Concern for the protection of the protected forest in the Rhine-Main area
The district of Groß-Gerau criticizes the draft amendment to the Hessian Forest Act. According to the district administration, the planned changes could significantly weaken the currently strict protection of the protected forest.
Until now, interventions in protected forest areas have only been possible under clearly defined conditions, such as the expansion of rail or bicycle traffic. The new draft law leaves these regulations considerably more open, which, from the district's perspective, could also facilitate raw material extraction.
Criticism of potential interventions in forest areas
First County Councillor Adil Oyan emphasizes the importance of forests for the environment and the population. Forests are not only a source of raw materials, but also a habitat for animals and plants, a climate buffer, and important recreational areas.
Raw material extraction often involves large-scale deforestation and significant soil disturbance. This can fragment contiguous forest areas and impair ecological functions such as water filtration, climate regulation, or protection against overheating.
Special importance of the forests in the Rhine-Main area
The sandy soils in the north of the Groß-Gerau district are particularly sensitive. They react strongly to erosion and drying out.
Furthermore, protected forests in the densely populated Rhine-Main region fulfill important protective functions. Among other things, they serve as noise and air filters along heavily trafficked transport routes and as buffers in the vicinity of Frankfurt Airport.
Doubts about arguments regarding housing construction
According to the district, the planned amendment to the law primarily aims to facilitate raw material extraction. Oyan finds the justification that this could benefit housing construction unconvincing. The proportion of gravel and sand in the overall costs of a construction project is comparatively small.
From the district's point of view, there are more effective measures for creating housing, such as faster approval procedures or targeted funding programs, without endangering valuable forest areas.
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
