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

Riot police are gesturing towards a 'Zadiste,' an activist from a ZAD, which stands for Zone To Protect. After spending 37 days in the trees, the last three 'Ecureuils,' or 'squirrels,' who have been living in the trees of the Crem'Arbre ZAD, are climbing down. This comes as the French Justice has recognized that the Crem'Arbre must be protected and the trees should not be cut until September 1st. People, sympathizers, and LVEL members are gathering to welcome the 'Ecureuils' back to the ground. Riot police are present but are there only to prevent public disorder. The 'Ecureuils' and their trees had been besieged by police for more than a month. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD called '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 have been made. Not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. Opponents of the project argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost significantly less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 53 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. This is happening in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 24th, 2024. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11096579
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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