Stechlinsee - Restoration of clear water lakes, mires and swamp forests of the Lake Stechlin

The project aims to several restoration measures to correct the consequences of past interventions. Fens, bogs and mires are re-humidified by revitalising watercourses and blocking ditches, or removing invading trees. Several streams are re-opened to the migration of Annex II fish species by removing weirs. The water levels in several lakes is raised by damming their outflows. Together with the forestry service, a management plan for the Annex I woodlands is drawn up to allow forestry to continue in a manner that enhances, rather than threatens, the Natura 2000 values. Management models are also established for fish farming in the lakes, to reduce exotic fish stocks and allow the aquatic vegetation and water quality to recover. These is implemented through purchase or management agreements. Both management planning and many restoration measures firstly require appropriate inventories to be developed, especially hydrological. Finally, the project introduces a visitor management scheme to promote the site's potential for sustainable tourism.