Environmental protection in land use

The way we use land in the watershed affects what water we find in the lake. In forestry, several things can be done to reduce the impact on watercourses. For example keeping a varied buffer zone with deciduous trees and conifers along the watercourse. Such a zone will provide the watercourse with both nourishment, shade, shelter and eventually even dead trees in the water.

Using heavy machinery near the watercourse can cause damage to the soil which makes sediment and organic material to drain into the watercourse. Even minor damage in moist soil can cause adverse effects. One problem is that mercury is leached from the soil and picked up by living organisms. It is therefore important to plan the passages well and to protect the watercourse and the ground closest to it.

Agricultural land is only available in certain parts of the project area. In the same way as forestry, the use of land can also affect surrounding lakes and streams.

In the project, we work to reduce the load of sediments and nutrients on lakes and watercourses from the use of surrounding land. By informing, holding field courses and establishing demonstration areas, we want to rise interest and commitment to water protection.

Fishing in the lakes is managed by fishery areas. They decide where, when and how fishing is carried out. Depending on the intensity, size, and species of fish, fishing has an impact on the ecosystem. Sustainable fishing is a puzzle piece in long-term management of the stocks.