Red oak in danger: Citizens fight against tree removal at the Hengsteysee!

Red oak in danger: Citizens fight against tree removal at the Hengsteysee!

Am Hengsteysee in Hagen is an old red oak that was planted 110 years ago. However, this majestic plant is faced with the end of a comprehensive redesign of the Ruhrtalradweg. Horst Fichtel has set up a small office on site to inform passers -by about the threat of falling the tree. He is upset that the city of Hagen is planning to chop off the oak to make room for structural measures.

The plans of the city of Hagen are part of a larger initiative to upgrade the Ruhrtalradweg, which runs through the Sauerland to the Ruhr area. The path is to be modernized until the international garden exhibition in 2027, and the tree is perceived as an obstacle. Fichtel sees it differently. He expresses the conviction that such conversion options exist that could receive the tree. "You could simply set up a sign: Attention natural monument. Please descend. Where is the problem?" He asks provocative.

urban arguments for the felling

The city administration has justified the decision to counteract the red oak with safety concerns and traffic optimizations. "The area with the red oak forms a narrow point that has a high potential for danger," says a city spokesman. In addition, it is important to make future tourist use around the Hengsteysee appropriately. In this context, 1.5 million euros were approved for the redesign that require a rapid implementation.

In addition to the financial aspects of the upgrading, the city sees the felling as essential in order not to endanger the prospect of funding. But not everyone agrees to this decision. Antje Selter from the Hagen Nature Conservation Advisory Board vehemently speaks against the felling. In her view, the value of such an old tree should not be replaced by anything. "New trees also costs money," she emphasizes and demands that the city should think more about such decisions.

Despite the city's planned project, Horst Fichtel cannot be discouraged and continues his protest. He plans to continue to go to the red oak and even launched an event for the end of October to draw attention to the topic. His hope is perhaps still influencing the decision of the city and changing the fate of the tree.

The discussion about the falling of the tree shows how important green areas and old trees are for the citizens. At a time when nature conservation is becoming increasingly important, the question arises how cities can balance between progressive infrastructure and the preservation of natural monuments. At this point it remains to be seen which steps the city of Hagen will take according to the protests. The exact development of the situation is pursued with tension.