Ecological restoration of the Rickleån headwaters
Funding: This project is funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (2021–2027). The programme is partly financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Purpose of the project
The project "Ecological Restoration of the Rickleån Headwaters" is a continuation of previous restoration initiatives and aims to complete the restoration of former timber-floating channels throughout the entire Risån watercourse by restoring the remaining approximately 2,240 metres of flowing stream habitat.
The project will also carry out habitat mapping and electrofishing surveys in tributaries of Risån and Sikån to assess their ecological status, identify impacts and restoration potential, and develop proposals for future conservation and habitat improvement measures.
Background
During the period 2018-2022, the Municipality of Skellefteå carried out restoration work in channelized stream reaches affected by historic timber-floating operations in Risån. Approximately 80% of the previously altered stream habitats have been restored.
This means that around 2,240 metres of stream habitat in Risån still remain to be restored. In many cases, the channelization works carried out in these reaches have also affected upstream sections of the watercourse, as rapids and riffles were lowered during the timber-floating era, resulting in reduced water levels upstream.
The project "Ecological Restoration of the Rickleån Headwaters" aims, among other objectives, to restore these remaining 2,240 metres of channelized stream habitat and thereby complete the restoration of Risån. By reinstating natural channel structures and hydrological conditions, the project seeks to improve habitat quality and ecological connectivity for fish and other aquatic organisms throughout the watershed.
Implementation
Restoration of Timber-Floating Channels
The project will restore the remaining stream reaches in Risån that are still affected by historical timber-floating channelization, covering approximately 2,240 metres of watercourse. In many cases, channelization in these reaches has also affected upstream sections because rapids and riffles were lowered during the timber-floating era, resulting in reduced upstream water levels.
Consequently, the restoration measures may improve aquatic habitats over considerably longer stretches than the specific sections where works are carried out. By restoring natural channel morphology, flow conditions, and habitat complexity, the project will enhance ecological functions and improve conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms.
Habitat Mapping and Electrofishing Surveys
Today, substantial knowledge exists regarding physical alterations in the main watercourses of Risån, Sikån, and Tallån within the Rickleån catchment. Drainage impacts have also been mapped, and a separate project has investigated opportunities for wetland restoration in the area.
However, significant knowledge gaps remain concerning the ecological status and physical impacts affecting the larger tributaries of Risån and Sikån. Previous electrofishing surveys conducted in some tributaries have revealed relatively high densities of brown trout (Salmo trutta), which may indicate that these smaller watercourses play an important role in sustaining trout populations throughout the watershed, particularly since trout densities in the main rivers are comparatively low.
The project therefore includes habitat mapping of tributary streams using established national methodologies, followed by the development of site-specific restoration recommendations. In addition, electrofishing surveys will be conducted at suitable locations within the tributaries to provide a comprehensive assessment of trout distribution and abundance across the catchment area. The results will serve as a basis for prioritizing future restoration and conservation measures within the headwaters of the Rickleån watershed.