Following the civil european aspects of field marshal Ernest Gideon baron of Laudon

1.      Introduction 

We are in jubilant year. It has been 260 years since the day when field marshal, still just commander of the captaincy of Bunić, Ernest Gideon baron of Laudon, began growing a forest named exactly after him "Laudon's grove". And a small miracle made by human hands has happened. Live sands of Krbava field were defeated.

"The results and success of Laudon are great because the common oak forest (culture) has been grown on live sands, the forest that should be looked upon with great admiration." (1)

In UNEP registry (United Nations Environment Programme) and WCPA (World Commission on Protected Areas) in article number 15.622 stands that "Laudon's grove" is protected forest-park since 1960.

But,

"Today, this forest is made of common oak that is 255 years old, with 17 trees on one hectar or all together 554 trees. Average diameter d – 1,30 m is 89,4 cm, with average height of trees of 23 meters, total wood reserve of 4.235 m³. Annual exchange increase is 0,50 m³/ha, with percentage of increase that is 0,38%.

Plantation is overripe, ecophysiologicallly weak and attacked by oak's grand capricorne (Cerambix cerdo)." (2)

The revival of "Laudon's grove" is very much needed.

"The army that stands for two and a half centuries and waits for a battle" should be helped (3) because "Laudon's oaks are dying quietly". (4)

And this is the very essence and purpose of this project task.

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1– Marko Vukelić, Laudon's grove, Forestry magazine, Zagreb, 7-8, 2001, page 435

2– Marko Vukelić, Same, page 434

3– Miroslav Mrkobrad, The army that waits for a battle for two and a half centuries, "Croatian woods", Zagreb, 33, 1999, page 18

4– Laudon's oaks are dying quietly, "New magazine", Rijeka, 5th June 2003

2.      The term and location

"Laudon's grove" is placed inn Krbava field, which is in Lika, middle croatian region which connects continental part of Croatia and northern seaside. 

"Krbava field is karstic valley, awash in some parts, which is placed in the same direction as Dinara (NW – SE) in the eastern part of Lika. Its lenght takes out 21 km, average width is a little less than 5 km, and total area covers around 100 km².

The field is surrounded by hills. These are sides of Plješevica on the east and south east, and on the west and south west there is Vrebačka Staza (Vrebac path). There is special mountain area on the north (this is the place where these mountains that are mentioned touch south part of Mala Kapela), and this part consists of Gorica on the east and Pisaćuša on the west.

Krbava field is not a valley in full meaning of the word. There are narrow and elevated parts on edges which are leaning towards the middle of the field." (5)

"Main low and flat parts are constituted by Čaire and forest area Laudon's grove on the north, and the lowest and also extensive valley Hržić is placed in the middle part of the field." (6)

"Laudon's grove is placed near village Bunić on the right side of the road between T. Korenica and Udbina in Krbava field. This forestry-economic unit includes 408,49 hectars and this is without three private enclaves which are placed within Laudon's grove." (7)

Specific geographical position:

"Laudon's grove is placed between 15º 38' 35'' and 15º 40' 25'' of eastern longitude, and between 44º 38' 15'' and 44º 49' 35'' of northern latitude. It is placed in shape of peninsula on the north-western part of Krbava field.  It is only 15 km far from Korenica, and near village Bunić. With its north-western part it leans on the road Bunić-Krbava-Podlapača.

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(5), (6) – StevoVojnović, Krbava field, Collection of papers of Faculty of Economic Science Zagreb – Volume III, Zagreb, 1957, page 223

(7) – Prof.dr.sc.Zvonimir Potočić: Laudon's grove, "Forestry magazine", Zagreb, 3-5, 1990, page 195

Northern border is formed by the river Krbavica which rises above Bunić in Green cave in wellspring named Dragaševo. River Krbavica, on the days of high water-levels, floods all lower parts all the way to Hržić field. In the summer it gets dry, and Hržić field turns into the swamp, but in the lower parts still remains water in which can survive fish tench.

Area of whole economic unit Laudon's grove is placed on mildly declivous ground where the highest spot is 644 m above the sea level, and the lowest is in Hržić field on 628 m above the sea level." (8)

 3.      The problem that should have been solved

Special, but in Croatia very rare type of soil are live sands. There are only few real, movable live sands today, they are covered by forest and grass more and more each day, and they can be found mostly northern from Laudon's grove. Whole Laudon's grove is planted on live sands. Earlier, there were much more of bare live sands, also out of Laudon's grove, and especially western from it. Sand layers are thick, on some parts even a few meters, and they have one good quality; they hold water for a long period of time, and this characteristic, besides for vegetation, influences also on the water in wells in the eastern part of Šalamunić." (9)

Also,

"Arenosol (eolian "live sands") can be found in some parts in Croatia in sector of sands of Đurđevci and sands of Laudon's grove in Lika (systematic unit 2). These are undeveloped soils placed on sands, dry, ethereal, poor in keeping water and they make possible environment for kseroterm species. They come with distric siliceous humus ground and distric cambisol. Considering the agricultural production these are confinedly favorable grounds." (10)

In the middle of 18th century "live sands of Krbava field were obstacle for agriculture of this countryside, so the forestry office od 1st Lika regiment of command of Karlovac had made a plan and elaborated the technique of afforestation for defeating the live sands." (11)

Entry dated in 1889 says:

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(8) – Marko Vukelić, Same, page 431

(9) – Stevo Vojnović, Same, page 224

(10) – National project of irrigation and management of agricultural terrain and waters in Republic of Croatia, Faculty of Agriculture Zagreb, Zagreb, 2005, page 79

(11) – Marko Vukelić, Same, page 425

"These parts covered by sand can be found in ravine of Krbava, especially on the ground where is placed once famous Laudon's grove, and the soil surrounding that grove – specifically part of the valley from Šalamunić across to Debelo Brdo – is sprinkled with movable or floating sand. Potty sand that lies near the grove holds with nothing but firmness that the river gives him.

By the stories of people of Bunić, famous army leader Laudon found here nothing but shrubbery which was holding sandy soil, so he partly cleared the land and grew Laudon's grove by making grove's advance guard by planting pine trees, but today there are only stumps to be seen. Shrubbery mentioned above or today's grove was there with the task to keep the soil together and to protect fields near by from flying sand. This task grove can't fulfill completely, because now it's very thin and sparse, and in places totally destroyed by evil hand. By destroying the grove, most of the forest land became real reservoir of flying sand. This flying sand, carried by wind and scattered on the fields towards Debelo Brdo, covered already from 100 to 150 acres of domestic plants, and therefore it destroyed completely every culture and turned whole area in small image of Sahara.

When the wind rises, this sand flies in thick clouds far and far away, till it reaches village Bunić and there spoils the air, and if the Laudon's grove disapears, it could be a threat for entire countryside, because drifts made of flying sand will cover whole area, as soon as the great winds begin. And that will be the end for culture in northern part of Krbava valley." (12)

In the end of 19th century "live sands were calmed, and the management of cultures-forests was conducted by the laws of forestry-economic basic for economic unit Laudon's grove". (13)

4.      The arrival of Ernest Gideon baron of Laudon

Providence on act:

"Baron, general Ernest Gideon Laudon, Scotsman by birth, was born on 2nd of February 1716 in Toutzen in Lithuania. In 1732 he joined russian military service, and 1735 he fought in war near Danzig. With russian troops he participated in war against the Turks and 1739 he became first lieutenant in Petrograd.

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(12) – prof.dr. Zvonimir Potočić, Same, page 196

(13) – Marko Vukelić, Same, page 426

In year 1743 Laudon went to Wienna to join austrian army, and as a captain was assigned to Trenk's corpus. With Trenk he fought in Bavaria and on the Rhine, and also in the war in Silesia. He lived in Wienna until 1746.

After that he was sent to command of Karlovac in 1st Lika regiment to be the commander in captaincy of Bunić in border service. He was in Bunić 10 full years.

He was later promoted to major, and then to colonel, and in 1757 he goes to Prussian war and he made himself notable in the battle at Kahnil, so in 1758 he was promoted to general, and later in field marshal lieutenant. For his credit he was rewarded with "Mary Theresa's cross" by Mary Theresa and the title of baron, and the russian empress gave him golden sword.

In year 1760 after series of failures battle at Lieguite and the war in Prag he was less favoured until 1766, when he was returned to military service by the Court military council and command in Moravska was given to him.

In year 1788 as field marshal lieutenant he was commander in Croatia, when he defeated the Turks near Dubica, Bosanski Novi and Gradiška, and later he conquered Belgrade and Semberia.

He died in Netitschein in 1790 when he was 74 years old." (14)

5.      Unusual solution of the observed problem

"Laudon's grove" was, of course, grown, with a help of forestry office of 1st Lika regiment, specifically captaincy of Bunić, in 1746 on the live sands of Krbava field, by the man of this same name, Ernest Gideon baron of Laudon himself.

And there is how it happened.

"Laudon's grove is one of the oldest culture of common oak (Quercus robur) which captain Laudon grew on live sands of Krbava field in 1746." (15)

"Captain Laudon comes to Bunić, and in the same year starts afforestation, and it's been forested over 30 ha. Same action were taken in the years that came, and also centuries. There were planted broad-leaved trees that suited this flooded area of Krbava field, and these are notably common oak and poplar.

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(14) – Marko Vukelić, Same, page 426

(15) – Marko Vukelić, Same, page 425

With establishment of property counties, in Laudon's grove were planted common and black pine tree, acacia and chestnut." (16)

According to statistical description of forester Šandor Perco in 1895 "size of grove was 813,79 acres or 467,50 ha". (17)

"Afforestation plan defined the technique of afforestation and the type of seedlings, and common oak was selected, and he was produced in this command area.

Foresters knew that this is flooded area and that the ground waters were suitable for common oak, which demostrates that foresters conducted expert businesses, and captain Laudon was executer of the tasks that were placed for him to do.

Afforestation of live sands was performed in very disciplined and organized way, almost military way. Labor force was consisted of border men of Bunić and surrounding, and later also administration county of Bunić which had over 6.000 inhabitants. Every border man had to work off 10 days. Holes for planting were digged by hand 1 meter deep and were filled with humus from the forests nearby. On every 1 m² came one seedling of common oak, which means that 10.000 seedlings were planted on hectar.

Method of afforestation was regulated and conducted in army way. Army was presented - regiment in army movement and also: majority, adjutancy and reconnaissance. Rigorous measures were taken for improper afforestation, and the areas, that were forested, were guarded by army. Dikes were digged around these areas for protection this culture from livestock and fires." (18)

6.      Present appearance and content

First entry about "Laudon's grove" was published in "Forestry magazine" by professor of Forestry school in Križevci Vladimir Kiseljak:

"For example it should be mentioned that last year only there were 758 entries about forestry thefts that were discovered by the forester, and the truth is that there was over 1.000 oak trunks stolen." (19) "Before this great distress, which is, with expanding and spreading this sandy desert, endangering Krbava field, which was usually productive and cultivated valley, this area should be planted with appropriated plants in the most serious way and the shortest time." (20)

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(16) - Marko Vukelić, Same, page 425

(17) - Marko Vukelić, Same, page 426

(18) - Marko Vukelić, Same, page 428

(19), (20) - Marko Vukelić, Same, page 429

Field marshal Laudon, unfortunately, was no longer among the living,and even worse was about to happen.

Several years later, on 27th of March 1891, austrian Forestry magazine wrote also about "Laudon's protected forest in Krbava in Croatia"  this:

"Laudon's protected forest is overgrown with common oak, beech, spruce and common pine tree, and the forest is carefully guarded against forest thieves." But, "it appears that the forest guardians themselves were helping thieves in their thefts, and more than once they were removed from their duties and new guardians were employed, those who were more reliable. By orderds of higher authorities whole forest was bounded by deep ditch which purpose was to be an obstacle in taking wood out of forest and that gave hope in preserving the forest of devastation." (21)

Things haven't changed much over time:

"During 1st and 2nd World war Laudon's grove was cut without control., but it was also revived with common oak and common pine tree." (22)

But:

"Institute for preserving nature of SR Croatia carried out arrangement number 110. on 29th of June 1965, by which part of economic unit Laudon's grove was determined to be 'special reservation of forest vegetation' and by that it became protected nature object." (23)

So finally we have present status of Laudon's grove:

Forest area of Laudon's grove: (24)

• economic forest                                              313,14 ha

• forest of specific purpose                                  33,23 ha

• bare (not overgrown) parts – productive            59,03 ha

• bare (not overgrown)parts – unproductive           1,68 ha

• infertile soil                                                    ___0,50 ha

• total                                                                407,58 ha

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(21) – Marko Vukelić, Same, page 430

(22) – Marko Vukelić, Same, page 429

(23) – prof.dr. Zvonimir Potočić, Same, page 198

(24) – Marko Vukelić, Same, page 433

Area of forest of specific purpose:

• planting layout                                     common oak

• wood stock – total                                                 4.235 m³

• wood stock – by ha                                                  127 m³

• annual increase – total                                     16 m³

• annual increase – by ha                                            0,48 m³

7.      Requirements and expected benefits

"Laudon's grove" has fulfilled expectations. Because of that, it should be preserved, and preserved in whole, not only its protected part. Reasons for this are obvious, they are of ecological and economic manner.

In ecological meaning of preserving nature enviroment:

"Laudon's grove is, as area of live sands, of which settling started by afforestation in 1746, completely finished today.

Besides direct benefits of Laudon's grove, it has great importance as forest in general. First of all, forest vegetation in this economic unit protects from eolian erosion, it calmed live sands and made soil, and it also has great influence on hydrological forest function, and in some perspective also on soil protection, water regime, hydrological system, agricultural production, climate, oxygen production and other useful forest function." (25)

In economic meaning:

"In mountain part the necessity of afforestation is common. It used to be a good forest in this area, but irrational economy made these hills mostly naked. By afforestation it would be possible to achieve better water regime in field over time, it would be less flooding streams, and spring waters would last longer.

Afforestation should be performed also in the field. We should continue with afforestation of Vedro polje in whole, and than we should build narrow (about 50 m) forest lines along Krbava field, and these lines should be placed on weaker soil and next to bigger rivers.

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(25) – Marko Vukelić, Same, page 432

Afforestation of fields and hills should bring benefits for soil and also for climate. It would prevent the influence of strong winds, and partly it would improve thermal relations. Better conditions for agriculture and livestock farming would be created. Even though, it would reduce pasture areas, but it would more benefits in longer perpective." (26)

Anyhow, it is the only way to populate this area. In contrary, it would be human desert, where people are just passing through.

Bunić used to be captaincy, and Bunić's community had 6.000 people. "Krbava village Bunić got in 1864 new church instead of the old one. And the old one was built by Gideon Laudon in 1743. It was built for 30.000 forints, and the money came from War ministry foundation in Wienna, which was established by Laudon as a memory on his two children that died in Bunić. The church is made out of carved stone that was brought from quarry near Debelo Brdo. The stone was carved by carpenters from coast, and the church was built by italian bricklayers. There was cript for Laudon's two children next to church, on the left side. It is known that he lost his son when he was on border guard. Bunić village is as old as Krbava and Udbina, and it was second biggest village in Krbava field, together with its old fort and church. Whole area was under Turks until the final liberation in 1689. Before turkish occupation, Bunić was mentioned in 1486 as property next to the estate of Nikola Frankopan." (27)

It was two and a half centuries ago. And now?

"Bunić, village on 665 m above the sea level, is in Udbina community, in Lika-Senj county. It is placed on the northern end of Krbava field in Lika, in microregion of Krbava basin of mountain part of Croatia, 24 km south western from village Udbina, it has 136 inhabitants (2001.), average annual percentage is dropping – 10,2%, land size 60,59 km², average population density 2 inhabitants per km², very old population age (young 44,1%, mature 33,1%, old 22,8%)" (28)

8.      Task project

Purpose of this project is following:

1. Scientific analysis and congresses considering the protection of Krbava field against live sands as a concrete way for preserving natural enviroment

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(26) – Stevo Vojnović, Same, page 250

(27) – Miroslav Ambruš-Kiš, Marko Čuljat: Ernest Gideon baron of Laudon, one of the most famous army leaders in 18th century, has in these parts the most beautiful monument, www.vecernji-list.hr, 20th of May 2006

(28) – Lexicon of croatian settlements, First volume, Mozaik, Zagreb, 2004, page 93

1. Stimulation of revival of "Laudon's grove" as protected park-forest on its entire land size

2. Organisation of collection (archive) of information about "Laudon's grove"

3. Systematic research about the life of Ernest Gideon baron of Laudon

4. Bunić's church renewal (now: culture monument turned into stable) and foundation of memorial museum of field marshal Ernest Gideon baron of Laudon that should be placed next to church

Director of the project would be Nature enviroment preserving association "Laudon's grove" in Zagreb, and it would be carried out by the governing body of Republic of Croatia.

9.      Obstacles and needed help

It's slightly possible that someone would object to this project. But, reticence, sluggishness and lack of ambition of "relevant" factors are great obstacles for performing this project. Besides that, croatian public, which is politically engaged and sensitive, at the same time doesn't know how to solve some practical problems. But, until now, we never had to "raven the land from the sea". We need help from those who know how to solve these problems, and who have experience in this field. This help would be in following matters:

a. Final definiton and forming of this project task,

b. Organisation of methods and course of errands in project task,

c. Using some Dutch experiences in performing specific parts of project task,

d. Scientific and professional conferencing which would verify requirements for this project task,

e. Recommendations and help in finding donors which would support perfomance parts of this project and the project in whole.

10.  As an epilogue: European collectiveness considering the meaning and the purpose of the project

Planting of "Laudon's grove" was ordered by Ernest Gideon baron of Laudon, austrian field marshal, whose father was Swedish lieutenant-colonel. Baron Laudon was born in 1717 in Estonia in scottish family. He was educated in Russia. He was Trenk's beadle. He participated in defeating the Turks in Belgrade. He died in 1790 in Moravska (Czech Republic). As it was said before, he ordered planting of Laudon's grove in Krbava field in Croatia, and he also built the church in Bunić in 1743.

This project is not possible to complete without the help of experts and scientists from at least ten european countries. It says something about project's meaning and purpose.

Nature enviroment preserving association

 "Laudon's grove"

Tomislav Dragun, PhD, president