Gottlob König - ein Leben für den Wald und die Landschaft

2000

S. 290-293

1 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200062836

Forst und Holz 2000 ; 55(9), S. 290-293

IDN: 613 1999 is the year of the 220th birthday and 150th anniversary of the death of Chief Forest Officer, Dr. GOTTLOB KÖNIG, who, as a practicing forester, researcher, author and teacher was well-known and accredited beyond the German borders. Forest historians rank him among the classics in his field. During the first decades of his lifeÖs work, König was especially devoted to "forest mathematics". His knowledge of dendrometry and yield science, as well as his up-to-date Ideas on profitability and forest assessment were implemented in practice. It was König who originally applied combined disciplines as a method of yield regulation. His silvicultural measures and teachings were focused on "forest tending", with a view towards "nature-compatible silviculture for commercial forests." He was the first to coin the expression "forest-type science". With his so-called "rich tending", König wished to create forests in their most beautiful state. He united the utilization and recreation functions. He applied his landscape tending and architecture methods to degenerated landscapes, thus aspiring to enrich national culture and public weal. KönigÖs Forest Education Center in Eisenach, an extension of his original MastersÖSchool in Ruhla, was in existence for more than 100 years. His uppermost principle was to unite theory with practice. KönigÖs dedicated pursuit was imbued with the awareness that "the forests are counted among GermanyÖs most valuable possessions, and are indispensable to its living conditions." His heartfelt feeling was that forests are the life-basis of civilization.