A large mixed forest near Gardelegen is facing destruction – just six years after it was planted. The reason: the oak trees planted there do not originate from the legally defined provenance zones. Although the young trees appear healthy and have grown well, they are now threatened with felling. This compensatory area, created due to the expansion of the A14 motorway, was originally intended as a symbol of ecological responsibility. But now it is developing into a bureaucratic dilemma, growing public protest, rising costs, and massive criticism of forestry policy. (mdr:17.11.25)
Origin of the oak trees causes legal problems
At first glance, the wooded area between Seethen and Hottendorf appears unremarkable. Behind a high wildlife fence, a young stand of oaks, hornbeams, birches, and maples grows. The planting is considered successful. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: the trees do not originate from the zones prescribed for Saxony-Anhalt. These regulations are intended to ensure adaptability to pests and periods of drought.
Forestry Minister Sven Schulze points to risks that can arise from unsuitable seed origins. Poorer growth or higher mortality are possible, especially with sensitive species like pedunculate oak or sessile oak. Nevertheless, Schulze is having it examined whether the stand can be preserved despite the violation of regulations.
Oak clearing despite healthy development?
In the affected mixed forest, there are hardly any problems. The oaks have driven their roots deep into the dry Altmark soil. Other species, such as the European beech, a close relative of the oak, are also developing positively. So far, the area is fulfilling its function as a near-natural compensation area for the infrastructure project.
According to forestry authorities, however, the planting does not meet legal requirements – a classic case of incorrectly delivered seed. The question of liability therefore lies with the contracted company. In case of doubt, this company must not only compensate for the damage but also provide replacement areas.
Citizen protest against planned clearing
In nearby Seethen, there is fierce citizen protest. Mayor Gerald Adler criticizes the plan to needlessly destroy a visibly successful stand of trees. He calls instead for improvements through appropriate supplementary plantings, not chainsaws. Jens Neumann, an employee in the automotive supply industry, also advocates for a professionally sound reassessment of the situation. The local population doesn’t understand why a young forest, despite its positive development, must be sacrificed.
Christian Glatz, a master baker from the region, calls it an absurd decision. He believes the existing stand should be preserved, and lessons should be learned from it. The criticism extends beyond the planned clearing to the underlying forestry policy, which many perceive as too rigid and impractical.
Clearing could incur enormous costs
The economic dimension cannot be ignored: The original reforestation cost at least €500,000. At a price of up to €30,000 per hectare, replanting, including maintenance and fencing, could cost up to €750,000. This sum would have to cover not only new oak trees, but also other tree species such as beeches or alders. The supplier of the planting material is financially responsible, but the public sector would also be under pressure.
Critics like insurance agent Michael Busse consider this type of expenditure inefficient. In times of tight budgets, one should not endanger functioning nature with bureaucracy.
Decision expected soon
The Autobahn GmbH (Federal Highway Company) plans an on-site meeting in November to clarify the situation. The agenda includes both the origin of the oak trees and alternatives to clearing. It’s not just about compliance with the law, but also about common sense, nature conservation, and financial responsibility.
Whether the forest has a future will soon be decided. One thing is clear: this case exemplifies the conflicts between forestry policy, infrastructure projects, citizen protests, and ecological demands.