Announcement of actions to protect natural beauty in Franche-Comté: municipal plans revealed
In the picturesque Nuremberg district lies the Schwarzach Gorge, a natural gem that is one of Bavaria's most beautiful geological sites. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this protected area has seen a significant increase in visitors, attracting hikers especially in spring and summer.
The municipality of Schwarzenbruck is taking steps to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Schwarzach Gorge. Measures include installing more information boards, fencing off paths in some places, and increasing the presence of rangers. However, these efforts are often undermined as flutter tape used to cord off trampled paths is often cut or torn down.
If the current measures do not have the desired effect, the idea of closing the Schwarzach Gorge to visitors is being considered. This would be a last resort, as the Schwarzach Gorge is free to enjoy and is not limited to well-known Franconian cities like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, or Bamberg.
The Schwarzach Gorge is not alone in facing these challenges. Another popular destination, the Walberla in Franconian Switzerland, is also struggling with issues due to the surge in visitors. The damage at the Walberla cannot regenerate over the winter, according to Jana Wiehn from the Landscape Conservation Association Forchheim.
The Walberla's issues are a result of its popularity and the lack of adherence to rules by some visitors. Information boards at the entrances to the nature reserve and smaller signs within the area inform visitors about the rules of conduct, but some people either overlook or deliberately ignore them.
Tourism researcher Markus Pillmayer from Munich University of Applied Sciences explains that people are increasingly seeking outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and climbing in their free time, often in nearby areas. Social media and outdoor portals are contributing to the popularity of lesser-known destinations, with many people planning their tours spontaneously based on their mood and the weather.
However, this spontaneity sometimes leads to the creation of unauthorized footpaths, as seen at the Walberla. Some outdoor portals even promote hiking routes and cycling tours on these illegal paths, despite the entire mountain being closed to bicycles.
The municipality of Schwarzenbruck is aware of these challenges and is considering visitor education, rule enforcement, and possibly access limitations as potential solutions. The protection concept for the Schwarzach Gorge has been approved by the environmental authorities, but no specific new measures have been detailed in the publicly available sources.
The mayor of Schwarzenbruck, Markus Holzammer, has reported that many visitors are not following the rules, causing damage to the sensitive nature. The environmental officer Mareike Menneckemeyer has stated that the municipality is not opposed to temporarily closing the Schwarzach Gorge, but it is not their first choice.
In conclusion, the Schwarzach Gorge, a popular destination, faces pressure from increased visitation and rule violations. Typical protective considerations likely involve visitor education, rule enforcement, and possibly access limitations, though no specific new measures are described in the accessible sources. The municipality of Schwarzenbruck is committed to finding a balance between conservation and sustainable public access.
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