The second season of grassland restoration completed

At the end of March the grassland restoration season of 2012/2013 completed. Ice cover, which had developed high above the ground due to the flooding of Dviete floodplain before frost, and thick snow cover hindered restoration works this winter. Most active bush cutting took place at the end of the season – in March, under the conditions of law water level and permanent frost.

In total, during the time period between September 2012 and the end of March 2013, 27.6 ha of grasslands are restored by removal of bushes and trees. It is less, than was planned in agreements for the last winter - 40 ha in total. High stumps are left in a part of the restored area, which will be removed within the next grassland restoration season. Still the results are good, taking into account complicated environmental conditions.

Adding the area, restored within the previous grassland restoration season, 73.9 ha out of planned 105 ha are restored within the LIFE+ project till now, so 30 ha are left for the last season. Restoration works will start again after bird breeding season – from August 2013.

Removal of overgrowth in Dviete floodplain grasslands during the last two winters has changed the landscape of the nature park near Putnu sala and Skuķu lake considerably, making it more suitable for grassland birds and migrating waterfowl, as well as more open and attractive for visitors of the nature park.

Ilze Priedniece

15.04.2013.