Münster Wald to Brand: Nature recovers, community fights with deficit

Münster Wald to Brand: Nature recovers, community fights with deficit

A dramatic comeback of nature! The forest near the Muna area in Münster, which was hit by devastating fires two years ago, shows impressive progress in its regeneration. Young birches and poplars in particular have established themselves on an area of 20 hectares that went up in flames in 2022. This positive development follows one of the largest fire brigade operations in the history of the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, as fire brigade workers from several cities to combat the flames.

The fire area, which was once drawn by the devastating fireplaces of the past, has a surprisingly well recovered in the first two years after the catastrophe. The Dieburg forestry office reports that nature has regenerate its promising. "The fire area was able to develop well," said the authority. But the question of long -term tree species development remains open. While birch and poplars dominate, the pine could also spread further. However, the final answer to the question of which tree species will prevail in the long term remains.

rain as a lifegian for nature

Another crucial factor for the recovery of the forest is the abundant rain, which fell both in autumn 2023 and in 2024. "Rainfall is a good start -up for seedlings and nature rejuvenation," explains the forestry office. But despite the positive effects, the rain is not enough to guarantee sustainable recovery. Several rainy years are necessary to raise the groundwater levels again and to stabilize the soil moisture.

While nature regenerates, the municipality of Münster is faced with financial challenges. The new forest economy for 2025 shows a deficit of 17,000 euros, since the planned income of 84,000 euros does not cover the expenses of 101,000 euros. Despite the positive wood sales in 2022, which were made possible by the marketing of burned pine, the financial situation remains tense. The community must continue to dig deep into the pocket to manage and maintain the forest.