A month after Storm Amy hit southern Norway, about 30 fallen trees still block trails in Raet National Park. Several trees obstruct wheelchair-accessible paths and routes designed for strollers. The situation has created frustration among visitors and volunteers alike.
Volunteer group Friends of Hove wants to clear the debris but received orders to wait. They need approval from Norway's Environment Directorate before beginning cleanup work. The national park management fears legal complaints if they proceed without explicit permission.
Retired priest Åsta Ledaal walks regularly in the Tromøya-based park. She finds the delay difficult to understand. This massive pine tree lies right across the path where people walk. It seems strange they cannot remove it, Ledaal said while pointing to an eight-meter-long pine.
Friends of Hove leaders Svein Line and Peter Anker say they stand ready with equipment. They emphasize the safety risk these leaning trees pose to hikers. Some fallen trees across paths are simply dangerous. They risk falling further, Line explained.
National Park Manager Jenny Gulbrandsen confirmed they await specific instructions. The Environment Directorate must clarify how storm cleanup should proceed in protected areas. Gulbrandsen's team submitted damage documentation and requested immediate cleanup approval. Officials told them to wait.
This caution stems from previous legal complaints. After Storm Babet two years ago, someone reported the park management to police for cleanup work. Botanical societies and preservation groups had objected to maintenance not specified in conservation plans.
Acting Environment Director Tone Lise Alstad Eid acknowledged the balancing act. She said local managers must weigh conservation against public access. Protection rules allow removing trees that block paths or risk falling on busy trails. But they should clear only what's necessary.
Meanwhile, park officials warn visitors to avoid areas with damaged trees. The standoff continues between preservation priorities and practical safety concerns. Both sides agree something must happen soon as summer hiking season approaches.
This situation highlights the challenge of managing natural areas where conservation rules sometimes conflict with public access needs. The bureaucratic delay seems particularly puzzling when obvious hazards block disability-accessible routes.