Municipal sources indicate in a press release that "the El Maripinar elm grove is considered the most significant common elm tree formation in Europe, and it is therefore everyone's responsibility to conserve and maintain it in stable conditions so that it can survive for at least another 100 years."
The note explains that, "A few days ago, we received reports from residents about a new infestation of leaf beetles ravaging this natural monument. The Department of the Environment, during the week of April 2-8, already had a report prepared by the Plant Health Service confirming the presence of abundant colonization by adult specimens that were beginning to lay eggs, their feeding causing significant deterioration of buds and shoots."
In response to this report, the Department of the Environment requested that the work be treated as soon as possible. This action was finally carried out last Monday, April 23rd. The Department also coordinated the authorization with the General Directorate of Highways, "as the work to be carried out would affect normal traffic flow on the RM-532 highway." In addition to the El Maripinar elm grove, elm trees were treated in other areas of the municipality, such as Casa de las Delicias, the Meco ravine, Argaz, the San Pablo ravine, Ascoy, and the Sports Center.
"However, and as we have been demanding for some time, the El Maripinar elm grove requires special biomechanical treatment due to the size and characteristics of the area. Therefore, the Department of the Environment has submitted a preliminary report of the work to be carried out to the responsible technicians of the Regional Directorate, demanding that the CARM (Carm) take urgent and essential action. This is especially true after the events that occurred last Sunday, the 29th, when a large branch fell onto the road."
The aforementioned sources add that, "Knowing that this alone is not enough, a few months ago we presented a motion in the Regional Assembly, through the Socialist group, for the legal protection of the elm grove. With this, we aim to establish an essential recognition that will oblige the responsible administrations to adapt and maintain it by law."
Its approval will be debated next Tuesday, May 8th, in the Territorial Policy, Environment, Agriculture, and Water Commission. "We have no doubt that it will be approved with the votes of all political groups, thus advancing our commitment to preserving our natural environment. For all these reasons, it is worth highlighting the actions taken by the Cieza Regional Government and, specifically, by the Department of the Environment. On this occasion, an immediate response has been made to the needs of one of the entrances to our municipality, thus fulfilling one of the objectives the Departments of the Environment and Tourism are working toward: enhancing the beauty of this beautiful place that we have as a call for a better Cieza."
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