Application for entry to the Jianm Lake National Trail suspended during quiet period in the mountains     From January 5 to March 31, 2017

Note

▲The Jianm Lake National Trail has designated the period from January 5 to March 31 each year as a quiet period in the mountains, during which all entries and mountain hut applications are suspended. (Photo / Provided by Taitung Forest District Office, same below)

Reported by Wang Zhaolin, Taitung

The Jianm Lake National Trail, situated within the important wildlife habitat of Guanshan, has been designated a quiet period in the mountains from January 5 to March 31 each year to allow the natural ecology and wildlife to rest and recuperate. During this time, the Jianm Lake National Trail and the nearby Yangguang Mountain Hut, Jianm Lake Mountain Hut, and Jianm Lake Campsite will be completely closed, and all applications for mountain huts and day trips will be suspended. Meanwhile, the Yangguang Campsite, located adjacent to the Yangguang Forest Recreation Area, remains open and available for booking as usual.

In previous years, visitor numbers to the Jianm Lake National Trail were concentrated on weekends, which had an impact on the ecological environment. This year, with the implementation of a total visitor quota system allowing only 176 people per day, although the environmental impact has been somewhat dispersed, the amount of litter has not decreased. Visitors have been dumping large amounts of kitchen waste around the mountain huts, attracting black bears that frequently enter the huts in search of food. To prevent such incidents from recurring, the Forest District Office has installed infrared cameras around the huts for monitoring and has also developed guidelines for Taiwan black bear awareness, providing the public with information on the behavior and ecological habits of black bears as well as methods for self-protection.

The Taitung Forest District Office urges hikers to avoid dumping kitchen waste and to ensure that all kitchen waste, food, and packaging (cans) are packed and taken off the mountain. During the quiet period in the mountains, the mountain hut cleaning team will thoroughly clear garbage (including kitchen waste) from the trail and surrounding areas of the huts to eliminate the Taiwan black bear’s dependence on human food.

Further information regarding the reopening of the trail and guidelines for black bear safety will be announced on the Jianm Lake National Trail website http://jmlnt.forest.gov.tw and the Taiwan Forest Recreation website http://recreation.forest.gov.tw. For inquiries related to mountain huts and entry into the mountains, please call the Taitung Forest District Office during office hours at 089-324121, ext. 705, 713, or 715.