The Protected Area

Under Resolution C.C. n° 82 of 18.07.96, the Commune of Capannori (Province of Lucca) designated the 16.6 hectares of "Il Bottaccio" a Natural Protected Area of Local Interest (ANPIL: Area Naturale Protetta d'Interesse Locale); afterwards, under Resolution C.C. n° 25 of 28.03.00, the Commune of Capannori extended the ANPIL southwards with a total of 50 hectares. Under Resolution CC. n° 50 of 14.05.98, the Commune of Bientina (Province of Pisa) extended the Tanali Wood ANPIL northwards so that it joined "Il Bottaccio" and included that part of the latter which lies within the Pisan Area. In this manner, two adjacent and continuous protected areas were created with a total of about 225 hectares, the first and only protected areas in the Bientina Plain. With acquisition of the State demesne rights, the Italian Association for the World Wide Fund has managed "Il Bottaccio" since 1991. Since 1993 it has been part of the WWF network of national oases. The aims of "Il Bottaccio" Management are the conservation of the present landscape, safeguarding the flora and fauna and to render the protected area usable by providing suitable facilities. Notice Boards round the periphery clearly indicate its status as a protected area, inform the public that hunting is prohibited and that the area is a WWF Oasis. "Il Bottaccio" is a closed reserve and all entrances have lockable gates.