural forest management. Its principles included no clear-cutting. He favored single-tree harvesting. He also aimed for mixed stands of different ages. He wanted to produce high-quality wood.
Bencard also opened the forest to hikers. He supported the creation of hiking accommodations. These included Haus Uhlenflucht. Also the Waldhaus in the Torfbrücker district. In 1927, he helped organize a major forestry conference.
The political climate shifted in the 1930s. Most foresters embraced National Socialism. But not Charles Bencard. Officials found his independence inconvenient. In 1942, they forced him into retirement.
However, his expertise was too valuable to ignore. The 67-year-old Bencard was soon back in service. During the war, he worked to protect the forest. He shielded it from excessive logging. This logging would have supported the war effort.
After the war, the city reinstated him as Oberforstmeister. From 1946 to 1951, he led a major reforestation effort. This work restored 700 hectares of war-torn land.
In 1951, Bencard retired. He passed the Rostocker Heide to the State Forestry Enterprise Rövershagen. He had served the forest for 34 years. It marked the end of an era.
Bencard wrote in the “Heidechronik” these words. “The beautiful, species-rich forest is near a major city. It is an even greater promotion of national wealth. It is greater than improving timber values.”
The memorial stone stands as a reminder. Charles Bencard’s dedication shaped the Rostocker Heide. His work lives on in the trees. It lives on in the forest’s enduring beauty.