“Nine out of ten fires linked to human recklessness”: what good actions to adopt when walking in the forests of Aveyron ?

Le plaisir des balades printanières dans les forêts aveyronnaises ne doit pas faire oublier quelques règles et précautions élémentaires. D.R

The arrival of sunny days goes hand in hand with walks in the forest. The fact remains that there are some rules and good practices to respect for the preservation of the environment, as recalled by the National Forestry Office (ONF).  

"Preserving the forest engages our responsibility as citizens" recalls, in opening remarks, the ONF (National Forestry Office) in a press release. And to specify rules of good practice. First that of "Park and move around in suitable spaces. Motor and electric vehicles are prohibited in public forests. Parking in front of forest barriers prevents access and movement of emergency vehicles. The ONF specifies that offenders may receive a fine of 1,500 euros as well as the seizure of their vehicle or the suspension of their driving license. 

Pick up your trash

Concerning the preservation of the environment, it is essential to collect waste, including food waste, because it can "promote the proliferation of invasive plants and the dependence of animals who end up losing their wild instincts." Here again, offenders incur a fine of up to 1500 euros and "additional costs linked to the damage and the restoration of the site." 

"Nine out of ten fires linked to human carelessness"

Obviously the ONF insists on the need for responsible attitudes towards the risks of forest fires. "Nine out of ten fires are due to human carelessness. Certain behaviors should be banned: campfires, barbecues or even throwing cigarette butts on the ground. All transgressions are punishable by a fine of 135 euros." It is also recalled that in the period included between April 15 and June 30, it is < em>"obligatory to keep your pet on a leash outside the forest paths. At this time, small animals and baby birds are born. Vulnerable, newborns are easy prey."

Moderate picking

Finally two other environmental considerations should not be forgotten during forest walks: moderate picking (i.e. 10 to 15 stems, the equivalent of what can be held in one hand") and the need to leave dead wood on the ground ( "its decomposition allows the return of minerals to the soil necessary for the good health of the trees"). Please note, in passing, that "intensive picking is punishable by a fine of 135 euros and that all picking for commercial purposes is prohibited."& nbsp;