Press release

dated 26.05.2026, No. 80

Presentation of the Nature Conservation Rangers 2026

District of Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen. District Administrator Ludwig Schmid introduced the district's eleven nature conservation rangers at a press event at the gravel bank near Gaißach. "The Isar is not just a river for our district, it is a common thread that connects landscapes, habitats and people," emphasized Schmid, adding: "Keeping it so beautiful is a task that we have to perform. A social task that is up to you."

The nature conservation rangers of the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district are the visible face of nature conservation on the ground. A total of eleven rangers are currently on duty: four in the northern district and seven in the southern district, which includes the areas around Walchensee and Sylvensteinsee.

Two new colleagues have recently joined the team in Südlandkreis:

Roland Riedel has a personal story to tell: Even as a child, he was drawn to forests and lakes. After years of education, travel and a career in the technology sector, he found his way back to practical nature conservation work in mid-life through voluntary work in bird protection. As a qualified meadow breeding advisor and nature conservation warden, he sees his work with the nature conservation rangers as an opportunity to contribute to the protection of species and habitats in a professional and team-based manner and to inspire others for nature.

Maximilian Off studied forestry engineering. As a ranger, he wants to appeal to visitors, raise awareness of the need to protect nature and explain conservation rules in an understandable way. "As a local, I really appreciate the unique landscape - preserving it is very important to me. Working as a ranger has always been my wish and is a great honor for me," says Off; it is important to him to reconcile nature conservation and recreational interests.

Most of the positions are seasonal and part-time for the summer months. Four rangers also work in winter, ensuring a year-round presence in the sensitive areas.

The tasks of the nature conservation rangers are wide-ranging and have evolved over the decades. The Isar floodplains and the adjacent protected areas are among the most important and most visited recreational areas in our region. The first conservation measures date back to 1912, the entry in the nature conservation register was made in 1941 and the current regulation dates back to 1985. Rangers have been employed in the region since the 1980s; the first appointment was made in 1984 and rangers have also been working south of Bad Tölz since 2013. In view of increased visitor pressure and new nature conservation challenges, the rangers take on both traditional protection and maintenance tasks as well as sovereign measures: They monitor and enforce landscape and nature conservation regulations as well as the Isar Ordinance, educate visitors about conservation rules, actively protect species, for example by cordoning off and protecting breeding sites, and look after the protected areas. This ranges from signposting to the removal of illegal fire pits. Environmental education through excursions, guided tours and action stands, for example as part of the "Nature conservation starts with you" campaign, is just as much a part of their remit as the recording of administrative offenses and, if necessary, bans.

Behind the professional commitment are people with personal motivation:

Hans Adlwarth: "I am concerned with the preservation of nature. I want to preserve our landscape so that it remains attractive for future generations. It is an honor for me to serve this beautiful district." 

Andreas Thomas: "I want to protect the floodplains and at the same time keep them accessible to people. Clear rules and discussions on site are important to me."  

Bernhard März: "As a mediator between people and nature, strengthening the network and promoting appreciation for animals and plants is both affirming and enriching for me."  

Thomas Schretzlmeier: "One experience that really touched me was the collaboration with the Munich Fawn Rescue Association when we were able to save fawns from being mown to death. Moments like that show that nature conservation has a direct impact. I also find the beaver's aquatic way of life and the creation of new habitats exciting; that may polarize people, but that's exactly what makes nature conservation so lively.A particular success for me is when people go home with a new perspective or more understanding. "

Axel Kelm: "I am particularly fascinated by species like the eagle owl. For me, it's all about respect between people and nature. I am committed to ensuring that genuine coexistence succeeds."  

Gaby Kammerloher: "I like contact with people best. My motivation is my enthusiasm for nature - I like to pass this on by conveying an understanding of nature."  

Sabine Gerg: "I applied back then because I feel very much at home here. I want to protect what is important to me and where I grew up."  

Sebastian Fröhlich: "I want to make a difference for nature and, in particular, preserve what is still there."

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