life13 nat/lv/000578 · sphagnum re-introduction experiment was implemented in sudas-zviedru mire...

LIFE Project Number

LIFE13 NAT/LV/000578

Final Report

Covering the project activities from 02/06/2014 to 30/11/2018

Reporting Date

18/04/2019

LIFE Wetlands

Conservation and management of Priority Wetland Habitats in Latvia

Data Project

Project location Latvia, Germany, Estonia

Project start date: 02/06/2014

Project end date: 30/11/2018

Total budget € 926,906

EC contribution: € 556,143

(%) of eligible costs 60% of total eligible cost

Data Beneficiary

Name Beneficiary University of Latvia

Contact person Dr. Mara Pakalne

Postal address Kandavas Street 2, LV-1083, Riga, Latvia

Telephone +371-29511001

Fax: +371-67024420

E-mail [email protected]

Project Website www.mitraji.lv

2

1. List of contents 1. List of contents ...................................................................................................................... 2 2. Executive summary .............................................................................................................. 3 3. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 5 4. Administrative part .............................................................................................................. 7

4.1 Description of management system ................................................................. 7 4.2 Evaluation of the management system ........................................................... 10

5. Technical part ..................................................................................................................... 15 5.1 Technical progress, per task ........................................................................... 15 A. Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or of action plans ...... 15

ACTION A.1 ................................................................................................................ 15 All the foreseen milestones were produced. Submission details please see in the Table 3. ...................................................................................................................... 16 ACTION A.2 ................................................................................................................ 16 All the foreseen deliverables were produced. Submission details please see in the Table 2. ...................................................................................................................... 18 The After-LIFE Plan outlines continuation of habitat and hydrological monitoring in Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve as well as raising of public awareness. ........... 18 ACTION A.3 ................................................................................................................ 18 All foreseen deliverables were produced. Submission details please see in the Table 2. ...................................................................................................................... 20 ACTION A.4 ................................................................................................................ 20

B. Purchase/lease of land and/or compensation payments for use rights .................... 21 C. Concrete conservation actions ................................................................................ 21

ACTION C.1 ................................................................................................................ 21 ACTION C.2 ................................................................................................................ 23 ACTION C.3 ................................................................................................................ 24 ACTION D.1 ............................................................................................................... 25 All foreseen deliverables were produced. Submission details please see in the Table 2. ...................................................................................................................... 27 ACTION D.2 ............................................................................................................... 29 All foreseen deliverables were produced. Submission details please see in the Table 2. ...................................................................................................................... 33 ACTION E1 ................................................................................................................. 35 ACTION E.2 ................................................................................................................ 36 ACTION E.3 ................................................................................................................ 38 ACTION E.4 ................................................................................................................ 39 ACTION E.5 ................................................................................................................ 40 ACTION E.6 ................................................................................................................ 40 ACTION E.7 ................................................................................................................ 41 ACTION E.8 ................................................................................................................ 42 ACTION E.9 ................................................................................................................ 42

F. Overall project operation and monitoring ............................................................... 43 ACTION F.1 ................................................................................................................ 43 ACTION F.2 ................................................................................................................ 44 ACTION F.3 ................................................................................................................ 46 ACTION F.4 ................................................................................................................ 47

5.2 Dissemination actions .................................................................................... 48 5.2.1 Objectives ....................................................................................................... 48 5.2.2 Dissemination: overview per activity ............................................................. 48 5.3 Evaluation of Project Implementation ............................................................ 51 5.4 Analysis of long-term benefits .............................................................................. 54

6. Comments on financial report ........................................................................................... 58 6.16.1. Summary of Costs Incurred ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.2. Accounting system ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.3. Partnership arrangements ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3

6.4. Auditor's report/declaration ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2. Executive summary

The LIFE project LIFE13 NAT/LV/000578 “Conservation and management of Priority Wetland Habitats in Latvia” was implemented by the Coordinating beneficiary – University of Latvia in cooperation with 5 associate beneficiaries - from which 3 are from Latvia (“RIDemo” Ltd, “Būvvadība” Ltd and Modern Technology Development Fund) and 2 from other EU countries – BUND Diepholzer Moorniederung (Germany), SA Eestimaa Looduse Fond (Estonian Fund for Nature (Estonia). Latvian Environmental Protection Fund Administration was a project co-financer. At the start of the project, associate beneficiary “RIDemo” Ltd worked also on the film production. From 2015, action was implemented by Modern Technology Development Fund (MTDF).

Aim of the project - implementation of management actions in the Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*), re-establishment Active raised bog habitats (7110*) restoring site hydrology in the areas influenced by drainage. Project restoration actions benefit also to Bog woodland (91D0*) and favour other habitats of EU importance, such as Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration (7120), Transition mires and quaking bogs (7140), Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion (7150), Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds (3160), Fennoscandian mineral rich springs and spring fens (7160) .

Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Active raised bog (7110*) are priority habitats of Habitats Directive and one of Europe’s most rare and threatened habitats. Raised bogs occur throughout Latvia but during the last decades they have been influenced by various human activities, like drainage, peat extraction, forest planting and land reclamation. Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) are included in the List of protected habitats in Latvia.

The LIFE project “Wetlands” was implemented in four NATURA 2000 sites – Sudas-Zviedru Mire and Dāvida Mill Springs in the Gauja National Park, Bažu Mire, transition mires in the Slītere National Park, Ziemeļu Mires and Raunas Staburags Nature Reserves. The project targets 8 wetland habitats of EU Habitats Directive, from which 3 are priority habitats - Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*), Active raised bogs (7110*) and Bog woodland (91D0*), as well as 2 species of Habitats Directive, like, Liparis loeselii and Hamatocaulis vernicosus.

Project objectives:

Secure the most favourable conservation status for priority wetland habitats - Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Active raised bogs (7110*) of Habitats Directive

Promote and demonstrate good practice for the management of wetland habitats by holding national and international seminars for various interest groups and hosting the project home page

Demonstrate and share the results of wetland conservation and restoration by involving local society and stakeholders in the management activities

Raise public awareness regionally to influence the local inhabitant’s attitude towards safeguarding of internationally valuable Petrifying spring with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Active raised bog habitat (7110*), as well nationally and internationally through practical raised bog restoration work and awareness raising activities, as well as improve the understanding of current nature conservation issues, habitats of EU importance and Natura 2000 network.

From the 23 project actions, all were implemented, and the objectives of Grant Agreement achieved. Please, see summary of the actions in Table 1.

4

During project habitat and hydrological studies were carried out. By applying hydrological 3-dimentional modelling, it was determined that the planned restoration area is larger as planned in the project application. Modelling results show that the positive effect from raised bog restoration in all the project sites will reach 710, 3 ha, instead of 501 ha as planned before, including the Dystrophic lake habitat (163 ha).

Before practical management actions, preparatory actions were implemented. From these, hydrological and geological studies in the project sites for the implementation of management actions (Action A1) are completed. Hydrology and Habitat Restorations Plans for Slītere and Gauja National Park wetlands were elaborated (Action A2). Management actions were completed in Raunas Staburags Nature Reserve and Dāvida Mill Springs in the Gauja National Park where invasive species Heracleum sosnowskyi was eliminated (Action C1). Trees and shrubs were removed from Transition mires and quacking bogs in 2017, after the end of the field season. Re-establishment of Active raised bog habitats and natural raised bog hydrology was carried in Bažu Mire in the Slītere National Park, Sudas-Zviedru Mire in the Gauja National Park and Ziemeļu Mires (Action C2). Demonstration project of the re-growth of Sphagnum species (Action C3) was completed in Sudas-Zviedru Mire.

From 2014 until the end of the project, habitat and hydrological monitoring was carried out in the project sites (Actions D1 and D2). Socio-economic impact of the project actions on local economy and ecosystem services was evaluated (Action D3).

Project includes public awareness activities. In total, 5 films were produced (Action E1). Project seminar for the teachers was organised in September 29, 2016 in the Slītere National Park (Action E2). Project associate beneficiary RIDemo Ltd has developed mobile interactive multimedia exhibition in Latvian and English that is available on the project website. Photo exhibition, including 375 photos by 22 authors was established by the project staff from University of Latvia (Action E3). Since March 1, 2016 both exhibitions were exhibited in 24 places. In total, 5 project booklets were published (Action E4), four notice boards prepared (Action E5). Project website www.mitraji.lv was established in Latvian and English and was regularly updated with the recent information, project International Conferences were organised in Estonia, Germany (Actions E8 and E9) and Latvia. Project was administrated by the University of Latvia (Action F1), Study tours to Poland, Germany and Denmark were organised (Action E2), networking with other LIFE projects takes place as joint meetings are organised to share experience on habitat management. Project results were presented at national and international conferences and seminars in Estonia, Lithuania, Germany, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Brazil.

Key deliverables and outputs were reached as planned the Grant Agreement:

Management of Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Fennoscandian mineral rich springs and spring fens (7160) was implemented.

Significant and sustained improvement in the condition of the Active raised bog habitat (7110*) and habitat hydrology reached in the 3 especially protected nature areas influenced by drainage, positive effect of raised bog restoration reaches 710.3 ha.

Management of Transition mires and quacking bogs (7140) was carried out in the area of 7 ha.

Sphagnum re-introduction experiment was implemented in Sudas-Zviedru Mire for the first time in the area of 1 ha for the first time in Latvia.

For the first time in Latvia within the LIFE project eradication of Heracleum sosnowskyi shoots in the spring habitats (7220*, 7160) was implemented with a positive effect.

5

In the project sites national and international seminars, the good practice of Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) management, Active raised bog habitat (7110*), Transition mires and quacking bog (7140) management was demonstrated; stakeholders, schoolchildren, teachers and local public was educated, people were involved in practical active raised bog restoration.

Transportable interactive wetland multimedia exhibition for the first time in Latvia photo exhibition including 375 photos was prepared, as well as 5 project booklets, 5 films, Layman’s Report.

Project website has raised awareness about the value of priority habitats - Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Active raised bog habitat (7110*) and the need of their conservation and restoration regionally, nationally and internationally.

Project has made a significant contribution to the further management and restoration of Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*), Active raised bog (7110*), and Transition mire and quaking bog (7140) habitats in Latvia and other EU countries.

The project has 2 Amendments to the Grant Agreement. The first was when the beneficiary RIDEMO for the Action E1 (Production of films about the project sites, conservation and management actions) was replaced by Modern Technology Development Fund (EC letter from July 31, 2015). The second Amendment to the Grant Agreement included the project prolongation until November 30, 2018 (EC letter from December 1, 2017)

Final Report includes the following chapters – Executive Summary, Introduction, Administrative Part, Technical Part, Summary of Costs Incurred Annexes, Financial report and Annexes. In the Executive summary background of the project is presented and main conservation issues addressed. In the Introduction background of the project is presented and main conservation issues addressed. In the Administrative part, project management system is described and evaluated. In the Technical part, the progress of the implementation of the project actions is described. Summary of Costs Incurred and Annexes is given as well as, financial report and annexes included to the Final Report.

3. Introduction Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Active raised bog (7110*) are priority habitats of Habitats Directive and one of Europe’s most rare and threatened habitats. Raised bogs occur throughout Latvia although during the last decades they have been influenced by various human activities, like drainage, peat extraction, forest planting and land reclamation. Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) are included in the List of protected habitats in Latvia.

Project objectives:

Secure the most favourable conservation status for priority wetland habitats - Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Active raised bogs (7110*) of Habitats Directive

Promote and demonstrate good practice for the management of wetland habitats by holding national and international seminars for various interest groups and hosting the project home page

Demonstrate and share the results of wetland conservation and restoration by involving local society and stakeholders in the management activities

Raise public awareness regionally to influence the local inhabitant’s attitude towards safeguarding of internationally valuable Petrifying spring with tufa formation

6

(Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Active raised bog habitat (7110*), as well nationally and internationally through practical raised bog restoration work and awareness raising activities, as well as improve the understanding of current nature conservation issues, habitats of EU importance and Natura 2000 network.

The project targets 8 wetland habitats of EU Habitats Directive, from which 3 are priority habitats - Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*), Active raised bogs (7110*) and Bog woodland (91D0*), as well as 2 species of Habitats Directive, like, Liparis loeselii and Hamatocaulis vernicosus.

The main conservation issues addressed are as follows (including threats): 1. Lack of management of Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Transition mires and quacking bogs (7140), 2. Negative drainage influence to Active raised bog habitat (7110*), 3. Disappearance of the natural intact raised bog habitats (7110*), 4. Lack of awareness about conservation and management of Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Active raised bog habitat (7110*). Therefore, wetland conservation and management activities were implemented in project sites – Sudas-Zviedru Mire and Dāvida Mill Springs in the Gauja National Park, Bažu Mire, transition mires in Slītere National Park, Ziemeļu Mires and Raunas Staburags Nature Reserves.

Within the project, active approaches towards management of natural capital were implemented, like investment in natural capital and nature-based risk management via wetland restoration, conservation and improved ecosystem management practices, including restoration of ecosystems for water management, carbon storage and other co-benefits. Restoration of wetlands has brought significant benefits to both: people and nature biodiversity.

Project long-term results include:

Bažu Mire and transition mire Restoration Plan for the area of 2727 ha area and Sudas-Zviedru Mire Restoration Plan for 3516 ha, Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve for 7718 ha was developed, as well as Technical designs for the implementation of wetland restoration activities

Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve foresees management actions until 2027 and favours sustainability for conservation of Active raised bog habitat (7110*) and species of EU importance; Restoration Plans for Slītere National Park and Gauja National Park wetlands are the basis for the implementation of restoration actions and applicable for further nature conservation actions by Nature Conservation Agency

Conservation and management of Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Fennoscandian mineral rich springs and spring fens (7160) is carried out in the area of in Raunas Staburags Nature Reserve, Dāvida Mill Springs in the Gauja National Park

Restoration of active raised bog habitat and natural hydrology was implemented in 3 project sites – Bažu Mire in the Slītere National Park in the area of 20.5 ha, Sudas-Zviedru Mire in the Gauja National Park in the area of 280.16 ha and Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve; in the area 710.3 ha where the positive effect will take place

The water level rise and restoration of raised bog habitats was achieved by building 107 dams on the drainage ditches

Project dissemination activities – website www.mitraji.lv, 5 information booklets and 4 information boards, Multimedia and Photo exhibitions and 5 project documentary films have raised awareness about the value of priority wetland habitats and the need of their conservation and restoration regionally, nationally and internationally

Implementation of project actions is a significant contribution to the further Active raised bog (7110*) conservation in Latvia.

7

4. Administrative part

4.1 Description of management system

LIFE project “Wetlands” includes 2 phases:

1. Preparatory actions – elaboration of Management plans and Technical designs for the project sites. 2. Practical actions – management of Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*), Transition mires and quacking bogs (7140), restoration of Active raised bog (7110*) habitats and hydrology by building of dams on the drainage ditches.

LIFE “Wetlands” project was implemented by the Coordinating beneficiary – University of Latvia in cooperation with 5 associate beneficiaries - from which 3 are from Latvia (“RIDemo” Ltd, “E Būvvadība” Ltd and Foundation Modern Technology Development Fund) and 2 from other EU countries – BUND Diepholzer Moorniederung (Germany), SA Eestimaa Looduse Fond (Estonian Fund for Nature (Estonia). The project is co-financed by Latvian Environmental Protection Fund Administration. At the start of the project associate beneficiary “RIDemo” Ltd worked also on the film production but from 2015 it was replaced by Foundation Modern Technology Development Fund (MTDF).

At the start of 2015, the project associated beneficiary RIDemo Ltd had a request to continue to work only for the implementation of Action E3 (Development of Mobile interactive multimedia and Photo exhibition about habitats of Community importance). Changes in the partnership structure were made. According to the first Amendment to the Grant Agreement Action E1 (Production of films about the project sites, conservation and management actions) there was a change of the associate beneficiary. Instead of RIDemo, the action was implementation by Foundation “Modern Technology Development Fund” (EC letter from July 31, 2015).

Transportable photo exhibition was developed by the University of Latvia. Associate beneficiary “E Būvvadība” Ltd was responsible for elaboration of Technical Designs and building dams on the drainage ditches for the restoration of site hydrology and habitats, MTDF – for the development of 5 films about the project sites, BUND Diepholzer Moorniederung and SA Eestimaa Looduse Fond for the organisation of International Conferences. The Organigramme of the project is as follows (Fig. 1):

8

Fig. 1. Organigramme of the project team and project management structure

Planning of the project work took place on daily basis. Every week project management meetings were organised. The Coordinating beneficiary provided facilities for the project staff in the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia. Project Steering Group was established in November 2014, meetings were organised within the interval of 6 months.

Project manager Māra Pakalne (full-time contract), replaced by Laura Grīnberga from October 6, 2017 until February 28, 2018. The project manager was responsible for coordination of overall project performance, for smoothly and timely realisation of project actions, controlled and monitored the whole project and teamwork. Project manager coordinated progress of hydrological and geological studies for the implementation of management actions, controlled elaboration of Management Plan, Hydrology and Habitat Restoration Plans, controlled progress of elaboration of Technical Designs, coordinated monitoring of management actions, prepared Reports for the European Commission.

Project assistant Krišjānis Libauers (part-time contract) prepared project documentation, kept contacts with stakeholders and associate beneficiaries, assisted in the development of project work plan, responded to routine requests for information, kept and maintained all documentation about the project technical equipment, software and tools, kept it in good working condition, arranged all needed services and repairs, was responsible for technical assistance in project management, organised technical details for the study tour to Germany and Denmark.

Project financial assistant Gunta Sirmā (part-time contract), replaced by Aija Mālniece from August 14, 2015, was responsible for financial planning of all project actions, prepared financial estimates/plans, prepared expenditure estimates of project measures to be taken, controlled finances including the accounting supporting documents, payments, reports according to the signed contract and the correctness of other financial operations, ensured correct drawing up of documentation, compliance with the Republic of Latvia laws and EC Common Provisions, controlled, checked, adjusted a planned accuracy of financial project drafted agreements for projects, controlled project's resources compliance with budgeted project costs, followed up to reports of project associated beneficiaries and checked correctness of associate beneficiaries financial reports within all project activities, prepared financial Reports.

Public relations coordinator Ieva Graudiņa-Šutko (part-time contract), replaced by Marta Baumane from July 1, 2015 took part virtually in all actions as mediator between internal and public information flows of the Project, participated in the Steering group meetings and informed public about the EC LIFE Programme and the project, raised awareness about species and habitats of EU by communicating with stakeholders, informed journalists about the project actions, organised Radio interviews, prepared information for the project home page.

Mire habitat expert Līga Strazdiņa (part-time contract) carried out habitat studies of EU importance in the project sites (Action A1), elaborated Mire Habitat Restoration Plans (Action A2), and prepared maps and information for project booklets (Action E4) and notice boards (Action E5), gave information for home page (Action E6), participated in popular-science events. Mire habitat expert established habitat monitoring plots in all the project sites and monitored the success of the management actions both in the spring habitats with tufa formation and active raised bogs (Action D1 and D2), summarized results in Habitat Monitoring Reports, organized and completed Sphagnum re-introduction experiment in Sudas-Zviedru Mire (Action C3), prepared the socio-economic impact assessment in project sites (Action D3).

Coordinator of restoration actions Loreta Urtāne (Short-term contract) in collaboration of the project staff elaborated Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve, organised Management Steering Group meetings with stakeholders, summarised information for the Management Plan, communicated with the project associated beneficiaries and stakeholders.

9

Project hydrologist Oļģerts Aleksāns (as external expert) carried hydrological studies in the project sites. The results were summarised in Monitoring Reports on site hydrology.

On University level, the Project was coordinated by Department of Development and Planning where all the original project documentation is kept. Finance and Accounting Department controlled the project financial documentation. The project implementation was supported by the Administration of the University of Latvia and its various Departments. More details on the project management structure are provided in the description of the Action F.1. Overall project progress is presented in a Gantt-chart in Fig. 2.

The project has 2 Amendments to the Grant Agreement. The first was when the beneficiary of the Action E1 Production of films about the project sites, conservation and management actions was changed from associate beneficiary RIDEMO to Modern Technology Development Fund (EC letter from July 31, 2015). The second Amendments to the Grant Agreement when the project was prolonged until November 30, 2018 (EC letter from December 1, 2017).

Tasks/

Activities

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

1T

2T

3T

4

T

1

T

2

T

3

T

4T

1T

2T

3T

4T

1T

2T

3T

4T

1 2 3 4

T T T T

1

T

Overall project schedule

Proposed

X

X

Actual

Action A1 Proposed ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬

Action A2 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action A3 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action A4 Proposed ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬

Action C1 Proposed ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action C2 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action C3 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action D1 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action D2 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action D3 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬

Action E1 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

INCEPTION

REPORT

28.02.15

MIDTERM

REPORT

31.08.2016

FINAL REPORT

18.04.19

PROGRESS

REPORT

31.08.17

10

Action E2 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action E3 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action E4 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action E5 Proposed ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬

Action E6 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬


Actual


Actual ▬ ▬ ▬


Actual ▬ ▬ ▬

Action F1 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action F2

Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

Action F3 Proposed ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬

Action F4 Proposed ■ ■ ■ ■

Actual ▬

Figure 2. Overall progress of the project presented in a Gantt-chart.

4.2 Evaluation of the management system

Administration of the project took more time as expected due to the unplanned preparation of agreements with the two main stakeholders – JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” and Nature Conservation Agency as they are the stakeholders for the project sites where raised bog restoration was carried out. In 2015/2016 there has also been the reorganisation of the University administrative departments. During this process, document turnover and agreement took more time as the staff and their responsibilities changed in various University departments. After the reorganisation there is a positive effect from the side of lawyers of the University – the documents are checked faster. List of project deliverables and milestones are summarised in Table 1- 3.

During the project implementation, communicating with EASME and external monitoring experts – Rolands Ratfelders who was replaced by Lūcija Kursīte was good. The monitoring experts were helpful in answering different questions during the project implementtaion and Reports for the European Commission. Two Amendments to the Grant Agreement were made. The first was when the beneficiary of the Action E1 Production of films about the project sites, conservation and management actions was changed from associate beneficiary RIDEMO to Modern Technology Development Fund (EC letter from July 31, 2015, Ares (2015 3221213). The second Amendments to the Grant

11

Agreement when the project was prolonged until November 30, 2018 (EC letter from December 1, 2017, Ares 2017). The questions received after the Midterm report (Ref. Ares (2016)69333046-13/12/2016) are answered in Final Report.

Table 1. Summary of project actions

Name of Action Action Time plan Status in November 30, 2018

Hydrological and geological studies in the project sites for the implementation of management actions

A1 III 2014-

I 2015

Action is completed. Report available http://www.mitraji.lv/reports/?lang=en

Elaboration of Management plan and Hydrology and Habitat Restoration Plans

A2

III 2014 –

IV 2015

Prolonged

IV 2018

Action is completed. Report available http://www.mitraji.lv/reports/?lang=en

https://www.daba.gov.lv/upload/File/DAPi_apstiprin/DL_Ziemelu_purvi_18.pdf

Elaboration of Technical designs for active raised bog restoration

A3 III 2014 –

IV 2015

Technical Designs for Bažu Mire, Sudas-Zviedru Mire and Ziemeļu Mires are completed.

Organisation of public tenders, preparation of agreements and contracts

A4 II – III 2014 In total 4 public tenders organised.

Management of Petrifying springs with tufa formation, transition mires and quacking bogs

C1 II 2016 –

IV 2016

Management area in Slītere National Park reaches 7 ha.

Re-establishing the Active raised bog habitats and natural raised bog hydrology in the project sites

C2 I 2016-

IV 2018

Action completed. In Sudas-Zviedru Mire 70 dams were built, Bažu Mire – 17, Ziemeļu Mires – 20. Modelling results show that the raised bog restoration activities will have a positive effect in 710 ha.

Demonstration project of the re-growth of Sphagnum species

C3 I 2016-

IV 2018

Action completed in the area of 1 ha in Sudas-Zviedru Mire. Report available on the project webpage http://www.mitraji.lv/reports/?lang=en

Monitoring the effect of management actions of Petrifying springs with tufa formation and Transition mires and quacking bogs

D1

III 2014,

II-III 2015,

II-III 2016,

II-III 2017

Prolonged

IV 2018

Final Monitoring Report is prepared

http://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdf

Monitoring the success of Active raised bog habitat and site hydrology restoration

D2 I 2015-

IV 2017

Final Monitoring Report is prepared

http://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdf

Demonstration project of re-growth of Sphagnum species

D3 I 2016-

IV 2018

Action completed. Report available on the project webpage http://www.mitraji.lv/projekta-atskaites/

Production of films about the project sites, conservation and management actions

E1 III 2014 –

IV 2018

5 films produced and available on the project website http://www.mitraji.lv/video-2/

https://www.daba.gov.lv/upload/File/DAPi_apstiprin/DL_Ziemelu_purvi_18.pdfhttps://www.daba.gov.lv/upload/File/DAPi_apstiprin/DL_Ziemelu_purvi_18.pdfhttp://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdfhttp://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdfhttp://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdfhttp://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdfhttp://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdfhttp://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdfhttp://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdfhttp://www.mitraji.lv/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Biotopu-monitoringa-IV-atskaite_2018_Strazdina_Pakalne.pdfhttp://www.mitraji.lv/projekta-atskaites/http://www.mitraji.lv/video-2/

12

Organisation of project seminars E2 I 2016-

III 2017

Action completed. On September 29, 2016 seminar for teachers took place. On July 11-12, 2017 International Wetland Conference was organised.

Development of Mobile interactive multimedia and Photo exhibition about habitats of Community importance

E3 III 2014 –

IV 2015

Mobile interactive multimedia and Photo exhibition about habitats of Community importance established and displayed in 24 locations.

Elaboration and publishing of project booklets

E4

II-III 2014;

I 2016-

II 2017

Prolonged

IV 2018

First Project booklet published http://www.mitraji.lv/publications/?lang=en

Four project booklets published

http://www.mitraji.lv/izveidoti-cetri-bukleti-par-life-projekta-mitraji-vietam/

Elaboration and printing of Layman’s Report

E7 III 2017-

IV 2018

Action is completed. Layman’s Report available http://www.mitraji.lv/laymans-report-published/?lang=en

Organisation of an International seminar on raised bog management in Estonia

E8 III 2016-

IV 2016

Action completed. On March 1-2, 2016 International Conference in Estonia was organised.

Organisation of an International seminar on raised bog restoration in Germany

E9 I-III 2015 Action completed. On June 18-19, 2015 International Conference in Germany was organised.

Creation and updating of the project home page

E6

II 2014 –

IV 2017

Prolonged

IV 2018

Website www.mitraji.lv was set up and updated with the latest information about project actions.

Project administration by the University of Latvia

F1

II 2014 –

IV 2017

Prolonged

IV 2018

Project team established, and all the planned project actions were carried out.

Networking with other LIFE+ projects, participation in seminars and conferences

F2

II 2015 -

IV 2018

Prolonged

IV 2018

Study tours to Poland, Germany and Denmark were organised, project staff has participated in 5 International conferences. http://www.mitraji.lv/tag/f2-en/?lang=en

Table 2. Deliverables of the project

Name of the deliverable

Action Deadline Progress

Information for the project home page E 6 30/09/2014 Completed in September 2014. Inception Report, Annex 7.12.

Monitoring Report on site habitats D 2 30/11/2014 Completed in November 2014. Inception Report, Annex 7.2.3

Monitoring Reports on site hydrology

D 2 30/11/2014 Completed in November 2014. Inception Report,

Annex 7.2.4.,7.2.5.,7.2.6.

Report on mire development D2 30/11/2014 Completed in November 2014.

http://www.mitraji.lv/publications/?lang=enhttp://www.mitraji.lv/izveidoti-cetri-bukleti-par-life-projekta-mitraji-vietam/http://www.mitraji.lv/izveidoti-cetri-bukleti-par-life-projekta-mitraji-vietam/http://www.mitraji.lv/

13

Inception Report, Annex 7.2.7.

Report on the monitoring results of Petrifying spring and Transition mire habitats

D 1 30/11/2014 Completed in November 2014. Inception Report, Annex 7.2.3.

The first booklet about the project E 4 30/11/2014 Completed in November 2014. Inception Report, Annex 7.2.1

Report on the monitoring results of Petrifying spring and Transition mire habitats

D 1 31/10/2015 Completed in November 2015, Midterm Report, Annex 7.2.4.

Active Raised bog hydrology and habitat Restoration Plans for Sudas-Zviedru Mire and Bažu Mire, Pēterezera Inter-dune Mire, Kukšupes Inter-dune Mire

A 2 30/11/2015 Completed in November 2015, Mid-term Report, Annex 7.2.1 and 7.2.2.

Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires A 2 30/11/2015 Completed, Management Plan approved by the Ministry of Environment and Regional Development on June 19, 2018, Final Report Annnex 7.1.1.

Monitoring Report on site habitats D 2 30/11/2015 Completed in November 2015, Midterm Report, Annnex 7.2.4.

Monitoring Report on site hydrology D 2 30/11/2015 Completed in November 2015, Midterm Report, Annex 7.2.7.

Technical design for building of dams in Bažu Mire

A 3 30/11/2015 Completed in December 2015, Midterm Report, Annex 7.5.

Technical design for building of dams in Sudas-Zviedru Mire


Technical design for building of dams in Ziemeļu Mires


Mobile interactive multimedia and Photo exhibition

E 3 31/12/2015 Completed in March 2016; displayed in 24 locations.

Notice board for Raunas Staburags NR E 5 31/10/2016 Completed in December 2017.

Progress Report, Annex 10.5.

Notice board for Ziemeļu Mires NR E 5 31/10/2016 Completed in December 2017.


Notice board in the Gauja National Park

E 5 31/10/2016 Completed in December 2017.


Notice board in the Slītere National Park

E 5 31/10/2016 Completed in December 2017.

Progress Report,Annex 10.5.

Report on monitoring results about Petrifying spring and Transition mire habitat

D 1 31/10/2016 Completed in November 2016

Progress Report Annex 10.1.2.

Monitoring Report on raised bog habitats

D 2 30/11/2016 Completed in November 2016 Progress Report Annex 10.1.2.

Monitoring Report on site hydrology D 2 30/11/2016 Completed in November 2016

Progress Report, Annex 10.1.3.

Project films E 1 30/04/2017

Completed in November 2018, videos prepared, Midterm Report, Annex 7.12.3.

Booklet about Raunas Staburags Nature Reserve

E 4 31/05/2017 Completed in August 2018

Final Report, Annex 7.1.7.

14

Booklet about Sudas-Zviedru Mire from Gauja National Park



Booklet about Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve



Booklet about wetlands of EU importance in Slītere National Park

E 4 31/05/2017 Completed in in August 2018


After-LIFE Conservation Plan F 4 30/11/2017 Completed in November 2018


Layman's Report E 7 30/11/2017 Completed in November 2018


Monitoring Report on site hydrology D 2 30/11/2017

Completed in November 2017

Progress Report, Annex 10.1.4,

Monitoring Report on raised bogs D 2 30/11/2017 Completed in November 2017.

Report on results of monitoring Petrifying spring and transition mires

D 1 30/11/2017 Completed in November 2017.

Monitoring Report on site hydrology D1 30/11/2018 Completed in November 2018.

Final Report Annex 7.1.4.

Monitoring Report on raised bog habitats

D1 30/11/2018 Completed in November 2018.


Report on results of monitoring Petrifying spring and Transition mire habitats

D1 30/11/2018 Completed in November 2018.


Table 3. Milestones of the project

Name of the milestone

Action Deadline Status

Project Steering Group established

F 1 01/09/2014 Established in November 2014.

Habitat monitoring plots established

D 2 30/09/2014 Established in September 2014.

Groundwater monitoring wells set up

D 2 30/04/2015 Completed in December 2015.

Project International seminar organised in Germany

E 9 31/07/2015 Completed in June 2015.

Project seminar organised

E 2 30/09/2016 Completed in September 2016, project seminar for teachers organised.

Project International seminar organised in Estonia

E8 30/02/2016 Completed in February 2016.

International seminar on wetland management and restoration organised

E 2 30/06/2017 Completed in July 2017.

Dam building in Bažu Mire completed

C 2 31/10/2017 Completed in December 2017.

Dam building in Sudas-Zviedru Mire completed

C 2 31/10/2017 Completed in December 2017.

Dam building in Ziemeļu Mires completed

C 2 31/10/2017 Action prolonged, completed in November 2018.

15

Independent audit of the project realised

F 3 30/11/2017 Completed in December 2018.

5. Technical part

5.1 Technical progress, per task A. Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or of action plans

ACTION A.1

Name of the action: Hydrological and geological studies in the project sites for the implementation of management actions

Foreseen start date: III 2014 Actual start date: IV 2014

Foreseen end date: IV 2014 Actual end date: I 2015

Progress: Action is completed.

To carry out restoration of active raised bog habitats and site hydrology in the drained parts of the 3 project sites – Sudas-Zviedru Mire in the Gauja National Park, Bažu Mire in the Slītere National Park and Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve, hydrological assessment of the sites was carried out by the project hydrologist Oļģerts Aleksāns. Peat stratigraphy analysis was studied by geologist Laimdota Kalniņa from the University of Latvia. Both the experts started to work in the project after organisation of public tender. Action is related to the elaboration of Active raised bog (7110*) Hydrology and Habitat Restoration Plans for the project sites (Action A2) and implementation of management measures of the damaged areas of raised bogs due to drainage (Action C2). Possible implications of restoration on hydrogeological conditions on the sites represented by the important species were evaluated for Ziemeļu, Bažu and Sudas-Zviedru Mires. Hydrogeological estimations were carried out to determine the average water flows, as well as water flows for the spring and summer flood periods for the sites of restoration. Aerial photography, terrain data, GIS (Geographical Information Systems), LiDAR and historical maps of the management sites were used. In Ziemeļu Mires peat samples were taken for peat stratigraphy analysis in laboratory.

At the start of the work maps with watercourses, which could have a potentially decisive influence on the hydrological regime of the mire were prepared. Publicly available cartographic information about the surface water bodies was used, as well as terrain model analysis of study sites was done to better understand, where potential surface runoffs could be, that are not shown on the usual topographic maps. Based on these maps, field studies were carried out in each project site. During the project existing watercourses, for which it is planned to build dams, were surveyed. In each of the study points the following parameters were recorded: 1) the acquisition of coordinates in LKS-92 system 2) measured width and depth of watercourses 3) approximate flow rate of the watercourse 4) measured parameters of culvert (diameter, height, width) 5) performed site photo fixation and its short description. Based on the collected information, for each of the survey sites 3-dimentional (3D) surface models were created and included the studied mires and its surrounding area. On the basis of 3-dimentional models the drainage system, mathematical analysis was performed, and the catchment areas were defined for mires of the project sites - Bažu Mire, Sudas-Zviedru Mire and Ziemeļu Mires. Catchment area was designed to perform calculations for hydrogeological drainage ditches, which runs from these catchments and for which it is planned to build dams. Ditches in the bogs are functioning as a remarkable surface water transporter ‘out’ from the bog. Results of the hydrological studies for active raised bogs were summarised in the Active raised bog habitat and hydrology Restoration Plans for – Sudas-Zviedru Mire and Bažu Mire as well as Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve carried out under Action A2, and in the Technical designs

16

elaborated under Action A3. Report on hydrological studies available on the project web page http://www.mitraji.lv/reports/?lang=en

All the foreseen milestones were produced. Submission details please see in the Table 3.

Variations/complications/delays: There was longer tendering procedure as planned in the project proposal. Public tender “Project Experts” was organised on September 19, 2014. Oļģerts Aleksāns, Laimdota Kalniņa, signed their agreements on December 9, 2014.

Additional information: Annex 7.3. Location of the project sites. Annex 7.4. Habitats of EU importance and project management actions. Annex 7.7. Photos of the project actions.

ACTION A.2 Name of the action: Elaboration of Active raised bog habitat and hydrology Restoration Plans

Foreseen start date: III 2014 Actual start date: III 2014

Foreseen end date: IV 2015 Actual end date: III 2018


Habitat and Hydrology Restoration Plan for Mires in Slītere National Park and the Hydrology Restoration Plan for Sudas-Zviedru Mire were completed in December 2015. Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve was approved by Ministry of Environment and Regional Development on June 19, 2018. According to the Management Plans of Gauja National Park (GNP) (valid until 31.12.2018) and Slītere National Park (SNP) (valid until 31.12.2020) (both Management Plans are available at the home page of Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia under http://www.daba.gov.lv/public/lat/iadt/nacionalie_parki/), management actions are required to restore protected habitats of the European Union. To implement wetland management actions (Actions C1, C2), two Hydrology and Habitat Restoration Plans were prepared –1) Sudas-Zviedru Mire (GNP) and 2) Bažu Mire, Kukšupes Inter-dune Mire, Pēterezera Inter-dune Mire (all in SNP). Management of Jušu Spring was suspended due objections from the land owner.

The main aim of Habitat and Hydrology Restoration Plans was to describe habitat quality and nature values in the project sites and give detailed restoration methods. The area near to Muižnieku Lake in Sudas-Zviedru Mire was particularly significantly degraded and vegetation had to be restored here to provide conditions for further peat layer formation. Therefore, mire plants were planted here manually after stabilizing of water level (Action C3).

There is no regulated form for Habitat and Hydrology Restoration Plans as it is for Management Plans. Structure and content of both Restoration Plans is as follows: 1) description of the territory (geography, climate, geology, development, hydrology, land-use types); 2) normative acts applied to the area protection; 3) description of rare and protected habitats and species; 4) negative disturbances, hydrology changes and historical negative impact; 5) restoration activities, used methods and expected results, habitat and hydrology monitoring, informative activities; 6) references; 7) Annexes with species lists, historical maps and dam building maps.

Field trips to the wetlands of Slītere National Park and Sudas-Zviedru Mire gave significant results, especially indicating the most degraded sites where restoration is necessary, as well as mapping occurrence and distribution of protected habitats and rare plant species. Field work results were marked in standardized habitat mapping protocols, GPS tracks and photos, many of them published in the project website www.mitraji.lv, Photo and multimedia exhibitions and project documentary films. This information was later summarized in different maps and submitted to Nature Conservation Agency to natural data management system Ozols (Oak) http://ozols.daba.gov.lv/pub/Life/, where information on specially protected nature territories, micro-reserves, especially protected species and habitats management activities, biodiversity monitoring data and other data actual in nature protection are accumulated. Maps of functional zoning, sediment geological map, surface water system maps, possession zoning, forest type

http://www.mitraji.lv/reports/?lang=enhttp://www.daba.gov.lv/public/lat/iadt/nacionalie_parki/

17

map, protected habitat distribution and rare species occurrence map, historical peat extraction maps from different time periods, 3D models, location of planned management activities, map of dam building sites, and location of habitat and hydrological monitoring plots were added to the textual information. Maps were prepared partially by cartographer from Nature Conservation Agency, project hydrogeologist and mire habitat expert. Habitat restoration activities were included in Hydrology and Habitat Restoration Plans, giving detailed information about deadline, priority, responsible executive, expenses, funding source, performance indicators. All the activities and their parameters were planned according to the project application.

To coordinate planned restoration activities and their location in project territories with responsible nature conservation organizations, mandatory municipalities and local people, meetings with representatives took place. On April 25 and June 3, 2016, meeting and public hearing was organised in Slītere and Kolka respectively to introduce with the content of the Restoration Plan for Mires in Slītere National Park. Information about Restoration Plan for Sudas-Zviedru Mire (GNP) was presented at the Project Steering Group meeting on March 1, 2016 where responsible representative for this area - deputy director of Sigulda Municipality participated. Meeting at the Nature Conservation Agency took place in September 22, 2016 when the Restoration Plan for Sudas-Zviedru Mire were presented and raised bog restoration actions discussed, as well as field visit organised. The Habitat and Hydrology Restoration Plans are available in the project website http://www.mitraji.lv/reports/?lang=en and include Latvian and English summary.

Both Restoration Plans were agreed with the main stakeholder Nature Conservation Agency.

Concerning the Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve (hereafter - MP for Ziemeļu Mires), the following activities were carried out: 1) tendering and contracting of habitat/species experts; 2) organisation of Information Meeting and Steering group Meeting for elaboration of MP Ziemeļu Mires; 3) collecting of habitats/species related information and preparation of an overview of the European Natura 2000 habitat types and species occurring in the Nature Reserve; 4) contacting of environmental authorities to collect mapping material needed for development of MP.

At the start of the elaboration of Ziemeļi Mires Management Plan, the Management Plan Steering Group (MPSG) was organised by Nature Conservation Agency (NCA).

Management plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve was prepared accordance with the existing legislation which defines the procedure for the development of MP. It is a step-by-step procedure were participation of all main stakeholders is very important. During given procedure the (1) Information Meeting, (2) at least 3 Steering group meeting and (3) Public Hearing was organised.

The main objective of the Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve is to conserve the habitats of EU importance and to carry out 7110* Active raised bog habitat restoration in the degraded areas. According to procedure set by national legislation, the specific preconditions for conservation of area and restrictions for its management are defined by MP.

MP include maps with habitats of EU importance, maps with the provisional information about the planned management and monitoring areas as well as information on legislation, evaluation of biodiversity values, factors influencing the site and management activities. Maps include the location of the management actions as well as zoning of the project sites. Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve was approved on June 19, 2018 and is published in the project web page

https://www.daba.gov.lv/upload/File/DAPi_apstiprin/DL_Ziemelu_purvi_18.pdf and in the web page of the main stakeholder Nature Conservation Agency https://www.daba.gov.lv/public/lat/iadt/dabas_liegumi/ziemelu_purvi/.

Results of habitats/species data analyses is used to develop concept project film (Action E1) and for mobile Interactive Multimedia. Similarly, Action outputs were used to develop the first

http://www.mitraji.lv/reports/?lang=enhttps://www.daba.gov.lv/upload/File/DAPi_apstiprin/DL_Ziemelu_purvi_18.pdf

18

project booklet (Action E4) and website (Action E6). The Action outputs were reported to Project Steering Group (December 17, 2014) and the first MP Steering Group meeting.

To elaborate the Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve and the two Restoration Plans, collaboration between project hydrologist, geologist, developer of technical designs for hydrological regime stabilisation and mire habitat expert was of high importance. Therefore, regular meetings and joint field trips were organised where project hydrologist Dr.geol. Oļģerts Aleksāns, project mire habitat expert Dr.biol. Līga Strazdiņa, project manager Dr. biol. Māra Pakalne and representatives associated beneficiary “E Būvvadība” Ltd share opinions and exchange experience. Results are shown in the project films (Action E.1). Therefore, joint field trips with representatives of associated beneficiary Foundation “Modern Technology Development Fund” were organized to all project sites.

The Plans are used by the responsible authorities for further conservation and management activities in the especially protected nature areas.

In June 2016 and July 2017 the project sites were visited by the expert from the Netherlands Prof. Ab Grootjans to give consultancy on site hydrology restoration and management of habitats. Joint studies in the inter-dune mires were continued and a paper for the journal “Mires and Peat” prepared.

All the foreseen deliverables were produced. Submission details please see in the Table 2.

The After-LIFE Plan outlines continuation of habitat and hydrological monitoring in Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve as well as raising of public awareness.

Variations/complications/delays: Organisation of the public tender for the “Project experts” was more time consuming as planned in the project application. It was organised on September 19, 2014. Therefore, experts started their work later and it caused delay in completing Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires NR. Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires was prepared later also due to the fact that Technical Designs were delayed but the exact locations of the dam building areas has to be coherent to Ziemeļu Mires Management Plan. On the other hand, Technical Designs were delayed as Agreements had to be prepared with the main stakeholders for the project sites – JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” and Nature Conservation Agency.

Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve was delayed due to the slow work of the MP coordinator and the staff of the project had to take over the work and complete it. Also its approval by the Ministry of Environment and Regional Development took 6 months.

Additional information: Annex 7.1.1. Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve. Annex 7.3. Location of the project sites. Annex 7.4. Habitats of EU importance and project management actions. Annex 7.7. Photos of the project actions. Annex 7.9. Publicity of the project.

ACTION A.3

Name of the action: Elaboration of Technical Designs for Active raised bog hydrology restoration

Foreseen start date: III 2014 Actual start date: III 2014

Foreseen end date: IV 2015 Actual end date: prolonged IV 2018

Progress: The action is completed.

Project associated beneficiary “E Būvvadība” Ltd has elaborated Technical Designs for the project sites where restoration of raised bog hydrology is needed: 1. Bažu Mire in the Slītere National Park 2. Sudas-Zviedru Mire in the Gauja National Park 3. Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve. The Technical designs were submitted with Midterm Report Annex 7.5.

Technical designs were the pre-requisite for the restoration of the raised bog hydrology in the especially protected nature areas of Latvia. Elaboration of Technical designs consists of field studies in drainage influenced areas. Site topography was studied where active raised bog

19

habitat restoration by building of dams on the drainage ditches were planned. Maps for the Technical Designs were prepared and include concrete areas where dams are located. During the field work measurements were made to get the cross section of ditches profile. Such measurements were taken by every 100 meters. In addition, the measurements were in a ditch along its length to calculate its fall. During the survey two tools were used: the first is M3-3 Trimble Pro Pointer that was used in woodland. The second tool was the Trimble R4 GPS, which is suitable for open spaces. The coordinator from the associated beneficiary “E Būvvadība” Ltd for Action A3 was Mārtiņš Kandis.

The hydro-technician of the associated beneficiary carried out the field work in the project sites, like levelling of the raised bog surface, measuring the depth and width of drainage ditches, according to the raised bog surface decline, planning the exact location and number of the dams, summarised field data into the Technical Designs. The designer has drawn the types and sizes of dams, on each of the drainage ditches, prepared the maps with exact location and number of dams and communicated with stakeholders. The coordinator has prepared the documentation of the Technical Designs and agreed it with the stakeholders, landowners, Regional Environment protection boards, obtained permits for dam building in the project sites.

The Technical Designs include hydrologic and hydraulic calculations of drainage ditches and site hydrology modelling results to simulate the existing situation of water levels. The calculations were carried out together with the project hydrologist Oļģerts Aleksāns to find the right solution of the ditch system restoration. Based on these calculations the plan of the exact location and number of the dams was summarised into the Technical Designs. The project hydro-technical engineer Eduards Milliņš together with designer Jevgēņija Gorohova have designed dam constructions.

Hydrology modelling results in all the project sites show that the restoration area is larger than planned for 209.3 ha (Table 4). Besides, not only the 7110* Active raised bog habitat but also 3160 Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds in size of 163 ha in Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve has a positive impact after the restoration. It is important to emphasize that increase in restored area will have no effect on finances, as the work will cost the same amount as planned.

Table 4. Planned and predicted restored raised bog habitat area in the project sites

Bažu Mire Sudas-Zviedru Mire Ziemeļu Mires Total, ha

Planned in the Grant Agreement, ha

17.0 154.0 330.0 501.0

Restored and modelled, ha

20.5 280.2 409.6 710.3

Increase, ha 3.5 126.2 79.6 209.3

Field work and the elaboration of the Technical designs was agreed with Nature Conservation Agency (NCA) and permissions to work in these protected areas was obtained. Agreements with the stakeholders JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” and Nature Conservation Agency were prepared and signed to carry out the field work and mire restoration work.

Experience of other LIFE projects in Latvia was considered when elaborating the Technical Designs for building of dams on the drainage ditches. The results about the location of planned dams on the drainage systems are included in Habitat and Hydrology Restoration Plans and Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve Management Plan developed under Action A2.

20

All foreseen deliverables were produced. Submission details please see in the Table 2.

In 2017 and 2018 in Sudas-Zviedru Mire 70 peat and wood dams were built, Bažu Mire – 17, Ziemeļu Mires – 20, in total 107 dams. Modelling results show that the raised bog restoration activities will have a positive effect in 710 ha. After the end of the project the associate beneficiary E-Būvvadība for 5 years is responsible for the quality of peat and wood dams. At the end of the project, it was not necessary to do the reparation of the dams as they are of good quality. The built dams are self-sustainable. They do not need further maintenance.

Variations/complications/delays: At the end of 2014, significant changes of building regulations come into force and therefore action implementation was delayed. Also, Agreement procedure with the EBūvvadība for the preparation of Technical Designs took longer time as planned. Additional agreements had to be prepared with the 2 main stakeholders JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” and Nature Conservation Agency as the planned raised bog restoration was carried out on the state land. Nevertheless, agreement between the University of Latvia and Nature Conservation Agency was signed in June 2016, and agreement between the University of Latvia and JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” in February 2015.

Additional information: Annex 7.3. Location of the project sites. Annex 7.4. Habitats of EU importance and project management actions. Annex 7.7. Photos of the project actions. Annex 7.9. Publicity of the project.

ACTION A.4

Name of the action: Organisation of public tenders, preparation of agreements and contracts

Foreseen start date: II 2014 Actual start date: II 2014

Foreseen end date: IV 2014 Actual end date: I 2015

Progress: Completed in December 2014, additional agreement signed in October 2015.

Public tenders are organised by the University of Latvia that is a public organisation according to the “Public Procurement Law of Republic of Latvia” as well as Regulations Nr. 179 from 13.03.2007. Therefore, it was not necessary to organise a public tender for buying the project digital photo camera body and lens but various offers from different stores were evaluated and the principle “best value for money” applied. It was possible to buy the digital camera body and the lens for less cost than it was planned in the project. The project two laptop computers were bought from State Electronic system (EIS). In this case, public tender has not to be organised.

For the implementation of project actions, 4 public tenders were organised: 1) purchase of 4x4 wheels drive car; 2) hire of experts for elaboration of Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve (Action A.2) - hydrologist, geologist, ornithologist, invertebrate and forest expert; 3) hire of hydrology expert for 1st stage of Hydrological monitoring and modelling in the project sites (Actions A.1 and D.2) 4) hire of hydrology expert for 2nd stage of Hydrological monitoring and modelling in the project sites (Actions A.1 and D.2).

For the public tenders, Terms of Reference contained a set of requirements needed for the actions to be carried out were prepared. Public tenders were announced at the website of the University of Latvia www.lu.lv After receiving the proposals, they were evaluated by the University of Latvia Public tender commission and project team. The best proposals for the implementation of each of the actions were chosen (taking into consideration the qualification of the tendered, suggested cost for the work, etc.). After the end of the public tender, agreements were prepared and signed with the selected organisation or experts.

1. On August 15, 2014 the lawyers from the Procurement department of the University of Latvia announced the first project public tender for the purchase of 4x4 wheel drive car (No. LU 2014/34 – 1 – LIFE). Submission time for applicants was appointed to August

http://www.lu.lv/

21

26. In the result two proposals from applicants “DS 2” Ltd. and “AD REM auto” Ltd. were received. After receiving of the proposals, they were evaluated by Commission of the University of Latvia. Purchase procedure stopped on September 10, 2014 as the applicants offer was inconsistent to public tender regulation. On September 19, 2014 the lawyers from the Procurement department of the University of Latvia announced the second public tender (No. LU 2014/43– 1– LIFE). Submission time for applicants was appointed for September 29, 2014 and one proposal from applicant “DS 2” Ltd. was received. The proposal was evaluated by Commission of the University of Latvia and contract was signed on October 20, 2014. The car was delivered to the University of Latvia on October 24, 2014 when the Acceptance document was signed.

2. Second public tender was organised to hire experts for the implementation of Ziemeļu Mires Management Plan. Public tender “Project Experts” was announced on September 19, 2014 by University of Latvia. Application submission time for applicants was October 10, 2014. Five experts handed in the applications. The offer of Oļģerts Aleksāns was for Hydrogeological studies in Bažu Mire and inter-dune mires in Slītere National Park, Sudas–Zviedru Mire in Gauja National Park, Ziemeļu Mire Nature Reserve. The offer of Laimdota Kalniņa was for Mire stratigraphic studies in Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve. The offer of Mārtiņš Kalniņš was the study the invertebrates in Ziemeļu Mires. Aivars Petriņš offered to estimate the bird fauna in Ziemeļu Mires and Uvis Suško offered to study of forests and meadows in Ziemeļu Mire. The offers were evaluated by Commission of the University of Latvia and author’s agreements were signed. Oļģerts Aleksāns, Laimdota Kalniņa, Aivars Petriņš, Uvis Suško signed their agreements on December 9, 2014. Mārtiņš Kalniņš signed his agreement on December 17, 2014.

3. Third public tender was organised for 1st stage of hydrological monitoring and site hydrology modelling after restoration of raised bog hydrology (LU 2015/25_I_LIFE). Public tender “Project Experts” was announced on September 19, 2014 by the lawyers from the Procurement department of the University of Latvia. As a result, agreement was signed with Oļģerts Aleksāns on December 8, 2014 to carry out hydrological monitoring in the 3 project sites – Bažu Mire in the Slītere National Park, Sudas–Zviedru Mire in the Gauja National Park and Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve.

4. Forth public tender was organised for 2nd stage of hydrological monitoring and site hydrology modelling after restoration of raised bog hydrology (LU 2015/25_I_LIFE). Public tender “Service of Hydrology Expert” was announced on September 29, 2015 by the lawyers from the Procurement department of the University of Latvia. After of public tender, agreement was signed with Oļģerts Aleksāns on October 7, 2015 to carry out hydrological monitoring in the 3 project sites – Bažu Mire in the Slītere National Park, Sudas–Zviedru Mire in the Gauja National Park and Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve.

Variations/complications/delays: Public tenders have taken more time than planned. As a result, experts for the elaboration of Management Plan for Ziemeļu Mires Nature Reserve were hired later as planned.

Additional information: No

B. Purchase/lease of land and/or compensation payments for use rights

NON-APPLICABLE

C. Concrete conservation actions ACTION C.1

Name of the action: Management of Petrifying springs with tufa formation, Transition mires and quacking bogs

22

Foreseen start date: II 2016 Actual start date: III 2016

Foreseen end date: IV 2016 Actual end date: IV 2018


The largest threat to Raunas Staburags Nature Reserve and Dāvida Mill Springs was the expansion of invasive species Heracleum sosnowskyi Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) and Fennoscandian mineral-rich springs and springfens (7160). Before project management action started the species was found in total area of 1.6 ha (the area occupied by Heracleum sosnowskyi was much larger earlier while making proposal of the LIFE project, i.e. 15 ha). Both sites are unique not only because of geological processes, but also due to rare and protected plant communities. As has shown studies in similar areas, distribution of Heracleum sosnowskyi in natural areas significantly negatively influences the biological diversity and species richness. Besides, the plant can cause potential health risk for humans and animals due to toxic allergens in its juice. Therefore, one of the actions of the project “Wetlands” was to reduce the distribution of this species.

Management of Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) in Nature Reserves Raunas Staburags and Dāvida Springs was carried out on May 10 and repeated where necessary on August 3, 2016; repeated in following years on May 16 and August 3, 2017 and on August 1, 2018 (Table 5). Invasive species Heracleum sosnowskyi was eliminated from spring habitats using central leaf rosette removal 10-15 cm below ground surface before plant flowering and seed ripe. All removed plant parts were collected and removed from the sites.

It is expected that re-growth of invasive Heracleum sosnowskyi in the project territories will decrease in the following years. Complete decline, however, cannot be guaranteed as the plant produces enormous number of long-living seeds and have a very firm root. For Rauna Staburgs its stakeholder - Rauna City Municipality and for Dāvida Mill Springs - University of Technology and Life Sciences Agriculture is responsible for the further elimination of Heracleum sosnowskyi after the end of the project, it is their duty ty to follow further decline or regrowth of the invasive plant and eliminate the species from the site.

Table 5. Progress of management of Petrifying springs with tufa formation and Transition mires and quaking bogs

Raunas

Staburags Dāvida Mill Springs

Jušu Spring Pēterezera Inter-dune Mire

Kukšupes Inter-dune Mire

Habitat code 7220* 7160, 7220* 7220* 7140 7140 Planned management area in the Grant Agreement, ha

12 3 0.1 4 3

Management area, ha

0.2 1.4 0 4 3

Area change Decrease for 11.8 ha

Decrease for 1.6 ha

0 No changes No changes

Stakeholder Rauna City Municipality

Latvia University of Agriculture

Slītere National Park Slītere National Park

Slītere National Park

Time of activity implementation

May 10, 2016

May 10, August 3, 2016; May 16, August 3, 2017; August 1, 2018

September- October, 2016

September -November 2016; December 2017; January 2018

December 2017; January 2018

Progress Completed Completed Cancelled Completed Completed

23

Management actions of Transition mire and quacking bog habitat (7140) located within the Slītere National Park were described in the Hydrology and Habitat Restoration Plan (Action A2) and includes tree and shrub removal in Pēterezera and Kukšupes Inter-dune Mires. Inter-dune mire complex is unique geological formation found at Slītere National Park. It has formed 4500 years ago after regression of Littorina Sea when long sand dunes with wet depressions developed. Fens and 7140 Transition mires and quacking bogs have developed within these depressions. Shrub and tree removal from Kukšupe transition mire and quacking bog habitat, favours the distribution of 2 species of EU importance – Liparis loeselii and Hamatocaulis vernicosus.

After field studies, it was concluded that shrub removal will be performed in 7 ha area as planned in the Grant Agreement (4 ha in Pēterezera and 3 ha in Kukšupes Inter-dune Mire). Tree and shrub removal were carried out from September to November 2016 and from December 2017 to January 2018 after the end of bird-nesting season (Table 5).

All project sites were visited to establish vegetation and habitat monitoring plots (Action D1) and will be surveyed again after the management activities to follow the success of restoration.

After-LIFE plan outlines that according to Latvian legal acts, if the invasive species Heracleum sosnowskyi still re-appears from seeds brought by wind, bird species or have remained in the soil, the management of Heracleum sosnowskyi is continued by stakeholders of the project sites - Rauna Municipality for Rauna Staburags Nature Reserve and University of Technology and Life Sciences in Dāvida Mill Springs in the Gauja National Park.

After the end of the project Cutting of shrubs and trees in transition mires of the Slītere National Park is the responsibility of Nature Conservation Agency.

Variations/complications/delays: There is decrease of the management area in Raunas Staburags Nature Reserve as after submitting the project application Rauna Municipality has already partly eliminated the invasive species Heracleum sosnowskyi. It was not possible to carry out Jušu spring management in the area of 0,4 ha as it was not possible to get a permission from land owner.

Additional information: Annex 7.4. Habitats of EU importance and project management actions. Annex 7.7. Photos of the project actions.

ACTION C.2

Name of the action: Re-establishing the Active raised bog habitats and natural raised bog hydrology in the project sites

Foreseen start date: I 2016 Actual start date: III 2017

Foreseen end date: IV 2017 Actual end date: IV 2018


The action was implemented by the project associate beneficiary EBūvvadība Ltd.

Re-establishment of active raised bog habitats (7110*) and site hydrology was carried out by building of dams on the drainage ditches in Bažu Mire from the Slitere National Park, Sudas-Zviedru Mire from the Gauja National Park and Ziemelu Mires Nature Reserve. Restoration and stabilisation of the hydrological regime took place in the drainage influenced areas of the raised bogs. Building of dams was based on the prepared Technical Designs under Action A3. The associate beneficiary has organised 3 price quations. For restoration work in Bažu Mire from 3 submitted proposals (“Talsu meliorators" Ltd, "Baltic visam" Ltd and "Būvnieks GGG" Ltd); the cheapest "Talsu meliorators" Ltd. was chosen. For restoration work in Sudas-Zviedru Mire, from 3 submitted proposals ("Baltic visam" Ltd, "Būvnieks GGG" Ltd, SIA "Talsu meliorators" Ltd) SIA "Baltic visam" was chosen. For Ziemeļu Mires Talsu meliorators was chosen.

24

The drainage influenced area covers 330 ha in Ziemelu Mires, 154 ha in Suda-Zviedru Mire and 17 ha in Bažu Mire. To restore the raised bog hydrology, two kinds of dams were built – peat dams where the excavators were used and wood dams built by handwork of workmen. In most of the areas peat dams by the excavator were made, hand work was applied only in the places that are not accessible by the excavator. The sequence of dam building was as follows: 1) preparatory work for dam building – marking the road for the excavator to reach the dam building area 2) marking the dam building points in the field according to the Technical designs 3) building of dams in accordance with the approved Technical designs.

Prior to the start of the work, building permits were obtained from relevant district local building authorities. The dam building itself was as follows: 1) the area where dams have to be built is cleaned by the excavator to reach the bottom peat 2) the dam is built layer by layer of peat stuffing it with the excavator bucket 3) additional peat layer is put on the top that secures the desired height after sinking of peat 4) the dam building area is cleaned.

In December 2017, restoration of raised bog hydrology and habitats was completed in Bažu and Sudas-Zviedru Mire but in 2018 in Ziemeļu Mires. In total, 17 (12 peat and 5 wood dams) were built in Bažu Mire, 70 (60 peat and 10 wood in Sudas-Zviedru Mire and 20 peat dams in Ziemeļu Mires.

After building of dams in 2017, on the next vegetation season in Sudas-Zviedru Mire it was possible to observe that mire plant species have res-established on the peat dams as the area near dams was wet due to the raise of water level. with raised bog vegetation and are become a part of the bog landscape.

All the action deliverables planned according to Grant Agreement were completed. Please, see Table 2.

After the end of the project the associate beneficiary E-Būvvadība for 5 years is responsible for the quality of peat and wood dams. At the end of the project, it was not necessary to do the reparation of the dams as they are of good quality. The built dams are self-sustainable. They do not need further maintenance. Variations/complications/delays: There was a delay in the elaboration of Technical designs because at the end of 2014 significant changes of building regulations come into force in Latvia, as well as Agreement procedure with the stakeholders of the Technical Designs has taken longer time as planned. Additional agreements had to be prepared with 2 main stakeholders JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” and Nature Conservation Agency as the planned raised bog restoration are carried out on the state land for which these organisations are responsible.

Additional information: Annex 7.4. Habitats of EU importance and project management actions. Annex 7.7. Photos of the project actions.

ACTION C.3

Name of the action: Demonstration project of the re-growth of Sphagnum species

Foreseen start date: I 2016 Actual start date: II 2017

Foreseen end date: III 2017 Actual end date: IV 2018


Re-introduction of Sphagnum species in Sudas-Zviedru Mire was carried out in the total planned area of 1 ha.

Methods for vegetation re-introduction in degraded raised bogs were analysed and described in the Habitat and Hydrology Restoration Plan for Sudas-Zviedru Mire (Action A2). It was concluded that late autumn/early spring is the best time to start the re-introduction of Sphagnum species in the degraded area of Sudas-Zviedru Mire. For the re-introduction, Sphagnum fuscum, S. rubellum, and S. magellanicum were chosen. After raising of the water level in Sudas-Zviedru Mire in winter 2017, it favoured the re-growth of Sphagnum species. More detailed information about the Action was provided in the Midterm Report.

25

In Sudas-Zviedru Mire degraded raised bog habitats have developed around ditch systems due to earlier peat cutting by hand which has left peat pits. Such place is located close to Muižnieku Lake where degraded mire vegetation occupies area of 3.6 ha between perpendicular drainage ditches. Hydrology restoration (Action C.2) was performed in this place, however natural regeneration of mire vegetation may take longer time. Therefore, vegetation re-introduction using plant fragments was used here to promote faster ecosystem functioning and restoration.

Former plant re-introduction and plot arrangement design was changed to adapt it to emergency in Sudas-Zviedru Mire. During dam building, the machinery sunk in fresh peat in autumn 2017. To rescue it, degraded peat surface was originated, and vegetation cover was removed. Four of five plant re-introduction plots were established in the place of accident, while one plot (No.2) was in the formerly planed area. These 5 plots of different size cover the total area of 1 ha. Plant re-introduction was carried out in three seasons: October-November 2017 (plots No.1, No.2), April 2018 (plot No.3), and October 2018 (plots No.4, No.5). As showed successful experience in other Sphagnum-moss re-introduction projects, the most drought-resistant and fast-growing species are Sphagnum fuscum, S. rubellum, S. angustifolium, S. capillifolium and S. magellanicum. These species were also collected from donor-site in Drabiņu peat excavation mire and less degraded area of Sudas-Zviedru Mire to re-introduce them in degraded part of the Mire. Unfortunately, the plot No.1 in size of 3.5*3.5 m was accidentally destroyed in machinery rescuing work. In other plots the results of re-introduction were monitored. Raised bog vegetation have already been established particularly successful in the plot No.2 where different approach was used than in other plots. Much deeper ridges for fragment planting were dug, the plot is located closer to pet dam and is more covered by pine crown. Fragments that were planted before the extreme droug

life13 nat/lv/000578 · sphagnum re-introduction experiment was implemented in sudas-zviedru mire...

Documents