Uetliberg – resident annoyed – “over hundred-year-old red fir trees are felled”

Annette Monreal has lived on the Uetliberg since 2018. “I really enjoy living on the ridge. It was the tranquility and the natural surroundings in particular that made me move here,” says the 51-year-old environmental specialist.

However, she is critical of the current felling work on the Uetliberg: “In view of the last year, when there was really a lot of storm and snow damage, it is incomprehensible to me why forestry is now continuing as before.” Especially after such a year, you should rethink the next steps and do not cut any more trees for the time being. She is particularly concerned: “Early to mid-January, over-hundred-year-old red fir trees are to be felled.”

As Monreal says prefers it Especially since Corona a lot more people on the Uetliberg. “Walkers and mountain bikers come here to enjoy nature and to see the natural and unspoilt elements of the forest.” It would be a shame if then More and more tree stumps line the roadside and piles of wood lie around for up to a year.

Her wish: One should take a closer look at the forest under the influences of climate change and its recreational value. “The authorities and forestry should not only regard the forest on the Uetliberg as a commercial forest and a source of energy and construction wood.”

According to the Zurich building department, it is a properly planned use of wood. “The forests are tended every five to seven years. This is based on sustainability criteria, in other words, as much is used on an area as has grown back in recent years, ”says spokeswoman Isabelle Rüegg.

State forests, including forests belonging to the canton, are managed according to the natural and gentle permanent forest principle, and clearing and clear-cutting are reduced to a minimum. Instead, only trees that are “ready for harvest”, sick or damaged or those that endanger safety are felled.

According to Rüegg, the felled trees are recycled. «The resulting wood is put to the best possible use.»So dhe best strains processed into plywood. Other high-quality logs become lumber. The less valuable wood is used as energy wood.