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After 37 Days In The Trees To Block The Cut Of Trees For The A69 Highway, 'Ecureuils Climb Down

An activist from a ZAD (Zone to Defend) is standing on a cut tree in the Crem'Arbre woods in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 24, 2024. After 37 days in the trees, the last three 'Ecureuils' (squirrels), who had been living in the trees of the Crem'Arbre ZAD to prevent them from being cut down, descended as the French Justice ruled that the Crem'Arbre must be protected and the trees cannot be cut until September 1st. Supporters, members of LVEL, gathered to welcome the 'Ecureuils' back to the ground. Riot police were present to prevent public disorder. The 'Ecureuils' and their trees had been surrounded by police for over a month. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have set up the Crem'Arbre ZAD and have been living in the trees to block the cutting. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' (The Way is Free) is demanding that the highway project be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. Not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. Opponents argue that upgrading the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would be much less expensive. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 53 kilometers, and its construction would destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11096569
Date Taken	24 March 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Alain Pitton/NurPhoto
Category	Environmental Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto

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