Study tour to the Upper Drava and to the Salzach River

At certain parts of the Upper Drava they removed or relocated the artificial regulatory units, restoring the river’s natural state. The process was financed by two LIFE projects. The second of these even obtained the Best LIFE title, which award is granted for the most successful projects (LIFE99 NAT/A/006055, LIFE06 NAT/A/000127). The sections of the river concerned were revitalized, they regained their natural rhythm. Their erosive and constructive effect was remarkable. Prior to the interventions, they conducted lengthy consultations with the farmers of the riverside. Their joint interest was based on the fact that the weirs built on the upper sections, the stone coating used to secure the shores, the detachment of the side branches from the main river branch, cutting of bends and retention of alluvia on steep inlets resulted in the sinking riverbed of the Drava River. This implies a lower water table which has a negative impact on the agricultural utilization of these areas.

At the main branch of the river Salzach, which flows on the border of Germany and Austria near Salzburg, we examined the results of an earlier excavating project, creating a large-sized riverbed. We also looked into the ongoing restoration works of the Salzach floodplains, located at the neighbouring Salzachuauen area. Under the latter project (LIFE14 NAT/AT/000496) they transformed the region alien pine-forests, planted on the replenished areas and reduced the invasive alien species. With the help of large-scale construction works they also created new riparian areas suitable for aquatic flora and fauna. The projects overall aim was to rehabilitate an extended region, that substantially transformed earlier.