In the Massif des Vosges, new signage to preserve the tranquility of animals

On this sunny day, it’s the crowd 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 Nature Park attracts many visitors all year round. Frequentation that can harm animals when they hibernate and during the breeding season in the spring. So to allow a better coexistence between man and nature, banners and pennants inform visitors of places to avoid. “The idea is to regularly remind the message so that walkers say to themselves: ‘it’s true, we are in a zone of tranquility, you should not go there,’ explains Olivier Claude, director of the park.

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