Protest on Smocza Street. "Stop logging - every leaf counts" - residents defend 120-year-old lime trees

On Sunday, a protest against tree felling took place on Smocza Street in Podjuchy, Szczecin. Several dozen people, residents of nearby houses, gathered with banners: "Stop senseless felling", "Every leaf counts", "Tree felling is a sham". The main organizer of the protest was Jakub Olszewski, a resident of Podjuchy, who has been monitoring the case from the beginning.

– We found out about the planned felling only when the red crosses appeared on the trees. There was no prior public consultation. This surprised us, because these are 26 lime trees that are about 120 years old and that create the character of this street. The project assumed their removal from the very beginning, but when the residents started protesting, it suddenly turned out that it could be modified. This raises questions – was this project even well thought out? It is our duty as citizens to react. We live here, this is our environment, our heritage – natural and historical – says J. Olszewski.

- These trees are healthy. They are mature, provide shade, oxygen, retain water flowing down from above, and are simply beautiful. We believe that they can be preserved. We see that the investor and contractor are saying today that they will analyze each tree separately - and we will be watching this very closely - he adds.

Mrs. Elżbieta, a resident of Podjuchy, also spoke:

– From my childhood I remember that Podjuchy and Smocza Street were beautifully decorated with rows of trees. Why cut it all down? – she asked, standing by one of the marked lime trees.

In turn, Mr. Jan, another participant of the protest, added:

– It seems to me that this lime tree should be a natural monument. It shouldn't be removed so easily. It's not just a tree – it's part of our street.

The renovation of Smocza and Krzemienna Streets began on Wednesday, June 11. This is a city investment carried out by Szczecin City Investments, for PLN 18.4 million gross. The contractor is MTM SA, and the expected completion time is 24 months.

The works include replacing the road surface, sidewalks, underground installations (sewerage, water, telecommunications networks), lighting and drainage. New greenery is also planned - planting over 100 trees, including 29 adult small-leaved lime trees.

The first stage includes a section of Smocza Street from property no. 29 to the border of Puszcza Bukowa. Work is being carried out in halves of the roadway and includes, among others, demolition of asphalt, preparation of the ground and installations.

Both the investor and representatives of the Roads and Urban Greenery Authority declare that each tree will be assessed individually. Where possible, solutions will be used to preserve them, such as suspended sidewalks.

The residents are not against the investment itself, but they are demanding transparency and real action regarding the protection of trees. The protest, although peaceful and symbolic, clearly showed that the local community wants to be a partner in the process of making decisions about the fate of their surroundings.

– These are not just trees. This is our history and our future – concluded Jakub Olszewski.

(dg)