Conservationists appalled

Chain of lights in response to “tree massacre”

As if something was missing: Pedestrians and cyclists walking along the cleared avenue in Güssing are presented with an unusual sight.(Bild: Christian Schulter)

A tree clearing along the Zickenbach stream in Güssing is causing a stir. On Sunday, conservationists want to set a bright example.

The clear-cutting along the Zickenbach stream in Güssing is on a special scale. 148 trees have been felled in recent weeks along the approximately 1.5-kilometer stretch, which is particularly popular with walkers and cyclists.

Precisely because the route is so heavily frequented, a tree inspector was called in to assess the situation as no longer safe for traffic.

Statement der Baudirektion des Landes

Imminent danger as a reason for clearing
According to an official statement from the state's building department, the trees were felled due to "imminent danger" - the poplars and ash trees were overaged and extremely infested with mistletoe. Precisely because the route is so heavily frequented, a tree inspector who was called in was able to assess the situation as no longer safe for traffic, according to the statement.

148 trees were uprooted in the Zickenbach recreational area in Güssing.(Bild: Christian Schulter)

250 new trees as a compensatory measure
As a compensatory measure, 250 cherries, alders, oaks and willows have already been planted along the section. Furthermore, it is emphasized that 1900 trees and 1500 shrubs were planted along the Zickenbach upstream in the area of the municipality of Kukmirn last year as part of a water ecology project. Conservationists, on the other hand, speak of a veritable "tree massacre" in the local recreation area, "which should be seen as a crime" and are now calling for a stop to the brutal felling of "mostly healthy, large trees."

"The clear-cutting triggers outrage, anger, sadness and incomprehension".

Carolin Volk

Conservationists do not want to stand idly by
"The clear-cutting triggers outrage, anger, sadness and a lack of understanding," says Carolin Volk, who, together with Christine Kostrhon, is inviting people to a protest action next Sunday (5 p.m.) at the parking lot of the outdoor pool in Güssing. "We want to set an example, be seen and heard and we no longer want to stand idly by and watch as our cultural landscape is almost arbitrarily cut down," says Volk, who also demands that massive interventions in nature, as happened in Güssing, be coordinated with ecologists in future.

Sea of lights as a peaceful sign of sustainable management of the ecosystem
As part of the protest action, candles are to be lit on the tree stumps along the section of the route where the trees were felled. "In this way, we want to send a peaceful, light-filled signal for a sensible and sustainable approach to our ecosystem," says Volk.