The project is a new concept of freeing rivers in the Czech Republic, specifically in the Protected Landscape Area.
The Jeseníky region is considered highly ecologically valuable and is a Protected Landscape Area due to its rare flora and fauna species. Many mountain streams originate in this area. The rivers are gravel-carrying and are significant tributaries of the Oder River. However, the potential for these rivers to become freely flowing is low, as some of them have been heavily fortified in the past with transverse barriers. These barriers threaten the quality of the rivers by obstructing the natural deposition of sediments, the distribution of gravel, and the migration of species listed on the Red List.
| Project status | Completed |
|---|---|
| Project type | Barrier identification and prioritisation |
| Country | Czech Republic |
| River | Oder River catchment |
| Focal species | Bullhead, lamprey and trout |
| Organisation | Arnika - Centrum pro podporu občanů |
| Website | Řeky |
Some of the mountain streams in the selected area have historically been fortified and disturbed by small barriers such as weirs and riverbed reinforcements. Flooding is naturally more frequent in this mountainous region, and recent climate change has intensified these events. Conservative river managers are increasingly rebuilding some of the weirs, highlighting the need for positive examples of nature-based solutions. This project has gained support from both state nature protection agencies and local anglers.
The project aims to identify river barriers to be removed in this area of great importance in terms of biodiversity.
The project involves initial research to assess the current situation, including mapping watercourses, identifying barriers, and engaging with stakeholders. A conceptual plan will then be developed to propose measures for barrier removal, supported by a biological survey to evaluate the necessity and feasibility of these actions. Throughout the project, consultations with stakeholders and decision-makers will ensure collaboration and facilitate the planning and implementation of restoration efforts.
The project was implemented in the Jeseníky Mountains region, within selected sub-catchments of the Odra and Morava river basins. The work was structured into three interconnected phases.
First, a comprehensive catchment-wide analysis was conducted across an area of 4,476 km². This assessment identified 2,929 barriers on watercourses, clearly demonstrating the high level of river fragmentation in the region.
In the second phase, the project focused on selected rivers: the Střední Opava, Račinka, Lesní Potok and Moravice. Extreme flood events in September 2024 took away some target barriers. On the Střední Opava, approximately 7.6 km of river are currently migratory passable due to flood. On Lesní Potok, around 1.3 km of river were opened for migration from the last remaining barrier to the confluence with the Bělá River. Although Lesní Potok is a short stream (4.6 km), this improvement is ecologically significant, particularly for the brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri). For the Račinka River, background documentation was prepared and transferred to the Protected Landscape Area Administration and the Nature Conservation Agency for further action.
The main focus of the third phase was the Moravice River, an ecologically valuable watercourse. Along a 30 km stretch, 32 barriers were identified, with 16 structures assessed in detail through field surveys in relation to the Moravice Natura 2000 site. Two obsolete weirs – Houdek and Horní Václavov – were identified as priority barriers for removal. Their removal would restore migratory connectivity along approximately 8.9 km of river within this European protected site. We were able to successfully map the target section of this river in detail, develop a detailed feasibility study, and also initiate cooperation with the Oder River Basin and the relevant authorities.
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