Winter rest zone on Lake Starnberg: protection for water birds!

Winter rest zone on Lake Starnberg: protection for water birds!

In the spirit of nature conservation, the water of Lake Starnberg will calm down in the coming months. The Starnberg district office has arranged a winter rest zone around the Rose Island. This covers around 120 hectares of water and is clearly marked by yellow buoys and information boards. From November 1st to March 31st, activities such as boating, water sports, diving, swimming and ice sports are strictly prohibited here. The new regulation is a step further than the previous voluntary agreement with local water sports clubs, as it allows for legal action against violations, which is more necessary than ever in these quiet times.

Why is this quiet zone so important? Lake Starnberg is a European bird sanctuary and is of central importance for resting and wintering water birds. In the winter months, up to 8,000 waterbirds can be observed here. Sufficient escape space is necessary for sensitive migratory birds, which is why the rest zone also includes a buffer area. With increasing recreational pressure, especially in milder winter months, it is essential to protect these important habitats. [Süddeutsche] reports that the recreational pressure on Lake Starnberg also increases in the winter months, which leads to disturbances for waterfowl. The new regulations are therefore a response to these challenges.

Starnberg Lake – A natural jewel

Lake Starnberg, with an area of ​​54.5 km² and a maximum depth of 128 m, is the second largest lake in Bavaria and has the largest water volume in the Free State with 3.0 million cubic meters. The water is of excellent quality and almost reaches the values ​​of an oligotrophic water, which means that it is even suitable as bathing and drinking water. The outstanding water quality supports a diverse fish fauna and makes the lake a popular destination for anglers and nature lovers.

There are 35 professional fishermen active in the region who traditionally manage the water in a sustainable manner and supply the population with fine food fish such as whitefish, arctic char and lake trout. The lake is a classic tongue basin lake, formed by the glaciers of the last ice age around 15,000 years ago. These geological features contribute to the unique nature of the lake, which only freezes over once every ten years on average.

Protected areas for the future

In order to preserve the diversity and beauty of the region in the long term, nature reserves have become increasingly popular in recent years. According to the guidelines of the government of Upper Bavaria, these areas are vital for providing habitats for certain species and communities and for protecting the local fauna and flora. This also includes the creation of care and development concepts, because protection alone is often not enough. Violating the rules governing nature conservation is not only rude, but can also be punished as an administrative offense or even a criminal offense.

There is an urgent need to raise awareness about our environment and how to protect it. The new measures surrounding the winter rest zone make a significant contribution to this. The LBV also provides information about important resting and wintering areas on Lake Starnberg that are particularly worthy of protection. [LBV] provides information and guidance on how we can all contribute to preserving nature. So let's enjoy the beauty of nature and respect the areas that serve the regeneration of our local wildlife.

If you would like to find out more about nature conservation measures or nature reserves, visit [LK Starnberg], where you can find further information and the possibility of personal visits by prior appointment. Let’s take our environment into consideration – it’s important to us!