In the middle of a protected area

Illegal clearing drives kingfisher out of paradise

The habitat of the kingfisher was endangered by the deforestation on the banks of the Pielach.(Bild: Terra Mater Factual Studios GmbH / Wanda Vision / Rafael Palomo)

Radical and illegal deforestation in the Salau nature reserve along the Pielach river hits committed environmentalists right in the heart.

"Honey buzzards, middle spotted woodpeckers and many other rare creatures have also lost their habitat," lament conservationists in dismay. In fact, the floodplain below the Salauer Bücke between the municipalities of Gerersdorf and Markersdorf was radically shaved off on both banks of the river. Several hundred meters in length.

"Cleared of woody vegetation"
The natural atrocity committed by a farmer, who uninhibitedly used an axe and chainsaw on public land, is officially described as follows: "The banks of the Pielach were cleared of woody vegetation." The clearing had caused massive interference with the protected assets of the declared Natura 2000 site. Experts from the St. Pölten district authority rightly fear that the "excessive clearing of the banks will lead to the emergence of alien knotweed and balsam", which in turn will displace native flora.

Clear-cutting on the Pielach - only tree stumps were left standing.(Bild: zVg/privat)

No shade for fish
A clear request to the "eco-criminal": the attack of the bio-invasive species should be stopped by immediately planting lavender willows and sea buckthorn. The environmentalists are deeply concerned that the lack of shade on the banks means that the fish are in danger of dying in this year's summer heat. The Republic of Austria, as the landowner, is being asked to inform the district authority whether it even commissioned the clearing.