“The barbecue area in Igstadt is not located within the Wickerbach Nature Reserve and therefore does not need to be closed,” clarifies Wiesbaden Mayor Christiane Hinninger. When the nature reserve was designated in 1992, the area where the barbecue area is located was already excluded. The recent concern about a possible removal arose after an on-site stream inspection due to a misunderstanding in communication with the Darmstadt Regional Council. 

“The barbecue area in Igstadt is, so to speak, an institution—an important gathering place and an integral part of local recreational offerings. It is important to me that residents can continue to use this place—responsibly and with respect for nature,” said Hinninger. “I am convinced that legitimate recreational use and the interests of nature and species conservation in the adjacent Wickerbachtal Nature Reserve can be well reconciled.”

The Parks and Recreation Department, supported by experts from the Environmental Agency, will review and implement measures to improve the compatibility of recreational use and nature conservation.

The existing safety rules remain unchanged: Barbecues are restricted during prolonged dry spells. Open fires are prohibited in the forest area once the forest fire warning level reaches 3 (orange) or higher. Additionally, a year-round smoking ban applies in the forest.