Göscheneralptal landscape development
The construction of the second tunnel will have an impact on both the surrounding landscape and on the village of Göschenen during the ten-years or so of construction. A number of measures are planned to offset these changes to the village and its surroundings. As there are no suitable options in the immediate vicinity of the construction site, the Canton of Uri is introducing offsetting measures in the Göscheneralptal, with funding from FEDRO. These measures are based on the landscape development concept.
Göscheneralptal
The Göscheneralptal (Göscheneralp valley) stretches from the village of Göschenen over the Göscheneralp up to the Göscheneralpsee. There are various habitats in the valley that are worthy of protection, such as fens and raised bogs, dry pastures, dry meadows and floodplain areas. Among the flora and fauna of the Göscheneralptal are numerous endangered and protected animal and plant species. The Göscheneralptal is a popular hiking area, with its unique landscape, idyllic mountain scenery and the raging waters of the Göschener Reuss river.
The following action is planned to offset the impact of the construction site:
- Encourage rare animal and plant species
Introduce measures to support orchids, roses, the whinchat, the Alpine long-eared bat and larger mammals such as chamois and roe deer, as well as other endangered species. - Promote rare and endangered habitats
Clear scrub from wetlands; create amphibian spawning grounds; upgrade watercourses - Preservation of the open landscape
Tend forest edges; cut back woody plants, especially green alder; bring overgrown meadows and pastures under control; open up forest pastures and clear avalanche slopes
- Restore traditional landscape structures
Renovate dry stone walls and restore traditional fences - Renovate agricultural farm buildings worthy of preservation
Preserve traditional hay barns and cold cellars - Educational programmes on nature and the landscape
Run educational programmes on aquatic habitats, analysis and proposals for measures - Upgrading of historic hiking trails for nature-based recreation
Renovate the Riental trail, the trail to Wandflueseeli, circular trails around Göscheneralpsee and Göschenen-Stafel-Stockwald-Göschenen; create a new circular trail in Gwüest
The landscape development concept will be applied during the entire construction period.
Completed projects
- New shine for the circular trail near Göschenen
As part of the Göscheneralptal landscape development concept, a section of the Göschenen – Biel – Stockwald – Göschenen circular trail was extensively renovated by the civil defense. Not only were the benches replaced, but the drainage of the trail was also optimized, wooden bridges renewed and the route leveled. The path is now even more pleasant and safe to walk on.
- Restoration of the dry stone walls in Wasenrain ensures greater stability
On the outskirts of the village of Göschenen, in the Wasenrain area, there are numerous impressive dry stone walls, which were, however, in a badly damaged condition. There was a high risk that stones or smaller blocks could come loose and fall. This would have reduced the stability of the walls and increased the safety risk for residents and visitors. As part of the Göscheneralptal landscape development concept, these walls were rehabilitated over a period of about four weeks. The aim of the measures was to minimize the danger and to preserve the structures. This not only increased safety, but also secured the valuable habitat for numerous animal and plant species.
Offers in the local region
Are you interested in a trip to the Gotthard Tunnel region? Here you will find a number of links to offers in the region.