Fauna: the mayor of Triora, in the province of Imperia, prohibits off-piste activities such as trekking, ski mountaineering, climbing and even snowshoeing in order not to disturb the Gallo Forcello; protests the mayor of the Monesi ski resort.
When the muffled snow falls on Monesi, the Imperia ski resort on the border with the French Alps and which in the unrepeatable 60s was proudly called the "little Sestriere", it seems to be in a "boule à neige", one of those balls of glass that are given to children. And if you are lucky enough to spot a black grouse it might feel like being inside a Disney animated movie. But the idyllic, fairytale-like picture is ruined these days by controversies, linked precisely to the presence of the rare and precious rooster, the black grouse, which owes its name to the particular shape of the tail, similar to a fork. Municipality of Triora on which Monesi administratively depends, has issued an ordinance that prohibits the practice of trekking, ski mountaineering, climbing, and even snowshoeing outside the slopes. "It is as if bathing and diving were forbidden on the Riviera to safeguard the coupling of rare species of fish" says Rinaldo Sartore, president of the Monesi Borgo Antico association, which brings together a large group of traders and citizens who seek to enhance and promote the country. The comment refers precisely to the recent ordinance signed by the mayor Angelo Lanteri. The tourist potential, and the income, therefore sacrificed on the altar of environmental protection? No possible form of coexistence between the black grouse and the many alpine sports enthusiasts who climb to Monesi at the first snow, 1376 meters above sea level and at the foot of Monte Saccarello (2201 meters high)?
The bird in question, say the naturalists, could be bothered by the excessive human presence, since in winter it digs tunnels under the snow to preserve the energies in the perspective of the mating, which begins in March and lasts until June. In Monesi they took it very badly because tourists, especially in the winter period, are the boon for the economy of the small town. Do you want the mayor to have explained that he was forced to issue the bans because this requires the Region more concerned with saving birds than with the development of tourism. The black grouse thus becomes a source of contention and, even if it has an elegant and beautiful appearance, it risks attracting the dislikes of the locals and above all of the operators in the hospitality sector.
«With these absurd measures we risk making Monesi die - comments Monica Arnaldi, who manages the restaurant-hotel La vecchia Departure -. Even if the mayor withdraws the order, the damage is now done. People will remain conditioned and will go somewhere high to practice winter sports ». Also last year a similar measure was taken but it was much less restrictive. Now everyone is thundering, from trade associations to those promoting local culture and traditions: «Where's the problem? - asks Sartore again -. Do you want to hinder or block the construction of the second section of the chairlift? Why prevent access to sportsmen who love nature when quads and motocross bikes, from spring to late autumn, go out onto the trails and rhododendrons? ». Other than a fairy tale picture: in Monesi there is a fight, and ugly. For the innocent and rare mountain cockerel.
(November 28, 2014)
Source: LaStampa