Protection from forest fires - National park equips company cars with fire-fighting backpacks
The National Park Eifel strengthens protection against forest fires. Thirty vehicles of the outdoor service will be equipped with firefighting backpacks, the National Park announced at its annual press conference in Schleiden. In addition, a forest fire response card has been created in collaboration with neighboring municipalities, which contains information on firefighting accessible roads, rescue points, and water extraction points for the fire department. According to a spokesperson, these are preventive measures. No fire has occurred in the protected area yet.
It was known that rare lynx live in the only National Park of NRW, but exact numbers were not available. "Our researchers can now finally welcome us with solid facts: 121 lynx were specifically recorded," said Michael Lammertz, the acting head of the National Park Administration. Wolves were also confirmed. A total of up to seven wolves were determined through photo traps, sightings, and other evidence.
The National Park has existed for 20 years this year. There is a 240-kilometer long hiking and cycling trail network. In the past years, approximately one million visitors came. There have been progress in digital visitor guidance, reported the National Park Administration, which also monitors entries on the internet. The Google Maps map now only shows the authorized paths in the protected area.
The National Park Eifel originated from a former Belgian military training ground and was expanded to over 10,700 hectares through additional areas. Among the over 11,300 recorded animal and plant species, about 2,600 are endangered on the Red List.
- The Company car assigned to the National Park's field service will be used for transporting the firefighting equipment to various locations within the park.
- Science plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of climate change on wild animals like the wildcat, which is one of the numerous species protected by nature conservation efforts in the National Park.
- Tourists visiting the National Park should be aware of the designated areas and avoid venturing into restricted zones to prevent causing disturbances to the wildlife, such as wolves, which have made the park their home.
- The fire department has been involved in several collaborative efforts with the National Park to ensure the safety of visitors and preserve the natural habitat, specifically in case of potential forest fires.
- The National Park Eifel, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, is not only a hotspot for hiking and cycling enthusiasts but also serves as a sanctuary for various plant and animal species, such as the Schleiden fern, a rare and endangered plant found in the park's forests.
- Despite the presence of potential threats like wildfires and the need for preventive measures, the National Park remains dedicated to maintaining and improving tourism, attracting over one million visitors each year.
- Conservation and protection efforts, including the management of forest fires, are vital to preserving the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems within the National Park, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the wonders of nature that are so uniquely on display in places like the Eifel National Park.
