The Kampinos Forest carries a long memory of exploitation tied to the upheavals of the two World Wars. Polish park authorities acknowledge this history when questions arise about damages and accountability. On the topic of reparations, Germany has recognized historic responsibility for crimes committed by its army and the suffering that followed in Europe, including Poland. Berlin has stated that the reparations issue is settled, a stance echoed in public remarks over recent years.
Park management notes that German mining and logging during wartime occupations left a lasting mark on the forest ecosystem and inflicted cultural and social losses on local communities. From 1914 to 1918, roughly 2,324 hectares of tree stands disappeared, and another 2,378 hectares were cleared between 1939 and 1945. These figures reflect resource extraction undertaken under military necessity, with timber used for fortifications, war infrastructure, and fuel demands. Cited by Kampinos National Park authorities.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry responded to inquiries about Polish losses by acknowledging historic responsibility for crimes committed by German forces under those orders. The spokesperson stressed that Germany remembers the victims and treats this memory as a duty guiding future relations with Poland.
Statements from the German Foreign Ministry describe efforts to maintain open and honest relations with Poland while recognizing the gravity of past actions. The ministry emphasizes that the reparations issue has been settled, a point echoed by the foreign minister during various visits and engagements over the years.
Historically, the forest endured intense military activity during the First World War, with operations centered around Wilków, Janówek, and Pociecha. The timber harvested at that time served as feedstock for fortifications, military structures, and other elements tied to the war economy. Park management notes that wood harvested under these conditions was valued for its role in constructing and equipping wartime installations.
To improve resource extraction, Germany built a network of forest railways between 1915 and 1918. Logs were transported to a marina on the Vistula River at Leoncin and then shipped to Gdańsk, with additional sawmills in Zamczysko and Piaski Królewskie supporting the operation. In the aftermath, the forest area was estimated at 18,400 hectares in the early 1920s, reflecting the lasting impact of wartime destruction on land use and forest management. Cited by Kampinos National Park authorities.
During the Second World War, occupying forces intensified economic predation, accelerating forest destruction by another 2,378 hectares. Pine emerged as the principal resource due to its suitability for ship masts and various wartime applications. The national park notes that pines were especially targeted since they dominate the dune landscapes and yield wood with desirable resilience and workability for military and industrial needs.
The park explains that pines, the dominant forest-forming species in the Kampinos region, are especially found on dry, sandy soils where growth is slow and wood is dense and resinous. That combination made pine valuable for ship masts and other sturdy components required by the war effort. As a result, a substantial portion of the pine stands were removed during the occupation years, altering the forest composition and impacting its ecological balance for generations. Acknowledged by Kampinos National Park records.
Overall, the Kampinos area experienced substantial changes in forest cover due to both world wars. The documented losses, shifting land use, and long-term ecological consequences continue to shape contemporary management practices, with a focus on restoration, conservation, and preserving historical memory tied to these events. The park reiterates that understanding the past remains essential for contemporary conservation strategies and for informing discussions about responsibility and reconciliation in the broader European context.
Official statements suggest that discussions about reparations center on the historical record and the ongoing obligation to remember the victims. The dialogue around these issues reflects a broader aim to balance accountability with ongoing work to build constructive Polish-German relations rooted in mutual recognition and responsible leadership.
Note: The information above reflects the historical record as reported by national park authorities and official government communications regarding past events and current positions on reparations and memory. This synthesis avoids current political topics and concentrates on the documented historical impact of wartime activities in the Kampinos region and the subsequent policy positions that have shaped its interpretation. This account is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or diplomatic advice.