Deforestation debate: Munster’s old-growth forest at risk

Munster’s Green Party fights to save a forest from industrial expansion

A civil engineering firm in Munster has proposed clearing a mixed forest to expand its operations by 2.5 hectares. The plan, titled Expansion of the Söhlstraße Industrial Zone, has faced strong opposition from the local Green Party. Critics argue the forest is vital for recreation, climate protection, and wildlife.

The forest in question includes old-growth deciduous trees, such as Douglas firs, which provide nesting sites for cavity-dwelling birds. It also acts as a natural barrier, blocking dust pollution from reaching nearby barracks. Losing this green space could affect both local residents and the German Armed Forces.

The Green Party has called the proposed deforestation an ecological sin, particularly given ongoing climate change and biodiversity loss. They argue that compensatory measures, like replanting trees, cannot fully restore the ecosystem. New trees take years to mature, and some microorganisms may never recover.

Party representatives have criticised the council’s decision-making process, noting that only three committee members visited the site before approving clearance. They are urging all councillors to inspect the forest in person before finalising any plans. To rally public support, the Greens also plan to launch a petition on OpenPetition.

Logistical challenges and a lack of alternative sites in the city further complicate the expansion proposal. Despite this, the firm has not been publicly identified in official records.

The debate over the forest’s future continues, with environmental concerns clashing against industrial expansion. If the plan moves forward, the loss of mature trees and wildlife habitats will be permanent. The Green Party’s petition aims to push for a reconsideration of the project’s necessity and impact.