Newspapers / The Echo (Pisgah Forest, … / Feb. 1, 1950, edition 1 / Page 9
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SCHENCK LODGE It was on the Biltmore estate proper that the forest development work was intensively applied. Here were located the forest tree nurseries, the numerous forest plantations, the areas of low grade species utilized for fuel, and here Dr. Schenck demonstrated his skill and resourceful ness in the management of eastern hardwoods and pines. These woodlands had been recklessly used, cutover, burned and otherwise maltreated before Mr. Vanderbilt’s coming. He wished to have them converted as rapidly as possible into regularly cul tivated forests. Interspersed with the woodlands were 3,000 acres of abandoned fields which he sought to have planted with suitable species in order to heal the scars of erosion and to improve the scenic aspects of his domain. The forest plantations were perhaps the out standing technical achievement of Dr. Schenck’s forestry practice. In them the failures have been fully as interesting as the successes. In general the hardwoods have failed—in general the conifers have made excellent progress. Begun under Pinchot and carried on by Schenck, it may be ac curately affirmed that on the Biltmore estate was the first example on a broad scale of forest con servation through wise use. That is a distinction in which all Carolinians may take pride. Soon after his arrival, Dr. Schenck realized k'enly the need for technical schools of forestry. The thought was often in his mind to establish one on the Biltmore estate. Could he interest young men in America in attending such a school? He decided to try. The school, known from the first as Biltmore Forest School, was established in 1898. The students were instructed in theory and practice in classroom and in field. The excursions in the field were usually taken on horseback. The school was in session throughout the year, and covered every phase of forestry work. A student could enter at any time. The winter classes were held on the Biltmore estate, in the spring they moved to the lower Davidson River, just above Ecusta, and in the summer they traveled on to the Pink Beds. In September or early October it was back in Biltmore. Dr Schenck worked prodigiously in compiling and revising his lecture outlines and texts. There were no books on forestry by American authors at that time. He was a pioneer in this respect. Continued on page 32 7
The Echo (Pisgah Forest, N.C.)
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Feb. 1, 1950, edition 1
9
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