In the Vosges mountains, new signage to preserve the tranquility of animals

On this sunny day, it’s the crowds of great days on the snowy paths of the Nordic site of Trois Fours, located along the Route des Crêtes, between the Col de la Schlucht and the Hohneck. Walkers, hikers and skiers share this dream space surrounded by forests. The Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park attracts many visitors all year round. Attendance that can harm animals when they hibernate and during the breeding season in spring. So to allow a better cohabitation between man and nature, banners and pennants inform visitors of places to be banned. “The idea is to regularly remind people of the message so that walkers say to themselves: ‘it’s true, we are in a zone of tranquility, we must not go there”, explains Olivier Claude, park director.

This device is currently being tested in the Tanet and Frankenthal nature reserves. “We are aimed at both tourists and residents who have sports and walking habits. In winter, they are not always aware that a visit, even once a day, can disturb our emblematic species” , explains Sylvie d’Alguerre, vice-president of the park. This signage is part of the Quiétude attitude program. Visitors who do not follow the marked trails offered by the park are liable to fines of up to 450 euros. Banners and pennants will remain in place, at the latest, until June 30.