Erfurt's Haarberg forest faces temporary trail closures for logging

Hiking trails in the Haarberg area near Erfurt are being temporarily closed due to necessary logging operations. Sascha Schlehahn, the head of the Erfurt-Willrode forestry office, stated that the work is a response to damage caused by prolonged drought and heat.

The forestry measures primarily target ash and beech trees. Foresters report that ash trees are particularly vulnerable due to ash dieback and infestation by the ash bark beetle. Many trees, which appeared green in the spring, are now collapsing suddenly because their root systems have failed. Additionally, beech trees are being removed where crown dieback has occurred due to drought stress.

The goal of these interventions, combined with standard maintenance of oak, larch, and pine, is to promote the development of a healthy mixed forest.