Popular Luhasoo trail faces closure over land-use dispute

ERR reports that the popular Luhasoo nature trail near Rõuge in Võrumaa could close because the State Forest Management Centre (RMK) has not reached an agreement with the landowner of the road and car park leading to it.

The land-use agreement is nearing its end, and the owner is not interested in extending it. The dispute follows RMK’s decision a year ago to stop paying the owner to maintain the car park and its surroundings. The owner says RMK has not kept the area in order and wants to take on the work again, but RMK has not agreed.

RMK has asked the Environmental Board and the municipality how important they consider the trail and what steps could help reach an agreement. If no deal is reached over the car park and a fire pit, RMK will need to find another place for parking and a new route to the trail.

Rõuge Mayor Britt Vahter said the municipality wants the trail to remain open and hopes the parties can find a compromise acceptable to the landowner. The five-kilometre trail has drawn growing numbers of visitors in recent years, with nearly 10,000 nature enthusiasts visiting last year.

RMK manages several trails on private land and expects to hold similar negotiations with landowners in the future.