Destruction of the LummaLoop

First mtb ride in a while today, first solo ride in even longer, first ride on MY lummaloop in a couple months.  A couple consecutive days of dry weather created pretty tasty trail conditions, not too muddy but packed and a little tacky.  Perfect for ripping around on the single speed.

Much to my dismay the tree-clearing work seems to have been turned up to eleven, and there were huge sections of trail or double track that were wiped out by tractors going in and out. 

don't adjust your screen, that's the belgian sky.  no sign of contrast anywhere

I've heard that there are some pretty heavy legal blocks to cutting trees; I've heard stories of stiff tree-cutting fines and I know that after heavy windstorms, property owners get a small window of reprieve to clear "dangerous foliage".  However what's been going on in Lummen for the last year is different, it's systematic clearing.  Furthermore, they seem to be driving army tanks or 18-wheel transport trailers through here, making the trails in many places unrideable, and just plain ugly.

Sign of the times?  I don't know what kind of representation this forest gets, but as one of the only significant stand of trees in the area, it's a shame to see it treated like this, especially considering the amount of recreational use it sees.

Progress, I guess that's what they call it.  So there are some small amendments to my loop now, suffice it to say.  Let's hope they leave well enough alone and let the forest recover.