Tree felling in Mering: Nature under pressure – 14 trees affected!

Tree felling in Mering: Nature under pressure – 14 trees affected!

The natural environment in Mering is facing a major change: the government of Swabia has approved the felling of 14 trees on a private forest property in Hans-Sachs-Weg. This comes against the background of a recent tree report that points to various diseases in many trees, including ash shoot dieback and burn crust fungus. In addition, storm and hail events in the last two years have significantly worsened the health of the trees, creating a need for action. A total of 21 trees were identified as problematic, but while the felling of 14 trees was approved, a further 7 trees can be felled without additional approval.

Parts of the trees that are now to be felled are habitats of protected species such as bats, birds and numerous beetles that live in dead wood. These protected habitats are under the strict protection of the Federal Nature Conservation Act. According to the Fichtenbiber, special permits must always be obtained for felling trees in protected areas. Alternative measures to care for the trees were deemed impractical by the nature conservation authorities as they would be both costly and time-consuming.

Felling under supervision

The felling of the trees in Mering is to be carried out under professional supervision in the coming weeks. To ensure that the intervention has a minimal impact on the environment, nature conservation authorities are careful to ensure that all legal regulations are observed. Violations of these rules can not only result in high fines, but can also have legal consequences, as set out in the guidelines of the Federal Nature Conservation Act.

The felling measures are seen as a last resort because the habitats of the protected species are to be preserved. Numerous alternatives, such as maintenance measures or crown cuts, were considered. However, it was found that these were not sufficient to improve the condition of the trees or to rule out danger. Therefore, felling is the only way to ensure the safety of residents.

The big picture in view

Nature reserves are essential for the preservation of our flora and fauna. The NABU emphasizes that trees in these areas are particularly protected. Every tree felling must be carefully considered and in many cases care and preservation measures are preferable. Strict regulations apply in Germany, for example prohibiting the destruction of trees in protected areas. These regulations also apply to Mering, where nature conservation law dealing with the affected trees is particularly relevant.

Caution when using our natural resources is a key aspect that everyone involved must take seriously. Whether financial solutions can be found for tree care remains to be seen, but the responsibility for preserving biodiversity and its habitats lies not only with the authorities, but also with all of us. The fellings in the Hans-Sachs-Weg shed light on the challenges that climate change and the extinction of species pose to us.