PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Wachau Valley is one of the last free-flowing sections of the Austrian Danube, hosting several natural habitat types and species of community interest. The area is, however, affected by a number of threats: the regulatory measures put in place in the 19th and 20th centuries have strongly separated the floodplain and the river, preventing regular flooding; the dramatic increase in erosion processes in the main stream of the river als well as sedimentation in the adjacent floodplain due to the construction of a power plant; the occurrence of invasive alien plant species; and massive direct alluvial and riparian forest destruction due to orchards and intensive forestry. These issues have led to habitat loss and degradation, which is having negative effects on the conservation status of a number of species.
OBJECTIVES
The project aimed to restore alluvial and riparian forests and to improve the conservation status of several species protected under the Habitat and Birds Directives. To achieve this aim, the project planned to:
- Establish the protection of the wilderness areas of the islands of Schönbühel and Pritzenau;
- Restore alluvial forests in areas currently used as orchards and dominated by non-native tree species;
- Create a new free-flowing side arm in the area of Rührsdorf/Rossatz from remaining disconnected side arms;
- Improve the already existing side tributary system Rührsdorf/Rossatz through a new inflow from the Danube; an expanded bridge for higher water discharge; and the creation of new gently sloping river banks;
- Create 20 ponds for amphibians;
- Get conservation contracts signed (partly through compensation payments) for 300 old trees;
- Support the population of white-tailed eagles through the installation of four artificial nests; and
- Increase public awareness and stimulate sustainable tourism activities through the installation of an educational trail in Rührsdorf/Rossatz.
RESULTS
Building on previous LIFE projects, this project complemented the restoration and conservation of side arms and floodplain forests of the river Danube in the Wachau area. The project successfully improved the sidearm system and alluvial forests near Rührsdorf and Rossatz. The following results were achieved:
- 'Island Schönbühel' and 'Pritzenau' were designated as protected wilderness areas on 62,1 ha.
- A new free flowing sidearm of 1,67 km was created out of remaining disconnected and sedimented sidearms. Together with existing water bodies, the sidearm system was improved resulting in dynamisation and creation of different structural elements (chevrons, structural groynes and deadwood elements, heterogeneous bank structures, etc.) to foster suitable habitat conditions for reproduction of fish.
- Native alluvial forest with habitat types 91F0 and 91E0* were improved on 15,5 ha, including eradication of non-native invasive tree species (e.g. methods for Ailanthus altissima with the tool “tree popper” and the application of “Ailantex) on 39 ha and planting of native trees. The focus was on planting more than 5.700 autochthonous black poplars.
- >50 ponds for amphibia were excavated, focusing on Triturus dobrogicus/cristatus, Bombina variegata and others.
- Conservation contracts (partly through compensation payments) for 352 old trees were concluded, focusing on black poplar, plus fluttering elm, silver poplar, common oak etcetera, in favour of xylobionta and bats.
- To support the nesting activity of white-tailed eagle six artificial aeries and a protection zone were installed.
- Visitor guidance has been optimised and adapted to requirements of the Natura 2000 site. Nine thematic information boards and three overview boards were installed. Thematic leaflets, a project video, a flip card and a Layman’s report were produced. During the project, eight big-scale events, excursions and numerous other networking activities were organised. The project website will continue to be updated (news about the project).
- Monitoring activities were carried out and will partly be continued after the end of the project. An After-LIFE Plan outlines the measures to sustain the project results in the long term.
