With the recent easing of the pandemic, tourist attractions are seeing larger numbers of visitors, and major tourist areas are gearing up to receive vacationers as the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaches. The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is one of the most popular destinations in Taiwan, and recently more and more tourists are visiting the Mianyue Line, which is known as a "secret destination" in Alishan. The Mianyue Line is a unique remnant of the old railroad tracks, which passes through pristine and natural landscapes, and there are many trestle bridges crossed along the way. The Chiayi Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau would like to remind the public to assess their own physical capabilities and be properly equipped for the trip beforehand, and not attempt the trip without prior preparations. In particular, the trail passes through the "Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve", which requires application for an entry permit prior to the visit.
According to the Chiayi Forest District Office, Nature Reserves are protected areas set up under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act for the purpose of preserving human and natural heritages of cultural value. There is a total of 13 Nature Reserves in Taiwan, and the Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve is one of them, being a cultural heritage under the category of Natural Landscapes and Natural Monuments. In accordance with the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, prior application to the competent authority is required for permission to enter a Nature Reserve. Visitors who wish to apply for entry should visit the "
Nature Reserve Entry Application System" via the Forestry Bureau website. The application period is from 5 to 60 days before the intended entry date. Fourteen days before the entry date, lots will be drawn and the applicants will then be vetted, after which no changes can be made to the approved list of visitors. Applicants are requested to take note and make arrangements beforehand.
The Chiayi Forest District Office has publicized and advised for a long time that members of the public are required to apply in advance before entering a Nature Reserve. If any person is found to have entered a Nature Reserve without applying in accordance with the regulations, the violator will be subject to a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 in accordance with Article 108 of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act. In addition, if any person is found to have altered or destroyed the natural status of a Nature Reserve, the violator will be punished with imprisonment from six months up to five years, and fined NT$500,000 to NT$20,000,000 in accordance with Article 103 of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act. Members of the public are asked to think twice before acting.
The "Leave No Trace" movement, which originated from the "Leave No Trace" responsible travel movement in the United States, is a set of principles that remind people going outdoors to treat the natural environment with respect and care. The Chiayi Forest District Office not only calls on the public to apply for entry to the Nature Reserves according to regulations, but also to protect and cherish nature by removing man-made garbage that does not belong in the mountains and forests. Members of the public must also refrain from vandalism and starting fires, so that we can ensure the continued existence of these beautiful green mountains and blue rivers.
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