Stuttgart/Niederstotzingen (dpa/lsw) - The state of Niederstotzingen (Heidenheim district) has made an offer for the currently unclear continued operation of the Vogelherd Archaeological Park. In the future, an office of the State Office for the Preservation of Monuments, including a public cave information center, could be set up in the park. The state would take over an annual rent of 35,000 euros requested by the city, as a spokesman for the building ministry responsible for monument protection in Stuttgart announced on Tuesday.
Previously, numerous scientists had campaigned in an open letter for greater financial support from the country and warned of the end of the park in November. Finds from the Stone Age can be seen in the Archaeopark as part of the Unesco World Heritage on the Swabian Alb.
The offer of the state also provides that in future employees of the state office will be available for questions and guided tours up to three days a week. In return, the state expects the city to offer more uniform opening and tour times.
Construction Minister Nicole Razavi (CDU) said about the offer that it was anything but a matter of course in these currently very difficult times and in view of the country's budget situation. She hopes that the city of Niederstotzingen and those responsible in the region will not only accept this offer, but also do their part to give the archaeopark a lasting future perspective.
