Greater protection for nature reserve

As from Saturday 1 October, new regulations will come into force to ensure the greater protection of the marshland nature reserve known as the Maschwander Allmend.
 
A statement issued by the Cantonal Planning Department on Tuesday said that his protected area had been increasingly subject to disturbance, not least by dogs not kept on a lead. Much of the disturbance can be put down to thoughtlessness or ignorance on the part of the perpetrators but it can nevertheless have fatal consequences for plants and animals. It is for this reason that the new regulations have been introduced.
 
This means that, in the designated area, it will be prohibited to leave the pathways, except for people on agricultural or forestry business or for those with permission granted by the Cantonal Planning Department. Furthermore, all dogs must be kept on a lead in the protected areas and in some areas they will be banned altogether. Between the 1 October and 31 May it will be forbidden to navigate the River Lorze in any way or indeed to wade into it or walk along the Zug side of the riverbank. In addition it will be totally forbidden to pick plants or dig them up. The catching or killing of animals or even disturbing them in any way will equally be forbidden as will the planting of flora or the releasing of any animals in the area.
 
In fact in the nature reserve to the north of the Allmend path as far as the Rüss-Spitz only walkers will be allowed, with riding and cycling continuing to be forbidden. It is hoped that these measures will have the effect of  protecting sensitive areas.
 
In order to ensure the new regulations are adhered to, the planning department will be working in cooperation with support officers of the Zug police, who will be specially trained to deal with any contraventions. Patrols will start on the same day as the new regulations on Saturday.