Conservation strategies for woodland and river in the Gesaeuse
Abstract
The area of the Ennstaler Alpen/Gesäuse (NATURA 2000 AT 2210000), a dedicated National Park, is one of most famous alpine landscapes in Austria. From the deep-sided Gesäuse gorge of the river Enns rise the walls of the limestone mountains to an elevation of almost 2400 m. In these mountains, negative impacts of tourism, alpine pasture use and forestry can be seen. The character of the valley region, which is dominated by the wild river Enns, is especially threatened by the expansion of settlements, traffic and tourism. The proposed LIFE-project aims to improve target habitats along the Enns – this includes the NATURA 2000 area AT 2205000 - and Johnsbach river, as well as specific habitats of target species. Also, montane and riverine forests and alpine pastures require conservation action. The focus will be on achieving objectives arising from a four-part management plan and a concept for visitor management. One target is the further establishment of an ecologically functioning wetland, incorporating areas along the Enns and the main tributaries Johnsbach and Palten. Some passages of the Johnsbach brook are modified to prevent floods. Eco-technical activities and riverbank rebuilding will improve the natural habitat types. Target species include Lutra lutra, Eudontomyzon mariae, Cottus gobio, Leuciscus souffia agassizi and Alcedo atthis. The Enns management plan includes the development of an action plan for a 26 km stretch of the river. Areas on the valley bottom along 4.6 km of the Johnsbach river will be optimised for conservation purposes. Apart from the nature-like adaption of the confluences of the Palten and Johnsbach with the Enns River, the re-stocking of the souffie will improve the fish ecological status which will be monitored wihtin the LIFE-project.
keywords river restoration Gesäuse fish monitoring souffie
Publikationen
Leitlinie Enns. Konzept für die Entwicklung des Fluss-Auen-Systems Steirische Enns (Mandling - Hieflau): Hochwasserschutz - Gewässerökologie - Flusslandschaftsentwicklung - Siedlungsentwicklung - Erholungsnutzung
Autoren: Hohensinner, S., Muhar, S., Jungwirth, M., Blanda, U., Eichberger, A., Pohl, G., Porzer, W., Seebacher, F. Jahr: 2008
Expertengutachten (extern. Auftraggeber)
Leitlinie Enns - Schwerpunktbereiche Paltenmündung - Hieflau. Gewässerökologie - Flusslandschaftsentwicklung - Naturschutz
Autoren: Hohensinner, S., Muhar, S., Jungwirth, M., Pohl, G., Stelzhammer, M. Jahr: 2008
Expertengutachten (extern. Auftraggeber)
Naturschutzstrategien für Wald und Wildfluss im Gesäuse – Prämonitoring Fischökologie
Autoren: Wiesner, C. Unfer, G. Foramitti, A. Jahr: 2008
Forschungsbericht (extern. Auftraggeber)
Naturschutzstrategien für Wald und Wildfluss im Gesäuse – Postmonitoring Fischökologie
Autoren: Wiesner, C. Unfer, G. Kammerhofer, A. Jungwirth, M. Jahr: 2009
Forschungsbericht (extern. Auftraggeber)
Project staff
Christian Wiesner
Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Christian Wiesner
christian.wiesner@boku.ac.at
Project Leader
01.09.2005 - 31.08.2010
Mathias Jungwirth
Em.O.Univ.Prof. Dr.phil. Mathias Jungwirth
mathias.jungwirth@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81250
Project Staff
01.09.2005 - 31.08.2010
Günther Unfer
Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Günther Unfer
guenther.unfer@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81213
Project Staff
01.09.2005 - 31.08.2010