Press release

August 14, 2026, No. 126

County Administrator: Protecting Nature Requires Consideration

Aggressive behavior toward nature conservation rangers will not be tolerated

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen/Walchensee District. Following the incident at Walchensee—in which, according to a police report, a woman drove over a nature conservation ranger’s foot—District Administrator Ludwig Schmid makes it clear: “To protect our natural environment, we must all be considerate of one another. Nature conservation rangers carry out their duties to protect the landscape, flora, and fauna—and ultimately to ensure a safe environment for recreation—and for this they deserve respect, which they often receive, though unfortunately not from all recreational visitors.”

District Administrator Ludwig Schmid understands that closures can cause frustration. “But with all due respect: Aggressive behavior toward nature conservation rangers or other law enforcement officers is absolutely unacceptable,” the district administrator said, expressly condemning the behavior of some visitors. “I wish our employee a speedy recovery.”

Two months ago, Schmid had already approached the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of the Interior with specific proposals for improving safety, particularly for nature conservation rangers. Now, the ministries are being contacted again to emphasize the urgent need for action. At the same time, a criminal complaint is being filed against the woman.

Marlis Peischer
Press Officer / Head of the Press Office
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office