Forest under pressure: Gießener Spearwald threatened by wind power cables

Forest under pressure: Gießener Spearwald threatened by wind power cables

In the district of Gießen, there are serious concerns about the planned “Rhein-Main-Link” earth cable, which is supposed to transport wind power from the North Sea to South Hesse. This information delivered show that the city of Gießen and the surrounding communities may face a considerable forest loss that affects a unique and ecologically valuable forest area.

The city of Gießen was affected by the planning of the Amprion company, which drives the expansion of the cable mentioned. This development could not only endanger the environment, but also the nature experience of many Gießeners who visit the popular Spanewald. Although the city of Gießen itself does not seem to be directly affected by the loss of the forest, it still affects it indirectly due to the destruction of part of its nature.

hazard of the distant forest

The Spearwald, which extends to federal road 49, is a popular destination for many city dwellers who enjoy hiking. But under the surface of this idyllic nature, the impressive forest area is now in serious danger. The planned route of the ground cable stipulates that 9.2 hectares of the forest alone have to be cleared to make room for a 100 meter wide swing, which is to be created over a total length of 920 meters. In the further course, this area should also be kept free over a width of 50 meters.

The city of Gießen, represented by magistrate spokeswoman Claudia Boje, has already announced that it would express her concerns as part of the planning approval process. In the opinion, she emphasized the destruction of old deciduous forests, which are not only valuable for aesthetic reasons, but also offer habitat for many endangered species and contribute to climate protection.

It is particularly painful that the oldest, ecologically most valuable trees in the Spearwald were selected for the clearing. This includes red beech and stem oic that are up to 160 years old. These old trees are not only an important habitat, but their clearing will also have negative effects on the entire interior of the forest, including changes in the floor water balance and an increase in the risk of sunburn on the unprotected forest edges.

inter -municipal cooperation

The city of Gießen shows understanding for the concern of eight adjacent municipalities that want to speak out against the plans and want to look for a common solution. The magistrate signaled that cooperation in an inter -municipal working group would be an option to jointly develop alternative suggestions. This could possibly help to better protect the valuable forest area, while at the same time the need for the latest infrastructure for energy generation is recognized.

The city of Gießen recognizes the overarching importance of the Rhine-Main links for the energy transition, especially with a view to the transformation of industry in the region. In the statement that is to be presented at an upcoming application conference in Butzbach, it is emphasized that the Rhein-Main-Link plays a central role in switching to renewable energies. Gießen therefore wants to support the project in principle, but with clear conditions to minimize the loss of forest area.