Floodplain restoration Tallån

Tallån stretches from Tallträsket down to Stora Bygdeträsket and then becomes part of Rickleån.

Aim of the project

The primary purpose of this project is to use well-proven restoration methods to restore floodplain affected stretches to more natural and ecologically functional aquatic environments. In this way, we try to recreate the Tallån's original aquatic ecosystem as far as possible and thus improve the habitat, especially for trout and river pearl mussels. The project is a continuation of the environmental restoration work previously carried out in the headwaters of Rickleån.

The background

Tallån is one of three major tributaries to Rickleån and flows between the lakes Tallträsket and Bygdeträsket. Like all major watercourses in Västerbotten County, Tallån has a historical impact from floating, with about 12 km of float affected stretches and several dams and road culverts that prevent migration. Both trout and pearl mussels occur in the system. The river pearl mussel is an annex species within the European conservation network Natura 2000 and is also included in the Swedish action program for threatened species.

Implementation of the project

During the winter and spring of 2023, preparatory work will be done with landowner contacts and detailed planning of driving routes. In total, this project plans to restore about 2500 m of floatway in Tallån and spawning bed restoration in at least 20 places distributed on Tallån, Rotbäcken and Holktjärnbäcken. In Rotbäcken, it is also planned to demolish an old dam that partially obstructs fish migration. Investigation of fish populations, with a focus on trout, and the potential for fish in tributaries to Tallån will be done by biotope mapping the lower kilometers of the tributaries and by electrofishing in the same watercourse.

Funding: LOVA, Naturskyddsföreningen Bra Miljöval