Athletes are conquering winter landscapes again, but every now and then they end up in the middle of vegetable gardens or digging deep trenches in grain fields. The “Krone” knows how coexistence can still work.
The conflict is as old as snowshoeing is: recreational athletes coming into conflict with landowners during their outdoor activities. Most recently, as reported, skidoo drivers annoyed Mühlviertel farmers by running over their fields and pastures, leaving deep gouges in the terrain.
Private benches as a rest area
Even in the larger Bohemian Forest area “it is often quite busy,” says Markus Cecho from the construction authority in Ulrichsberg. “Snowshoers climb over fences or use private garden benches to rest.” Angry landowners respond by putting up prohibition signs or blocking paths.
But there are also disputes among athletes. “We have 48 kilometers of cross-country ski trails in Ulrichsberg. If you want to use this, you have to pay six euros. When snowshoers march down the middle of groomed trails, they don’t exactly make themselves popular with cross-country skiers.”
More recreational athletes since Corona
The subject is not new for the Alpine Club either, says local state chairman Thomas Poltura. “Since Corona, there have simply been many more recreational athletes out and about. Well-marked trails are still the best guidance method.”
Provided hikers stay on these trails: “Hikers marched straight through a farmer’s vegetable garden in the Eferdinger Basin.”
Boer created parking space
But there are also conflicts when it comes to parking: “A farmer’s driveway was constantly blocked at Schieferstein. He has now created a parking space where he charges a fee.” The Alpine Club has priority everywhere on the 4,000 kilometer network of trails, making it virtually impossible for landowners to block them.
“Still, signposts are removed or markings are painted over,” says Poltura. To prevent conflicts, a team led by Daniel Huemer founded the association “Mountainbike Initiative Linz” two and a half years ago. “We were tired of being harassed all the time.” After a year, the first legal process was opened. “We had to talk to some landowners 10 times before a contract was signed,” Huemer says. “If only one in 20 landowners is against it, we can forget the whole thing.”
Guide for athletes
Article 33 of the Forestry Act stipulates that anyone may enter the forest for recreational purposes. However, cycling or tobogganing is prohibited. Pastures may not be used for sports without permission. The OÖ Almverein and OÖ Tourismus have jointly developed a guide for recreational athletes. It states, among other things, that you must take animals and plants into account and not leave any waste behind.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
