Conservation strategies for forest and wild river in Gesaeuse: the Johnsbach Brook restoration
The River Johnsbach, a tributary to the River Enns, was heavily regulated and deprived of biological and hydromorphological diversity. Of particular concern was the inability of fishes to overcome the high concrete structures and the spawning habitat shortage all along the river corridor. Part of the LIFE+ multi-site project for the restoration of the River Enns and its surrounding ecosystems was delivered in the Johnsbach Brook. The works targeted a stretch of several kilometres, were bank reinforcement structures were take-off and the mouth of the river was ecologically enhanced (i.e. gravel banks, etc.). Restoration outcomes are positive overall. In particular, fish are now able to migrate and greater habitat diversity significantly supports in-site species populations (i.e. Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)). However there is still a technical problem related with the adjustment of the river slope and the high steps imposed by old sills. There is a deficit of dynamic gravel resulting from the long-lasting excavation in the Johnsbach valle. Overtime, changing erosion processes as well as variable flooding will continually modify the site while the river network is regaining its natural functionality.
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initiated byGesäuse National Park
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Type of initiativeOperational level
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StatusCompleted
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CountryAustria
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LanguageEnglish
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KeywordsConservation / Restauration
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Optional KeywordsEnvironmental flows and water resources, Habitat and biodiversity, Monitoring, Social benefits
WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION -
Scale of implementationLocal or River section
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Stakeholder involvementInterest groups
Experts -
FundingEU Programme
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Start dateTuesday, 01 February 2005
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End dateMonday, 01 August 2011