Removal of an obsolete timber dam in Europe’s largest forest wilderness national park, Romania

Introduction

Doamnei River (The Lady’s River) is one of the wildest and most pristine rivers in Romania, originating below Moldoveanu Peak, the country’s highest summit. Like many rivers, it is fragmented by several migration barriers serving various purposes. However, an obsolete timber dam exists as the most upstream migration barrier on the river. This dam blocks the natural movement of fish and prevents access to critical spawning habitats further upstream.

Project context and opportunity

The project presents a significant opportunity to restore the Valea Rea River and its key tributaries, Pojarna and Bandea. By addressing these barriers, APS Aqua Crisius aims to reconnect ecosystems and improve river continuity. This work aligns directly with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which prioritises habitat restoration and the revitalisation of free-flowing rivers across Europe.

Project aims

The immediate aim of this project is to secure the necessary demolition authorisation for the former logging dam on the Pojarna tributary. In the longer term, the goal is to remove the dam completely, allowing 27 km of the upper river – its wildest section – to flow freely once again.

Project achievements

This project aimed to carry out the studies and obtain the necessary documentation for the demolition permit of the Pojarna logging dam, the most upstream migration barrier on the Doamnei River, which originates beneath Romania’s highest mountain peak.

According to the project team, the biggest challenge and at the same time the greatest satisfaction was finding the best solutions together with the state institutions, which were often reluctant, as they had never previously been involved in a dam removal project.

The project team is removing the Pojarna timber dam through a follow-on Open Rivers Programme demolition grant.