Forest History Society’s New Film Retraces Rich History of Woodland Ownership

The Forest History Society is currently filming a documentary at the Biltmore Estate about the life of Carl Schenck, the original forester of the estate and the founder of America’s first school of forestry: the Biltmore Forest School. While the film is still very much in the production process, thousands of people are already eagerly anticipating its release.

About the Film

The film is a collaborative work between the Forest History Society and the Asheville-based Bonesteel Films production company. Titled First in Forestry: Carl Schenck and the Biltmore Forest School, the film will contain stunning landscape shots of the estate, as well as engaging historical content.

According to James Lewis of the Forest History Society, “[Schenck] really did change the path and the future of forestry in America and forest conservation, too.” As such, this film is intended to be more than a glance back at history. It is supposed to encourage future change in an industry that sometimes relies on old methodologies and practices. As Paul Bonesteel of Bonesteel Films puts it, “I want people to do more creative work, and to rethink that there might be a better way to chop down a tree.”

The production team for this film consists of 50–75 people and is nearing completion. This fall and winter, the movie will be submitted to film festivals and could likely end up airing on PBS stations.

While the film is focused on Schenck and the Biltmore Estate, it also provides woodland owners a unique perspective at how individual people can make a difference in the preservation and protection of land.