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

A man is holding a banner that reads 'No to the A69, ecocidal anachronic slaughter'. After spending 37 days in the trees, the last three 'Ecureuils' (meaning 'squirrels'), who have been living in the trees of the Crem'Arbre ZAD (Zone To Defend), are climbing down as the French Justice has recognized that the Crem'Arbre must be protected and the trees cannot be cut until September 1st. People, sympathizers, and LVEL members are coming to welcome the 'Ecureuils' on the ground. Riot police are present but only to avoid public disorder. The 'Ecureuils' and their trees have been besieged by police for more than a month. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have installed a ZAD named 'Crem'Arbre', and 'Ecureuils' are living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' (meaning 'The Way is Free') is demanding that the highway construction be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are made. All expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of this project argue that the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 53 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural fields. The photo was taken in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 24, 2024. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11096575
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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