Remptendorf/Erfurt (dpa/th) – The Thuringia Nature Conservation Union (Nabu) has criticized the large-scale logging in the Mittelgrund nature reserve in East Thuringia. Up to 100 hectares of forest are to be cleared in the area near Ruppersdorf in the Saale-Orla district, Nabu announced on Thursday. A large part has already been beaten and is waiting to be transported or has already been sold.
The Federal Forest justified the felling to combat the bark beetle as required under forest law. From the point of view of the nature conservationists, however, this approach is contrary to the model of the natural heritage area. Old, structurally rich mixed deciduous forests for the Tengmalm’s Owl, Black Stork and Pygmy Owl should have developed in the area. “What we are currently experiencing near Ruppersdorf is setting the natural forest development back for decades. Instead of clearing the areas completely, there would have been better alternatives,” it said.
The Ministry of the Environment announced that the upper nature conservation authority had examined the tree felling in November. A violation of the regulations of the nature reserve ordinance is not seen in this. The measures would protect the remaining forest. From Nabu’s point of view, however, as much wood as possible must be left in the forests – especially in protected areas.
