During the rafting epoch, many watercourses were cleared, which had negative ecological and biological effects on the aquatic environment. The new project is a collaboration between the County Administrative Boards of Jämtland, Västernorrland and Västerbotten. Money comes from the EU and the budget is SEK 179 million.
Over 140 kilometers of watercoursesBetween 2021 and 2026 restoration work will be carried out in the Öreälven with several tributaries to Storforsen above Örträsk in Västerbotten, Ammerån, Åre and Rörström in Jämtland as well as Moälven and Hemlingsån in Västernorrland.
- In the project, we will improve the conditions for strengthening populations of threatened species such as salmon and river pearl mussel. This will be done through measures to improve and increase the amount of habitats and cultivate river pearl mussels, but also by informing various actors who work around the waterways about how ecosystems work and what values are in the Natura 2000 areas. After the project, we will have restored over 140 kilometers of watercourses that will have a significantly better opportunity to be home for river pearl mussel and salmon fry, says Fredrik Schaerström, County Administrative Board Västernorrland in a press release.
"Great fun"Project partners include the Sea and Water Authority and the Swedish Transport Administration together with several forest companies, municipalities, organizations, Sportfiskarna and the universities of Karlstad and Munich.
- It feels great fun that our Marine and Aquatic Environment grants can help achieve the environmental quality goals by restoring these damaged ecosystems. The upturn we receive through the EU Life Fund enables us to achieve so much more environmental benefit and, in time, better fishing opportunities, ”says Per Olsson, Deputy Head of Department at the Marine and Water Authority.