Overview
- Brandenburg closed roughly 45 kilometres of waterways in the Unterspreewald, a small share of the region’s 1,600 kilometres, after officials reported a heavy oak processionary moth infestation on Monday.
- Environment Minister Hanka Mittelstädt and Transport Minister Robert Crumbach visited Schlepzig and ordered phased inspections with the goal of reopening routes once tree‑safety work is completed.
- Local crews are using targeted removals, vacuuming and entomopathogenic nematodes while contracted teams handle dangerous tree work that has been paused at times because hot weather makes full protective gear impractical.
- Tourism operators report cancellations and restricted boat rental operations, with firms in unaffected towns also seeing bookings fall as visitors rethink trips to the Spreewald.
- Officials will map infestations through autumn to prepare for a time‑sensitive biozide campaign in spring 2027 and warn that warmer temperatures and high national demand for control equipment could make containment harder next year.