The main object of the Champ du Feu RBD is the conservation of peaty environments of national interest as well as a set of Montane grasslands associated with centuries-old pastoral activities that are still alive. This gives the reserve a landscape as well as ecological interest. This means that the site is very touristy year round and the reconciliation of the different uses of the park with the priority objectives of conservation of the remarkable natural heritage is crucial. The creation of the Managed Biological Reserve « Réserve Biologique Dirigée » (RBD) of the Champ du Feu has achieved the State’s wilingness to preserve the biological wealth of the site. The interest of RBD lies mainly in its open environments and in its wetland complex, both of which are closely associated. The priority objectives set for the RBD of the Champ du Feu (management plans of 1993 and 2018) concern the conservation of species and ecosystems of peat bogs, low marshes and “culms” (complex of heathland and mountain grasslands). The management plan highlights the particular contribution made by this RBD to the national network in terms of present habitats; it highlights the taxonomic and functional groups most likely to benefit from the managed reserve and to develop its interest.
The creation of the Managed Biological Reserve « Réserve Biologique Dirigée » (RBD) of the Champ du Feu is based on the intent to preserve the biological wealth of the site. The interest of RBD lies mainly in its open environments and in its wetland complex, both of which are closely associated. The priority objectives set for the RBD of the Champ du Feu (management plans of 1993 and 2018) concern the conservation of species and ecosystems of peat bogs, low marshes and “culms” (complex of heathland and mountain grasslands).
The management plan highlights the particular contribution made by this RBD to the national network in terms of present habitats; it highlights the taxonomic and functional groups most likely to benefit from the managed reserve and to develop its interest.
The natural habitats of the RBD have been characterized and mapped in different studies. With regard to the most remarkable habitat of the site, the peat bog, the types of habitats which compose it are:
– Active high peat bog. CORINE Biotopes code 51.1 / Natura 2000 code 71110 * (priority habitat type)
– Transitional peat bogs. CORINE Biotopes 54.5 code / Natura 2000 code 7140
– Low swamp in Calamagrostis: Code CORINE Biotopes 54.4
In addition, the site was and remains subject to unfavorable natural evolutionary trends as well as real anthropogenic threats. Indeed, economic, tourist and action pressures such as drainages along the reserve are potential threats that must be monitored.
The site therefore needs both specific management and enhanced regulatory protection. All of this matches with the opportunity of a directed biological reserve. It is under this status that the Champ du Feu reserve was created in 1984 and this initial choice will not be called into question by the new management plan and its approval decree.
The site of the RBD was chosen and delimited to integrate the heathland and lawns present on this summit part, as well as all the peaty environments.
After presentation of the updated Green List assessment and discussions, French EAGL experts voted unanimously in favor of renewing the Green List label for the Champ du Feu Managed Biological Reserve. In addition to the recommendations drafted by the assessor, the EAGL further suggests to the management team:
• To monitoring visitor attendance in both reserves, given the significant increase in visitation observed in recent years and its potential impacts on the natural values of both sites ;
• To map water extraction sources in the Champ du Feu Reserve and to monitor the quantity of water extracted by the private sector, especially near wetland areas, particularly bogs.
Regarding water management, and considering the water scarcity threat regarding wetlands maintenance, the French EAGL and IUCN French Committee could support the ONF in its request to conduct a hydrogeological study on the Champ du Feu Reserve and in its initiative to shift toward a public water distribution network.
Concerning the economic and touristic development project led by the European Collectivity of Alsace, the French EAGL will assess during the Green List mid-term evaluation in 2027 that this project, should it be implemented, does not significantly impact the natural values and ecosystem services of the Champ du Feu Reserve.
