This weekend, the state manager sent a letter to Gamvik announcing that the municipality may be required to correct the illegality from last summer. In practice, it means removing the tarmac of a 1.6 km long stretch of stretch in Slettne’s nature reserve, and then putting on gravel. “There is no requirement that damage to natural diversity has occurred or that there is a danger of such damage, it is sufficient that the action is not allowed,” the letter states. The state manager emphasizes that they both want to hear the municipality’s opinion and go on inspection in the area before they finally decide on the matter. Mayor Ragnhild Vassvik confirms to news that she has read the letter, but will not comment yet. Got huge offers the municipality has long wanted asphalt on the road, and has taken up the matter several times before. The state manager stated as late as May 2023 that the municipality had to apply for an exemption from the protection rules. But any application did not come. Instead, the paving of the road occurred without warning during the summer holidays last year. The then municipal director Marius Nilsen received a good offer from a contractor who was in the area: The job was to cost 2.3 million. Nilsen was aware that he was not authorized to make the decision, but thought the offer was too good for him to say no. The lighthouse at Slettnes is a major tourist attraction, and the open landscape around is home to a wide range of bird species. Photo: Knut-Sverre Horn / news The municipal council was critical of the paving, primarily because the poor municipality had planned to spend the money for something else. The state manager, who is responsible for the conservation area, believed the paving was a violation of the protection regulations. There are several rules against intervening in the terrain in the reserve, but also an opening to maintain existing dirt roads. In September, it was announced that the municipality was reported to the police in the case. It is still under investigation, Finnmark police district says. The measure has also caught the joy of the users of the road, not least because they are rid of the dust from the dirt road. Now Gamvik has been given a deadline for May 30 to comment on the case. The state manager also warns that a penalty may be relevant to push the municipality to rectify the matter. Bird paradise If the asphalt ends up being removed from the reserve, it must be done after the breeding season. Slettnes is a nesting area for a large number of bird species, and the large colony of thieves is most visible. Several sparrow birds, red beakers and as many as 25 species of waders also nest in the reserve. In addition to the nesting birds, there is a comprehensive feature of seabirds in the sea outside Slettnes. Myrsnipa is one of 25 species of waders that nest in the nature reserve at Slettnes. Photo: Trond Berg / news Published 07.05.2025, at. 15.18
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