60,000 votes for the Sterkrad forest - a strong sign!

60,000 votes for the Sterkrad forest - a strong sign!

In the latest exchange of blows to maintain the Sterkrad Forest, the alliance for the preservation of the Sterkrad Forest has reached a remarkable milestone: over 60,000 citizens have signed a petition that is opposed to the planned expansion of the Oberhausen motorway junction. The last major signature collection campaign took place on December 15, 2024 in Königshardt, and there was 60,035. Signature made, such as Lokalklick.eu reported. The alliance calls for a review and adaptation of the Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan to adapt the plans to current traffic needs and climate goals.

Another step in this constant struggle took place on April 29, 2022 when the young liberals Oberhausen and members of the FDP invited to a forest inspection in the Sterkrad Forest. The aim was to discuss the concerns of the alliance in more detail, in particular the possible clearing that would be necessary for the motorway expansion. "In today's climate change, every tree that is unnecessary is one too much," said Max Baum, the chairman of the young liberal Oberhausen. The participants agreed that an expansion of the motorway junction should only be considered if it does not result in a large-scale clearing, such as Lokalkompass.de mentioned.

political consequences and future steps

The members of the alliance have already submitted an application to the city council in order to stop the expansion until checking the traffic plan. The majority of these political measures were accepted on June 24, 2024. The Ministry of Transport was asked to expose the employment procedure up to the needs test. In January or February 2025, the alliance members, the petition to Minister of Transport Dr. To hand over Volker Wissing in Berlin and hope for a constructive dialogue about the upcoming developments and traffic planning. In the midst of the upcoming Bundestag election in February 2025, the public will observe the political positions on climate protection and the mobility turn.