Visitor management and nature monitoring Ruinaulta

Description

A visitor management concept has been developed for the area of the natural monument "Ruinaulta" in the Rheinschlucht gorge. The concept consists of the two sections "Nature monitoring" and "Visitor guidance". The report is divided into the chapters on leisure use, nature monitoring and visitor management and is based on the following overarching development goals:

Preserving natural values in the Ruinaulta: reducing damage to landscape and nature by those seeking recreation
Making the Ruinaulta experienceable: sensitisation of the various leisure time users with regard to landscape and nature
Minimising conflicts between people seeking relaxation: sensitisation of those seeking recovery to mutual consideration and unbundling of activities (mainly hiking and mountain biking)

The recreational use section comprises the survey and analysis of visitor flows in Ruinaulta during the 2013 summer season, using various methods such as automatic counting and camera monitoring. In addition to the survey of visitor frequency, the observance of the prohibition of access on the sensitive gravel surfaces and the inspection of the Ransun tunnel were checked.
The results provide an overview of the current stream of visitors to Ruinaulta. Pedestrian traffic accounts for about 80% of the frequencies in the area. The highest number of visitors was recorded on weekends. At Isla Sut near Castrisch, the highest frequencies were recorded with an average of 222 persons per day. The lowest values were measured during the same period on the hiking trail from Trin Station to Trin Village (average 22 people). The frequencies in the leisure water sports sector counted an average of around 93 people per day.
In the section "Nature monitoring" the characteristic and / or species of flora and fauna that are worthy of protection for the Ruinaulta were described and a monitoring plan was drawn up. The further development of these species in their typical habitats will be systematically monitored. In visitor management, the two sub-areas of leisure use and nature monitoring were analysed and a system of objectives and measures developed on the basis of this analysis.