Toulouse: the felling of old trees for the construction site of the 3rd metro line, outrages the residents
In Bonnefoy, la Vache or even Marengo in Toulouse, the felling of trees as part of the work on the 3rd metro line, causing the astonishment or indignation of local residents and associations.
Eleven trees felled on the SNCF boulevard Marengo car park, at the beginning of September; an evening in the La Vache metro park and ride, mid-October; two cypresses from a private residence in Bonnefoy, also in mid-October; a petition which has already gathered nearly 5,000 signatures against the planned felling of plane trees on the Allée des Soupirs, near the Grand Rond… The “preparatory” work for the construction site of the 3rd metro line is not going unnoticed by the population.
“Others have no doubt already passed into the shadows and oblivion”, notes the association Les Amis de la Terre Midi-Pyrénées
“Planting two trees will not compensate for the loss of the mature tree”
“The public inquiry announced the slaughter in October and especially the movement of wildlife (nests, hedgehogs) beforehand, why did you report things? », asks the association. When Tisséo announces that it wants to replant more trees than it cuts down, the association steps up.
“Planting 2 trees for 1 felled” will not compensate for the loss of the mature tree. These small trees will have to grow for decades to bring the same benefit to air quality, climate and biodiversity. Drought and chronic heat will greatly slow down their development. They will be deployed far from the city anyway, like on the Montgiscard site 19 km from Toulouse! »
“Is the declaration of public utility really justified?”
Friends of the Earth wonder: “The declaration of public utility, going so far as to mention reasons of major public interest to authorize the destruction of our small urban natural areas, the fauna and flora, the biodiversity, is is it really justified? Our elected politicians seem to believe and remain camped on the metro solution without studying an alternative to this old project that is no longer consistent with the climate emergency! »