The Executive Yuan today held a press conference titled “Salute to the Mountains, A Gift to Mountain Enthusiasts,” announcing an open mountains policy. It emphasized that, except for national security and ecological conservation areas, efforts will be made to actively open up and improve Taiwan’s mountaineering environment.
The Council of Agriculture’s Forestry Bureau stated that to enhance the mountaineering environment, preliminary repairs on three mountain huts will be completed by the end of the year. It is expected that by 2023, comprehensive renovations will be carried out on Jioujiu Mountain Hut, Hinoki Valley Mountain Hut, Shyangyang Mountain Hut, and Jioming Lake Shelter Hut, along with the refurbishment of 60 trails. In the future, additional shelter huts may be added as needed.
To provide greater convenience, the Forestry Bureau has also lowered the threshold for using mountain huts. Deputy Director Liao Yiguang pointed out that in the past, safety concerns led to restrictions preventing solo applicants from booking huts. These restrictions will be relaxed, and discussions with the Ministry of Justice will take place to amend the State Compensation Act, allowing hikers to practice self-management and take full responsibility.
(China Times)