“What is happening does not seem to be done according to the rules”

The ONF (National Forestry Office) announced it in mid-December 2024. It was going to carry out a coupe in irregular high forest completed by a cutting to open logging roads on a 9 hectare plot in the national forest of Beynes (Yvelines).

Its objective: to collect wood for sell while allowing natural regeneration of the forest as well as the creation of paths to channel the passage of machinery and loggers in order to protect forest soils.

Tree cutting began on December 18, 2024, causing incomprehension many walkers, regular users of the forest, but also two environmental associations.

Illegal logging?

Jade and Sauvons les Yvelines have decided to file a complaint directly with the Versailles public prosecutor against the ONF and the subcontracting company for these cuts which they consider “illegal”.

Because they were made on the edge of a wetland where several protected animal species have been recorded: bats, amphibians, etc. In their complaint, the two associations assert that the Environmental Code is not respected and that in the presence of protected species, it is necessary to have a exemption.

The attentive mayor of Beynes

On the very day the work began, the gendarmes went to the scene. Notified of their presence, the mayor of Beynes, Yves Revel, also came, accompanied by the community's eco-guard.

If Yves Revel has chosen not to join the complaint of environmental associations, he nevertheless says he is very vigilant on what is currently happening in the Beynes forest.

“We have had a lot of feedback from residents. On site, we noticed that certain trees very close to the wetland had indeed been cut down. Inevitably, this disrupts the species that live there. »

The observation of the ecoguard in post since 2022

“I have no lesson to give to the NFB on its way of manage the forestthis is not my domain, continues the elected official. On the other hand, what I don't want is for there to be repercussions for the wildlife around this pond. »

The municipality says it is very invested in protecting the environment on its territory. A biodiversity atlas was carried out recently and Beynes is the first commune in Yvelines to have hired a ecoguard in 2022.

“And it’s not to look pretty!” insists Yves Revel. Our sworn agent has various missions which range from information to awareness-raising while including the surveillance of natural environments. He noted that what is currently happening in the Beynes forest does not seem to be done in the rules. »

“A job done according to the rules” according to the ONF

As for the ONF, we have not yet become aware of this complaint. According to Auswald Martin, head of the territorial unit in charge of the Beynes national forest, there is no subject, this project is being carried out according to the rules. “We have marked the trees which will then be collected by the buyer. Of the carefully chosen trees. »

“We ensure that even dead trees are preserved, precisely because they serve as habitat for wildlife such as bats for example, completes Auswald Martin. The cuts took place this winter, outside the nesting period, to avoid disturbing wildlife. »

“In the operating regulations, it is stipulated that the passages made to allow access to the machines must be at least 10 meters from the duck pond. We have been there several times and it is the case. »

“An ecological interest”

“As for cutting down trees on the edge of ponds, as long as they do not fall into the wetland, nothing prohibits them,” continues the ONF executive. We regularly check this site and have not noted any irregularities. And if this happens, then the buyer would have to pay penalties. »

Auswald Martin goes even further by explaining that these cuts a few meters from the wetland contribute to theimprovement of biodiversity in this sector.

“This allowed the pond to benefit from sunlight again. In this way, siltation is avoided and plants can once again flourish and serve as shelters, particularly for amphibians. Just like the branches which will be left nearby on purpose. There is an ecological interest. »

“Improve habitat near the pond”

That said, the head of the territorial unit is well aware that cutting down trees in the forest can shock visually walkers. “This is why, since 2017, the ONF has been cutting irregular forests. Clear felling is no longer necessary except in cases of tree disease. From now on, we maintain wooded areas for visual, but also environmental, reasons. In the case of Beynes, this makes it possible to improve the habitat near the pond. »

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