Improving habitat for fish and wildlife in small streams of the river Voxnan catchment
Description of the project
Many small streams of the river Voxnan catchment are modified by human activity. Until the 1960s waterways in the catchment were used to float timber from the forest to the downstream sawmills. Modifications to ease the floating of timber included removal of large stones and other obstacles as well as transforming the naturally meandering waterways into straight canals. The modifications had negative impacts on biodiversity in the streams, including loss of spawning habitat for fish.
In this project small streams are restored by manual power using a set of sorting tools (the Hartijoki-method). The Biosphere reserve has trained both supervisors and several young people (age 14-16) in the Hartijoki-method providing a meaningful summer job while teaching biodiversity.
Results and effects
- Improved quality in 2 km freshwater stream habitat
- 50 m spawning ground for fish (trout) restored.
- 6 young people in the age of 14-16 have received education in the Hartijoki-method
Focal points:
- Restoring wildlife habitat in small streams improving the conditions for fish and other biodiversity (1)
- Engaging and educating youth in restoration of wildlife habitats and conservation of biodiversity (3 & 4)