Following a long process of approval and tendering, the first practical revitalization works within the WILDisland project have just started in Fertö Hansag Nature Park Directorate (FHNPD), Hungary!
The baggers have waited for the suitable water levels and have finally entered the Erebe island complex. The technical measures include the partial opening of the embarkment at key points to improve the water inflow into the system and dredging in the upper part of the side branch to further raise the connectivity with the Danube.
The Erebe islands form a large complex of 6 islands of approximately 120 ha, covered by (semi)natural softwood forest stands as well as poplar plantations, placed in categories B and C in the WILDisland inventory.
The current measures will result in the restoration of an island complex including 6 islands, all of high quality and/or potential for softwood forests (approx. 120 ha), a Danube side-arm reconnection. We expect that these measures will restore 7,172 m of waterbodies and improve the morphology on 111 ha.
In addition to that, the Erebe islands provide good conditions for the development of natural softwood forests. The main negative impact results from invasive alien tree species (Acer negundo). This is why the LIFE WILDisland provides for measures to combat this species on both Erebe and the nearby Veneki island complexes.
FHNPD used an initial a concept elaborated within the frame of the former Interreg DANUBEparksCONNECTED project to develop a detailed technical plan for the re-opening of the Danube side-arm, including all permissions for the optimization of the navigation infrastructure and removal of vegetation and sediments within the side branch system. The plans were there adjusted through a number of site visits and experience exchange and we are now looking forward to the outcomes of the practical actions!
We will keep you posted!
For more information:
Attila Fersch - Fertö Hansag Nature Park Directorate: fersch.attila@fhnp.hu
