Table of Contents
- The canton of Zug is getting a new forest law. The electorate clearly says yes to this.
- The referendum of the Mountain Bike Zug interest group is rejected.
- One of the things that bothered the bikers was that in the future, cycling will only be possible on forest roads – but no longer on forest paths.
Waldgesetz
Canton of Zug: Partial revision of the Forest Act
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AND
28,397 votes
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NO
10,633 votes
With the revised Forest Act, the Canton of Zug wants to ensure that the forest is preserved as a habitat for plants and animals and at the same time can continue to serve as a recreational area for people.
Seppi Roth, President of Wald Zug, the association of forest owners, is pleased that the canton now has a modern forest law: “The result of the vote shows that many are satisfied with the law.”
And government councilor Andreas Hostettler adds: “The sovereign has sent a clear signal for forest protection.”
The revision also provides for this
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The forestry law of the canton of Zug was last revised in 1999. In the future, for example, dogs will be required to be kept on a leash – during the breeding or mating season of wild animals. This is intended to ensure the protection of wild animals and their young. In the future, drones will no longer be allowed to be flown in the forest.
Dealing with the risk of forest fires is being reorganized and harmful organisms should be monitored or destroyed more easily.
The Mountain Bike Zug interest group is disappointed with the voting results. She was bothered by a single sentence in the rules: “Cycling is only permitted on forest roads and on the mountain bike routes indicated in the structure plan.”
The IG criticized: The draft of the structure plan does not correspond to what the bike community describes as an attractive route network. She further complained that there were no short and easy routes on which cycling clubs could train with their young people.
Exact routes are still being determined
27 percent supported the IG Mountainbike Zug referendum. This shows that the bikers were able to convince much more than just their community, says Manuel Sigrist, President of the IG: “For us this now means that we have to lobby the cantonal council so that we can get the most attractive route network possible in the structure plan. »
Legend: The committee that initiated the referendum believes that the new forest law massively restricts biking. Keystone/Alessandro Della Bella
But the restrictions are clear with the new law. Cycling in the forest should still be possible, but only on forest roads and no longer on forest paths. Biking on bike routes set out in the guideline plan is also permitted.
The voter turnout was 51.2 percent.
Considering the diverse opinions surrounding the revision, what strategies can be employed to ensure effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders in the long term?
## Open-Ended Interview Questions: Partial Revision of the Forest Act in Zug
This interview guide aims to spark discussion, explore diverse perspectives, and gain deeper insights into the ramifications of Zug’s revised Forest Act.
**Section 1: Understanding the Revised Forest Act:**
* **What are your initial thoughts on the revised Forest Act and its stated goals of balancing environmental protection with recreational use?**
* **Which specific aspects of the revision do you find most impactful, either positively or negatively? Why?**
**Section 2: Impact on Forest Users:**
* **How do you think the new regulations regarding dog leashing during breeding seasons will impact both dog owners and forest wildlife?**
* **What are your thoughts on the ban on drones in forests? Do you see it as a necessary measure or an unnecessary restriction?**
* **The article highlights differing opinions regarding biking in forests. What are your views on this issue, considering both recreational use and ecological concerns?**
**Section 3: Balancing Competing Interests:**
* **How can we best balance the needs of different forest users – hikers, bikers, dog owners, conservationists – while ensuring the long-term health of the forest ecosystem?**
* **Do you believe the public referendum was an effective way to gauge public opinion and ensure transparency in this decision-making process? Why or why not?**
**Section 4: Future Implications:**
* **What role should local communities play in shaping forest management policies?**
* **What lessons can be learned from Zug’s experience with revising its Forest Act that could be applicable to other cantons or regions facing similar challenges?**
* **Looking ahead, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing forest management in the face of climate change and increasing recreational pressure?**
**Closing:**
* **Is there anything else you would like to add about your perspectives on this topic?**
**Note:** Remember to actively listen to interviewees, probe for further details, and encourage them to elaborate on their opinions.
This interview guide can be modified and adapted based on the specific context and the participants involved.
