Funding shortages undermine upkeep of Sigulda’s Gauja valley attractions

Insufficient and irregular maintenance is allowing trees and shrubs to obscure views in the Gauja River’s ancient valley near Sigulda, while dead trees pose risks at popular walking spots, LSM reported, citing Latvian Radio correspondent Gunta Matisone.

The problems prompted Sigulda municipality to hold a discussion on how to care for and preserve the valley’s landscape. Many of its visitor attractions in the valley and Gauja National Park are managed by the Nature Conservation Agency.

Māris Mitrevics, a former nature protection inspector at the park, said the view from the Vigvams lookout, once among Sigulda’s most popular viewpoints, is now blocked by dense hazel bushes. He said people had complained about the view and had been told by the agency that the spot was a habitat of European importance. Mitrevics argued that removing some hazels and branches would not damage the habitat, while allowing the view to remain blocked meant visitors could not see the valley.

Sigulda municipality council chairman Linards Kumskis said funding shortages in recent years had reduced maintenance of trails and left some stairways broken or dangerous. The municipality had received complaints, concerns and suggestions from local and foreign tourists, he said.