In the application for a framework permit for a walking path in Hodlekve in Sogndal, it is stated that the intervention must be “careful” and that the path “should not be able to function as a carriageway”. At the urging of the State Administrator in Vestland, the municipality inspected the completed path before Christmas. What they found was a three kilometer long, “fully passable gravel road”. In the inspection report, it is further stated that in many cases the road was “more than five meters wide”, and that it is “mostly” possible to drive two abreast all the way to the top. Finally, the inspectorate documents what they characterize as a destroyed marsh area in connection with the road. The conclusion is that the developer (Sogndal Ski Center) has “significantly” changed the measure from what the municipality approved, and that the measure is in breach of the Planning and Building Act. The report adds that the road may also be in breach of the Natural Diversity Act. The case was first mentioned in Sogn Avis. The “Green trail” hiking trail in Sogndal runs from the lift house at the Kalvavatni lift up to the top of the lift. Photo: Sogndal municipality – There is always someone who does not want something to happen. Til Sogn Avis informs the chairman of Sogndal Skisenter Drift AS, Rolf Navarsete, that they are working on a response to the report. – Most of what I have done up here since 1974 has been debated about. There is always someone who does not want something to happen, he says to the newspaper. He clarifies to news that they are “solution-oriented” and that they “will consider what the municipality decided”. – But now there is snow everywhere, so it may take some time, he says. The tension between nature and facilities – be it paths, trails, climbing trails or “Sherpa ladder bonanza” – is a recurring problem for municipalities that are set to manage the legislation, and navigate between different interests. In 2020, the State Governor in Vestland put his foot down for a similar hiking trail in Djupedalen in Deknepollen. In the inspection report, it is stated that in many cases the Sogndal path was “more than five meters wide”, and that it is possible to drive two in width. Photo: Parish fire and rescue IKS – In a few years we will understand how bad it is – Several interventions are so hideous that it’s laughable, says Ola Njå Bertelsen in outdoor organization Snu i tide. He mentions arrangements at Gullingen and the path to Himakånå as “the two ugliest judgments” he has seen recently. Himakånå has alternately been referred to as “Little Trolltunga” and the “New Trolltunga” because of the view and the overhang over the fjord. – When we look back on these cases in a few years, we will understand how bad it is and wonder why we didn’t do anything, he says. The Nature Conservancy reacts Katharina Karlsen Hessen, head of the Nature Conservancy in Indre Sogn – The Natural Diversity Act, as well as the nature and environmental considerations found in the Planning and Building Act, do not exist to satisfy conservationists or make life miserable for those who run businesses. They exist on a heavy academic basis, because it is deeply necessary to protect the natural areas and ecosystem services that still exist. Here it appeared that the business operator did not comply with the conditions set by the municipality when they gave permission for the hiking trail. It is a shocking arrogance above both the administration, Norway’s laws and not least nature itself. In general, there is a tendency for natural destruction and environmental crime committed by business operators not to be properly prosecuted. If the legal protection of nature is to have any success, then those who commit crimes against it must be fined and held responsible for restoring the destroyed areas. Himakånå in Rogaland has become a popular hiking destination with many footfalls in recent years. Photo: Tysvær municipality Bertelsen adds that the word “tourism strategy” has become a term of honor that trumps other considerations. – Naive municipalities think they will get the next Pulpit, and give permission for almost anything possible to get a few extra tourists. Dag Olav Hessen is professor of biology at UiO. On a general basis, he says that it is easier to get permission than a permit, and that several developers are speculating on this. – The idea that nature must constantly be prepared to attract tourists leads to constant small interventions which, in sum, reduce the natural values. Climbing routes and Sherpa stairs are not necessarily so bad, but paths that become roads, gondolas and other technical interventions are very unfortunate, he says. Professor of ecology at UiB, Vigdis Vandvik, says it is “problematic for the general sense of justice” when the owners of measures do not take into account the boundaries that have been given. – In addition to damage to nature, this is about respect for public regulation, and the knowledge and considerations that are actually included in the planning processes, she says. – Good planning can help to take better care of natural values Ola Elvestuen (V), former climate and environment minister – It is possible to restore and protect more nature while at the same time making arrangements for more outdoor activities. It is even the case that good planning can help to take better care of the natural values by directing traffic outside vulnerable areas. – Then it is crucial that municipalities get better guidance and support for good planning. Knowledge of this is developed through the visitor strategies that are drawn up in our protected areas, and we have good examples of this within the national support scheme National Tourist Trails. – In the end, it is absolutely fundamental that permission is followed. And where there have been too many interventions, the area must be restored. – Paths that become roads, gondolas and other technical interventions are very unfortunate, says Dag Olav Hessen. Photo: Egmont Publishing – The time has come to take a little bit of the natural area Torill Anita Segtnan is the leader of Sogn fire and rescue IKS, which carried out the inspection on behalf of Sogndal municipality. – It is up to the municipality to assess the degree of seriousness and possible reaction after the inspection, she says. Mayor of Sogndal, Arnstein Menes (Sp) has not responded to news’s inquiries. In 2019, Flakstad municipality in Lofoten decided that they would become “area neutral”. In practice, this means that each development must be signed off by a corresponding amount of area being returned to nature. Professor of sustainable development at the University of Western Norway, Carlo Aall, says this model can be an inspiration for Sogndal municipality. – The principle of areal neutrality is an important contribution if it is strictly enforced. The time has come to take a little bit of natural areas if we are to avoid a climate and nature crisis.
ttn-69
The municipality found a two-lane road when they were supposed to inspect a hiking trail – news Vestland
