Almost two weeks after the severe storm of Saturday 24 August, many footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways in the Dwingelderveld national park and the Gieten-Borger forest are still impassable because of fallen trees and broken branches.
The damage is worst in the Dwingelderveld. Fallen oaks, beeches and Scots pines are blocking many paths, especially north of the Spierigerweg. Where trees have been uprooted, there are deep holes in the cycle paths. On many footpaths and bridleways, broken branches are still hanging in the trees and could come down at any moment.
Staatsbosbeheer, the national forestry service, is clearing up, but the damage is so extensive and so widespread that diversions are not possible. Several paths will therefore stay closed for the time being. The cycle paths are expected to reopen at the end of this weekend; other paths may stay closed until the end of September or longer.
In the Gieten-Borger forest, most of the damage is on the west side of the Houtvester Jansenweg. Walkers are strongly advised to avoid the area until the fallen trees and loose branches have been cleared. The mountain bike route is largely open again, with a short diversion on the east side of the Gasselterveld. Staatsbosbeheer expects most of the footpaths here to reopen in the second half of September.
Staatsbosbeheer asks everyone to stay away from the affected areas for now and to follow the instructions and barriers in the woods.
