Zum Schutz der Moorlandschaft Schwägalp unter besonderer Betrachtung des Teils im Kanton Appenzell A.Rh. | The protection of the Schwägalp marshes with special emphasis on those parts belonging to the canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden

Abstract

The Schwägalp marshes stretch out over the cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gall and cover a total of around 330 ha lowland marsh and 20 ha highland marsh. Schwägalp lies principally in the hands of corporations. The co-operative management system of alp and forests in canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden is a particluar exception. The Protection Order and Protection Plan for the protection of marshland, enacted by canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden on 25th Oktober 2000, includes the forests in its nature protection goals. The especially valuable forests surrounding the marshes,notably mountain pine forests, are now better protected. The areas of stocked meadow have been eliminated. With the introduction of path regulations in areas susceptible to disturbance,the habitats of grouse and other endangered animal species have improved. With the enactment of the Protection Order and Protection Plan together with the path regulations,canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden has taken initial steps towards controlling tourist development. In the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and, partially, in St. Gall a round-the-year prohibition of paths in areas susceptible to disturbance, has been implemented.