Discussion between Hundsbach and the National Park Administration on the matter of fencing and expansion plans
In the picturesque Hittnau region, a significant change has been unfolding over the past few years. This transformation began in spring 2025, when the municipal council initiated a dialogue with residents through an online survey and a public dialogue event in September. The events presented the survey results and promised changes, sparking a shift in the residents' opinions.
The dialogue between the two sides has been fruitful, with both parties demonstrating a keen interest in listening to each other and a genuine commitment to finding compromises. This was further facilitated by the visit of Minister of the Environment Thekla Walker (Greens) in early 2025, who helped to foster a change of heart, as evidenced by the current shift in attitudes.
The Hundsbach citizen initiative (BI), founded to oppose the expansion of a protected area, has been at the forefront of these discussions. The BI now boasts around 120 supporters from the villages of Hundsbach, Erbersbronn, Herrenwies, Schwarzenberg, and Schönmünzach.
Every four weeks, BI members meet with representatives of the national park administration to discuss their concerns. Last month, more than 20 interested parties discussed specific issues with rangers Urs Reif and Lukas Schmidt.
The rangers, who emphasise the importance of dialogue and transparency with citizens, have expressed concern about the sight of dead firs from living room windows. They plan to log firs from the management zone when the two parts of the national park are combined.
However, the ongoing discussions represent living democracy, as noted by Martin Schnurr, BI representative from Hundsbach. He observes that even hardliners have revised their opinions, making way for a more harmonious coexistence between the region's residents and the national park.
Recent meetings have seen a reduced attendance due to the holiday season. At the latest meeting on Tuesday, only five Hundsbach citizens were present. Despite this, the spirit of dialogue and compromise continues to thrive, offering hope for a sustainable future for the Hittnau region and its national park.
