Zickenbach Güssing

Demonstrations against the clearing of stream banks

Nature lovers mourn the loss of the trees.(Bild: Schulter Christian)

Conservationists met on Sunday in Güssing on the Zickenbach stream to protest gently - but nevertheless - against trees being cut down.

Tree clearing along the Zickenbach stream in Güssing is causing a stir.

Conservationists are protesting gently against the felling of trees.(Bild: Schulter Christian)

Around 70 conservationists have therefore met there to protest against the clear-cutting. 148 trees have been felled along the 1.5-kilometer stretch in recent weeks, leaving an almost bare embankment. The state government referred to "imminent danger" because the poplars and ash trees were overaged and infested with mistletoe.

Nature lovers from the surrounding area are now focusing on gentle protest, lighting grave candles and hoping that the deforestation will stop.

Also on site: Green Party Member of Parliament Wolfgang Spitzmüller. He emphasized that shading the stream was particularly important because it would otherwise heat up too much in summer. "They overshot the mark here with the clearing," he said. "New trees have been planted, but it will be around ten years before they do their job."