2009 Peatland Restoration and Rehabilitation

PEATLANDS international 1/2009

IPS Belfast Convention 2009 Preview to the International Peat Congress 2012 Global Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management

Peatland Restoration and Rehabilitation

The member magazine of the International Peat Society

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PEATLANDS

In this issue

international 1/2009

Publisher InternaƟonal Peat Society Vapaudenkatu 12 FIN-40100 Jyväskylä, Finland Phone: +358 14 3385 440 Fax: +358 14 3385 410 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.peatsociety.org

Editorial: Responsible Peatland Management Strategy ready From the President’s Desk: Reflections from Tullamore o

Peatland restoration and rehabilitation

Susann Warnecke, CommunicaƟons Manager

Review of peatland restoration in Ireland Diverse after-use of cutaway peatlands in Finland Research and monitoring support peatland restoration in Finland Belarus boosts peatland restoration in Central Europe Renaturalisation of Obolskoye Mire, Belarus Restoration of a minerotrophic peatland in Canada Restoration of shrubby-forested peatland margins Peatland restoration in Sweden Wetland restoration - a term, which needs discussion - SWS meeting in Erkner, Germany DSS-WAMOS - web-based planning for fen restoration

Editorial Board

IPS insights

Editor-in-Chief Jaakko Silpola, Secretary General

Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief

Paul Short, Canada Juhani Päivänen, Finland Michael Trepel, Germany Catherine Farrell, Ireland Lech Szajdak, Poland Michiel Gerding/Anne Jelle Schilstra, the Netherlands Marie Kofod-Hansen, Sweden Allan Robertson, United Kingdom Tom Malterer, USA

Layout Susann Warnecke, IPS Secretariat Yliveto Oy

Printed by Saarijärven Oīset Oy Finland, in July 2009

Cover photo Yelnia bog in the northern part of Belarus. Photo: Sergey Zuyonok

ISSN 1455-8491

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Award of Excellence 2009 to Timo Nyrönen New IPS Honorary Member: Tom Malterer In memoriam: Tomasz Brandyk Subscribe to Peat News!

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Conferences and symposia IPS Annual Convention 2009 in Belfast Preview: International Peat Congress in Stockholm 2012 Future IPS Meetings and Symposia Events of related organisations

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Publications Finland-Fenland book Mires and Peat Regenland book Empty book shelves? Order IPS Publications online! New brochure in German: peatlands and climate

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Peatlands International 1/2009 includes the Annual Report 2008 of the International Peat Society. 3

Vapo is the leading supplier of local and renewable fuels, bioelectricity and bioheat, and environmental business solutions in the Baltic Sea region. www.vapo.com Bioenergy is our future

Editorial Jaakko Silpola

Responsible Peatland Management Strategy is ready Throughout history, peatlands have provided valuable service to meet human needs for arable land, energy, construcƟon material, bedding material and arts and health. Peatlands also provide ecosystem funcƟons like biodiversity, balanced hydrology and carbon stock. In some parts of the world, historical use of peatland has been very intensive, completely altering the ecosystems of the original prisƟne mires and

bogs. In other parts, the use has been more extensive causing fewer changes to these habitats. ConƟnuous demand for new land for culƟvaƟon and construcƟon, along with the natural decomposiƟon process of drained peatlands, will lead to conƟnuous and partly uncontrolled depleƟon of peatlands and peat resources.

During the Įrst part of this year, stakeholders interested in peatland uƟlisaƟon and conservaƟon have cooperated in order to create a strategy for responsible peatland management. AŌer six months of work, the strategy has now been Įnalized and sent to interest groups for approval. In recent years, there has been a growing need for a responsible

Attendees of the first workshop for the Responsible Peatland Management Strategy in Amsterdam on 13 - 15 February: Andrey Sirin, Juhani Päivänen, James Dawos Mamit, Gerald Schmilewski, Hein Boon, Jaakko Silpola, Catherine Farrell, Bernd Hofer, Hans Joosten, Lulie Melling, Magnus Brandel, Tatiana Minaeva, Donal Clarke, Jack Rieley, Michiel Gerding, Stephan Östlund, Kimmo Virtanen, Tanja Constabel, Herbert Diemont, Kari Mutka, Veijo Klemetti, Kari Minkkinen (left to right). Photo: Hanna Nikinmaa 5

peatland management strategy that would, when implemented, contribute to the Wise Use of peatlands as well to the protecƟon of valuable mires. It would also miƟgate adverse impacts of peatland management on people and the environment, and foster the jusƟĮed and well planned aŌer-use of drained sites. The vision of the strategy states that “Responsible peatland management respects the balanced stewardship of the environmental, social and economic values of peatlands involving local, regional and global aspiraƟons.” To fulĮl this vision, peatlands need to be managed in a responsible way, based on the following themes the strategy is focusing on: • Economic purposes • Water protecƟon • Peatland biodiversity • InteracƟons with climate and peatlands • Development of human and insƟtuƟonal capacity • InformaƟon disseminaƟon • Engagement of local people in planning processes • Good governance Despite its broad scope and detailed content, the strategy is a generic document that outlines, under each theme listed above, objecƟves and acƟons that contribute to a responsible management of peatland. The strategy has been developed in an open stakeholder process where diīerent interested parƟes had the opportunity to express their views and make recommendaƟons in two workshops and by commenƟng on the subsequent strategy draŌs. 6

The second workshop of the responsible peatland management strategy expert group was held in Belfast on 27 - 28 April, after the IPS Annual Assembly. Photo: Susann Warnecke

Round table discussions and decisions were the guiding force when diīerent comments were taken into consideraƟon in the revised draŌ versions. RepresentaƟves from government and research bodies, from peatland agriculture and forestry, peat producers and end users as well as non-governmental organizaƟons parƟcipated in developing the strategy. The aim of the strategy is also to inform local and naƟonal authoriƟes and the public about commonlyagreed principles for responsible peatland management and the acƟons that, in general, are ready to be undertaken. The strategy establishes pracƟcal objecƟves for peatland management applicable at a global level. Describing a commonly approved concept for responsible management, it can provide a framework for potenƟal future development of a more detailed standard for peatland management, which can again be used in voluntary

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

cerƟĮcaƟon. All parƟes commiƩed to responsible peatland management are now invited to adopt these agreed objecƟves and idenƟfy the acƟons that are needed to eĸciently fulĮl them. This commitment will be demonstrated by signing the strategy at its oĸcial launch in autumn 2009. The InternaƟonal Peat Society hopes to see you and your organizaƟon among its partners who have adopted the strategy. In Jyväskylä, Finland, 26 June 2009

Jaakko Silpola IPS Secretary General e-mail: [email protected]

From the President’s Desk Donal Clarke

Reflections from Tullamore It is now a year since the 13th Congress in Tullamore and I want to use these few words from my desk to record a reflected word of appreciation for some of those who contributed so much to make the Congress a success.

Prime Minister, An Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. for opening the Congress and for doing so with a thoughtful and interesting speech dealing with peatlands as economic resources and as environmental resources.

Firstly, and most importantly, I would like to thank the Irish

I would also like to thank Eamon Ryan T.D., Minister for

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for launching the Climate Change book and for addressing the Congress. Gabriel D’Arcy, Managing Director of Bord na Móna, also addressed the opening session on the “triple bottom line” of economic, social and environmental performance

Members of the Organizing Committee together with An Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. (middle): Tony McKenna, Joe O’Brien, Paddy Rowland, Gabriel D’Arcy, David Bellamy, Donal Clarke, Markku Mäkelä, Catherine Farrell and Pat Fitzgerald. Photo: Paddy Rowland 7

required of a modern peat company. I would like to thank him for being present throughout the Congress and for the great support, both organisational and financial, provided by Bord na Móna. The IPS was fortunate in the organising committee and other volunteers who put so much effort into the Congress. John Feehan chaired the scientific committee and had long days and nights editing and putting the Proceedings to bed, ably assisted by the Congress designer, Bernard Kaye. Catherine Farrell put enormous work into every aspect of the Congress, collating the presentations, managing the timetable and excursions, and organising and accompanying

the successful postCongress tour, to mention but a few of her contributions. Pat Fitzgerald was the anchor of the Congress, providing administration and organisation from long before the Congress started and acting a chief of staff while it was in train. Catherine O’Connell provided enthusiastic support throughout and she and the IPCC provided much help with excursions. She has since been Above: John Feehan chaired the Scientific Committee of the Congress. Photo: Hannu Salo Below: Thomas Egan and Catherine Farrell, here in one of Northern Ireland’s bogs. Photo: Susann Warnecke

Committed to peatlands: Jack Rieley and Roy Tomlinson. Photo: Susann Warnecke 8

PEATLANDS Internatio International 1/2009

elected Chair of the Irish Peat Society and I wish her every success in this role. Roy Tomlinson was a regular presence at committee meetings, making the journey from Belfast, reviewing papers and providing support for the scientific work in his quiet, effective way. He more recently reprised some of his roles while organising the 2009 IPS Convention in Belfast. My thanks go to Caitríona Douglas not only for her own work in the committee but for the substantial support for the Congress given by the National Parks and Wildlife Service both as a major sponsor and in helping with the tours and other aspects of the Congress.

The Congress organisers, Abbey Conference and Corporate, were superbly professional and Patricia McColgan, Anne Griffin and their colleagues were not only highly efficient but a pleasure to work with. I want also to thank Tom Harrison the transport co-ordinator, Paddy Rowland, Tony McKenna and Catherine Walsh who put their shoulders to the wheels, no questions asked. We are also grateful to our volunteer room managers and assistants, including a certain Tom Clarke, who cheerfully kept the show on the road and kept any glitches secret. The anchor of the Congress: Pat Fitzgerald. Photo: Susann Warnecke

The peatland Catherines: Caitríona Douglas, Catherine O’Connell and Catherine Farrell. Photo: Susann Warnecke

I would like to thank particularly all our sponsors who generously supported the Congress. Thanks must also go to the local authorities, Offaly County Council, Tullamore Town Council, the Gardaí and other services for their support; and the Tullamore Court and Bridge House hotels for their pleasant and efficient service. Behind the organisation at all times were Jaakko Silpola and the IPS Secretariat whose wise counsel was much appreciated. It was great to see Susann Warnecke back during the Congress. Finally, a special word of thanks to my predecessor, Markku Mäkelä, who worked so hard during the Congress and undertook with distinction all the tasks the committee asked him to perform. Donal Clarke IPS President e-mail: [email protected]

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IPS Annual Convention Belfast 2009 Text and photos: Susann Warnecke

Seminar on Peatland Restoration in the British Isles and South East Asia: Local and Global Challenges

e h t r No

d n a l e r I rn 24 - 28 April 2009

The Annual Convention of IPS was held this year in Belfast in Northern Ireland. Although some members perceived this city to be “at the far edge of Europe” we were delighted to have more than 90 attendees at the meeting. Besides the IPS NaƟonal RepresentaƟves, Commission Chairs and members of the Board, a large group of Irish and BriƟsh peatland experts had also joined the event. This was a pleasant surprise as IPS is currently trying to re-restablish its UK NaƟonal CommiƩee - we hope that many of our new friends will become acƟve members of the IPS and conƟnue sharing their knowledge with us. Excursion to mosses and loughs The ConvenƟon started on Friday, 24 April, with a one-day excursion to diīerent peat-related sites around

Sluggan Moss has been used for research and modelling for more than 35 years.

Ireland, designated a Special Area of ConservaƟon (SAC). The 224 ha bog showed many intact hummock and hollow pool complexes and the typical peatland species bogrosemary Andromeda polifolia, Sphagnum fuscum, S. imbricatum and S. pulchrum. The aƩendees heard that surface drains installed on the site had recently been Įlled with the support of Bulrush Ltd, which helped to re-establish an appropriate water table.

Tired and hungry from the fresh air, and more or less wet from the pouring rain (and some leaking rubber boots) our group stormed the small, but fancy Apparo restaurant in Draperstown where we were served a delicious meal. In the aŌernoon, the excursion conƟnued to Teal Lough Bog, also a special conservaƟon area, which features the most extensive pool system in Northern Ireland. The

the north of the green island. AŌer a one hour bus ride we reached our Įrst stop: the peat extracƟon area of Sluggan Moss. This lowland raised bog is mostly cut-over nowadays but sƟll remains an important habitat for wading birds such as lapwing, curlew and snipe. The next desƟnaƟon was Ballynahone Bog, one of the two largest acƟve raised bogs in Northern Left: IPS members investigating Teal Lough in the rain. Above: Lunch in Draperstown. Right: At the restoration site of Ballynahone Bog. 11

Eleven speakers were invited to report on rehabilitation and restoration measures in Europe and Southeast Asia. group stayed a fairly long Ɵme at this site and enjoyed the wide landscape, well-developed hummocks and typical peatland plants before the bus returned to the city of Belfast, where the ScienƟĮc Advisory Board Įnalized the day with an evening meeƟng. Peatland restoration On Saturday, it was Ɵme for theory: more than 60 aƩendees listened to the presentaƟons of the Seminar on Peatland RestoraƟon in the BriƟsh Islands and Southeast Asia. Although the range of topics was large, all had one thing in common - the need for careful research, pracƟcally applicable restoraƟon techniques and conƟnued monitoring to ensure the desired outcome of valuable peatlands, forests or wetlands as close to the original situaƟon as possible. In the neighbouring room, the IPS ExecuƟve Board held its regular meeƟng at the same Ɵme, the decisions of which were circulated

Left: Belfast shopping street in attractive spring colours.

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by e-mail to all members in May. The day was closed with a meeƟng of the UK NaƟonal CommiƩee and a fesƟve dinner at James Street South aŌer which many of us tested the Belfast nightlife. Meetings and honours Sunday, 26 April was reserved for administraƟve meeƟngs. In the early morning, IPS Commission II met to discuss current maƩers of the industrial use of peat, including producƟon results and the peatland cerƟĮcaƟon scheme. AŌer this, the tradiƟonal Round Table of NaƟonal RepresentaƟves took place and probably answered many quesƟons of old and new NaƟonal CommiƩee key persons. In the aŌernoon, the ConvenƟon reached its peak with the ceremony

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

for the IPS Award of Excellence and the Annual Assembly. The 2009 Award was conferred on Dr. Timo Nyrönen from Finland who, to the surprise of the aƩendees, gave his “accepƟon speech” by a text message poem. The Annual Assembly conĮrmed, among others, the Annual Report 2008, Balance Sheet and Auditor’s statement printed in this issue of Peatlands InternaƟonal as well as the budget and Above: SAB meeting on Friday evening, chaired by Tomasz Brandyk. Below: Listening carefully - Lulie Melling and Allan Robertson at the Annual Assembly.

Belfast sightseeing tours were quite popular.

membership fees 2009 and the interim budget for 2010. Responsible management As a special addiƟon to this year’s ConvenƟon, a group of some 30 experts met on Monday and Tuesday, 27 - 28 April, for the second workshop to create a Global Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management. The meeƟng with its outbreak groups was led by Secretary General Jaakko Silpola and Indufor Oy RepresentaƟve Hanna Nikinmaa and proved to be an eīecƟve tool to incorporate the views of diīerent stakeholders in the Left: Hanna Nikinmaa at the Strategy workshop. Below: Also the hallway was used for meetings.

The Annual Assembly was attended by representatives from ten IPS National Committees. document to be launched in autumn this year. We would like thank all organizers of the Belfast ConvenƟon, especially Jack Rieley and Roy Tomlinson, but also the staī of the Holiday Inn, our guides on the tour, all speakers at the seminar and all others whose names I forgot to menƟon here, for their eīorts to make this week a memorable experience. It was especially nice to see Belfast, a town full of hope and maybe, despite its history, the friendliest people in Europe. Thank you very much! Susann Warnecke IPS Communications Manager e-mail: [email protected]

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Peatlands in Balance

Photo: Richard Ryan - Stockholm Visitors Board

June 2012

Photo: Alexander Dokukin Stockholm Visitors Board

Welcome to the 14th International Peat Congress in Stockholm 2012! forestry, and horƟculture, as well as aŌer-use of peat extracƟon sites. Tropical peatlands, cultural aspects of peat and peatlands, and medical and therapeuƟc treatments with peat are also important Congress themes. Focusing on the future

Björn Hånell, Chairman of the Congress and 1st Vice President of IPS. Photo: Marie Kofod-Hansen

Sweden has the privilege of hosting the 14th International Peat Congress in Stockholm in 2012. The theme of the Congress, Peatlands in Balance, provides a global perspective that focuses on actions at both regional and local levels. In the end - after all - the utilisation and preservation of peatlands is all about people. During the Congress, the most recent research results on peat and peatlands will be presented by scienƟsts from a large number of countries. These presentaƟons will touch on all Įelds of interest in peat research and development, including protecƟon and preservaƟon, classiĮcaƟon and characterisaƟon, use for energy and use in agriculture,

Issues that will be treated in more detail include how peatlands aīect the climate, peatland forest management, climate-friendly or neutral and eĸcient peat extracƟon, as well as peatland preservaƟon for the future to reach regional and global environmental goals.

scienƟsts, company representaƟves, and pracƟƟoners to welcome colleagues from around the world and to present and discuss together results and experiences that contribute to the knowledge bank needed for wise land use. Knowledge is the key to a balanced preservaƟon and uƟlizaƟon strategy for peatlands. The new knowledge that will be presented at the Congress needs to be spread. Each Congress parƟcipant will be an important disseminator of this knowledge. We need you to be there! Björn Hånell e-mail: [email protected]

In addiƟon, hot topics that we are not aware of or cannot now be foreseen may emerge to further enhance the diversity of the Įnal programme. As in the past, the Congress includes outdoor visits. Several excursions to peatlands in various parts of Sweden will be arranged. Swedish peatlands The host country, Sweden, has a long and successful tradiƟon in peat and peatland research, especially at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and its predecessors, and at other universiƟes throughout the country. Research Įndings have played a vital role in the draŌing of legislaƟon that applies to peatlands and pracƟcal land use. With the home-grown Ňavour, the 14th IPC in Stockholm in 2012 will be a golden opportunity for Swedish

Photo: Ulf Hinds - Stockholm Visitors Board

Left: Marie Kofod-Hansen, Congress General. Photo: Agnes Alpsten, Right: Magnus Brandel, Sponsoring activities. Photo: Per Bengtson

Welcome to Stockholm, Sweden! We look forward to welcoming you to the InternaƟonal Peat Congress in Stockholm, organized by TorvForsk in associaƟon with the Swedish Peat Producers AssociaƟon and the Swedish University of Agriculture Sciences. Our understanding of the importance of peatlands in the Įelds of both biological diversity and climate is on the rise, but there are sƟll many knowledge gaps. In many countries, peat is a liƩle-used

resource, whereas others have hardly any peat leŌ. Peatlands in the boreal, temperate, and tropical zones are all facing threats, but of quite diīerent natures. There is thus a broad spectrum of issues for the Congress to cover. Extensive Programme The Congress programme will be extensive. Oral and poster presentaƟons of the latest peat and peatland research will be oīered throughout the four days of the Congress. Sessions of a more interdisciplinary nature will also be arranged. The Congress will be held in our capital Stockholm, one of the world’s most beauƟful ciƟes. Built on 14 islands around one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved mediaeval city centres, the Swedish

capital is superbly posiƟoned, with stunning and highly varied scenery in every direcƟon. Stockholm oīers a wealth of museums, theatres, sights, aƩracƟons and events, whether your interest lies in history, art, opera, modern dance, tradiƟonal handicraŌ, contemporary design, or virtually anything else. Great experience Naturally we need help, with both funding and input to the Congress programme. We will do our utmost to assure parƟcipants of a rewarding

Left: Stockholm is built on 14 islands where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea and the Stockholm Archipelago a unique maritime landscape of more than 30,000 islands. Photo: Henrik Trygg - Stockholm Visitors Board 16

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

Congress in every way. Do not hesitate to contact any of the commiƩee members if you have quesƟons or suggesƟons regarding this Congress. You are welcome to parƟcipate in a comprehensive and exciƟng endeavour, a World Congress on peat and peatlands. Marie Kofod-Hansen Congress General [email protected]

The tentative pogramme. More detailed information will be available soon.

The City Conference Hall directly in the centre of Stockholm is already waiting for us. Photos above and below: Susann Warnecke

The city comprises one of Europe’s bestpreserved old centres, a perfect place to spend one week in summer. Photo: Ulf Hinds - Stockholm Visitors Board 17

Review of Peatland Restoration in Ireland Text and photos: Catherine A. Farrell Extent of Peatlands and Current Conservation Status Peatlands are widespread in Ireland with a range of types present: raised bog, mountain and lowland blanket bog and fen. The original cover of peatlands in the Republic of Ireland was 17.2% or 1,177,670ha while recent mapping indicates that the current land cover is 14.96% (1,030,000ha). While this represents a considerable area of the naƟonal land cover, it is a reŇecƟon of the extent of peat soils only (at least 30cm of peat). The reality is that only a small proporƟon of this area comprises near-prisƟne bog sites; and that even those that are designated for nature conservaƟon within the Natura 2000

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and NHA1) network conƟnue to be degraded by one or more ongoing threats. As a consequence there is broad scope for restoraƟon projects to restore either at the plant community level and/or the ecosystem level. In Ireland, an esƟmated 18,424ha of raised bog; 184,000ha of blanket bog; and 20,000ha of fen are currently included within Special Areas of ConservaƟon (SACs) and statutory Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). This total of approximately 220,000ha is less than 20% of the original area and represents the best remaining examples of raised and blanket bogs in Ireland, and in some instances, Europe. However,

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

all raised bog SACs have ongoing turf-cuƫng issues. Monitoring of habitat condiƟon has been iniƟated by the NaƟonal Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for the raised bogs and reports indicate that there has been a signiĮcant decline in the area of acƟve raised bog in Ireland in the last ten years, while all other peatland habitats are generally in bad condiƟon. Threats to Irish Peatlands Turf-cutting Turbary or the right of private individuals to cut turf for domesƟc use has been on-going for centuries in rural areas of Ireland. Since the

15th century tradiƟonal turbary has been responsible for the loss of 544,000ha of raised and blanket bogs or 46% of the original peatland area in the Republic of Ireland (www.ipcc.ie). MechanisaƟon of the process has allowed for more peat to be harvested over a wider area of bog and also on a semi-commercial basis. While turf-cuƫng is generally concentrated at bog edges, the drainage and edge eīects can be manifested as subsidence within relaƟvely intact parts of the bog, as evidenced at Clara Bog, Co. Oīaly. Industrial peat extraction Bord na Móna is the largest industrial peat producer in Ireland (80,000ha) with up to 50 smaller producers operaƟng. EsƟmates infer that a probable total of 100,000ha is being uƟlised for industrial use, i.e. 7.5% of the original peatland area. Industrial peat extracƟon results in complete loss of the character of the pre-exisƟng peatland ecosystem. Once the commercial peat has been removed, the bare producƟon Įelds have variable peat depth; remaining peat is compressed and there are large scale ŇuctuaƟons in the water-table. The potenƟal to restore these areas to lowland raised bogs is minimal; however there will be some scope for restoraƟon of ombrotrophic peat-forming plant communiƟes in the future where peat remains above the inŇuence of alkaline waters. Bord na Móna is the only commercial operator in Ireland working under IPPC license2) issued by the EPA and the licensing requires that Bord na Móna must submit a plan for the post-industrial rehabilitaƟon of each peatland unit. Afforestation of peatlands Approximately 9% of Ireland is currently under commercial forestry mostly planted with exoƟc species (Pinus contorta, Picea sitchensis).

Extensive areas of bog were planted between the 1940s and 1980s: at the Ɵme, bogs were largely considered as wastelands and marginal lands for agriculture. Up to 6,400ha of formerly intact raised bogs and 211,000ha of formerly intact blanket bogs have been planted. The eīect of aīorestaƟon on these peatlands is complex: the most obvious eīect is the dramaƟc change from a treeless landscape to a densely wooded forest, with signiĮcant changes in hydrology and water quality draining the aīorested areas. Further planƟng on peatland areas is discouraged. Overgrazing Extensive areas of blanket bog have been severely degraded due to increased numbers of grazing sheep, parƟcularly in the west of Ireland as a result of the introducƟon of the EU Headage Payment scheme in the 1980s. The scheme led to devastaƟon of the hills as stocking pressures resulted in catastrophic deterioraƟon in vegetaƟon. Loss in plant cover leads to exposure of bare peat surfaces and subsequent erosion of peat to the underlying mineral soil in some places. In the period 1987-1997 it is esƟmated that overgrazing had leŌ 7% of Ireland’s total blanket bog area severely damaged with a further 7% under the same threat. Changes in EU policy and payment schemes have resulted in a signiĮcant

Turf cutting on the edge of Barroughter raised bog SAC in Ireland. The active area of raised bog decreased by 91% between 1994 and 2004: the main cause was turf-cutting at edges.

Drain blocking on Clara Bog, raised bog restoration.

reducƟon of sheep numbers on the blanket bogs and it is expected that vegetaƟon will recover, although at variable rates. Peatland Restoration: responding to different starting points A range of restoraƟon (and rehabilitaƟon) projects have been subsequently iniƟated in a bid to reverse the trend of peatland degradaƟon that is widespread in Ireland. While the approach can vary in method, the underlying thought process for any peatland restoraƟon project must follow the same decision process with idenƟĮcaƟon of: restoraƟon objecƟves, restoraƟon potenƟal and most suitable approach. This requires an assessment of the present condiƟon of the peatland and a management plan to achieve these aims.

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forestry in the 1980s. The main aim is restoraƟon of blanket (12,000ha) and raised bog (570ha) in the SAC lands in its ownership (funded by the E.U. Life-Nature programme). Key features of restoraƟon include: felling/removal of conifers; removal of naturally regenerated conifers from open bogs; blocking of drains; and fencing where grazing is a threat. The Coillte projects are relaƟvely new and results to date vary between sites. In general, recovery of bog vegetaƟon is slow but in some instances there is good regeneraƟon of Sphagnum species in former drains, and no regeneraƟon of conifers (personal communicaƟon: Coillte). Rehabilitation of industrial cutaway peatlands (up to 10,000ha)

Drain blocking on Sheskin Bog, lowland blanket bog restoration, County Mayo. Restoration of Degraded raised bog capable of regeneration within 30 years3) (up to 18 project sites) IniƟal bog restoraƟon projects in Ireland in the 1980s were led by a joint Irish and Dutch working group. A key output of the work and research was the development of restoraƟon guidelines for blocking drains on degraded raised bogs: drain-blocking intensity is dependent on the surface topography of the bog, and dams are installed at each point represenƟng a 10cm change in level. Detailed research programmes were devised for two sites in County Oīaly: Raheenmore Bog and Clara Bog. Both sites conƟnue to be monitored and results show that, despite restoraƟon works, they conƟnue to be degraded where turf cuƫng is ongoing at bog edges. Further projects have been iniƟated predominantly on raised bog SACs and NHAs4) . The work, largely carried out by NPWS, shows posiƟve results in restoring appropriate hydrological 20

condiƟons and peat-forming plant communiƟes and is considered successful at the plant community level although slow to recover at the ecosystem level. However, conƟnuaƟon of turf-cuƫng on Natura 2000 bogs presents a clear conŇict of interest in terms of restoraƟon and nature conservaƟon and the eīects of commercial exploitaƟon5) . A joint funded Bord na Móna and NPWS project commenced this year to restore Abbeyleix Bog (200ha) in Co. Laois. This bog was ditched in the 1980s with no further development. It has subsequently been designated as a Biodiversity Area within the Bord na Móna land network and blocking of drains on the high bog is ongoing. Smaller scale projects have also been established by NGOs (IPCC and BirdWatch Ireland). Restoration after commercial afforestation (up to 34 project sites) Coillte has undertaken extensive bog restoraƟon projects on land originally planted for commercial

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Bord na Móna has a number of research projects looking at potenƟal commercial and non-commercial aŌer-use opƟons for cutaway bog areas. To date, up to 10,000ha have been rehabilitated and further regeneraƟon of semi-natural habitats is considered the most likely aŌeruse for up to 70% of the cutaway bogs. Natural colonisaƟon of the cutaways results in a mosaic of semi-natural habitats including (a) wetland habitats: poor fen, rich fen, reed beds, open water, and (b) dryland habitats: acid grassland, heathland and birch woodland. These areas are rich in biodiversity and will contribute to the naƟonal biodiversity resource and wildlife conservaƟon strategy. The Oweninny Bogs provided an opportunity for restoraƟon of peatforming (Sphagnum) communiƟes on a large-scale where drain blocking promotes spontaneous regeneraƟon of peat-forming vegetaƟon (acidic subsoils present). Peatland Management Policy and Future Restoration • RestoraƟon of peatlands is a relaƟvely new discipline in Ireland but an essenƟal measure in

nature conservaƟon, parƟcularly relaƟng to peatlands. • Results to date have been posiƟve, while highlighƟng the fuƟlity of eīorts on sites where threats such as turf-cuƫng are ongoing. RestoraƟon is generally successful at the plant community level with poor results at the ecosystem level. • The cost of restoraƟon can be expensive and a strategic plan needs to be drawn up to indicate the real cost of bog restoraƟon on a naƟonal scale. Funding this restoraƟon process will require a commitment either at State or EU level. • Furthermore, a comparaƟve study needs to be carried out to determine whether the objecƟves of restoraƟon should focus on biodiversity or on restoring for carbon funcƟon. • The choice between carbon and biodiversity objecƟves is not necessarily exclusive, but may require diīerent approaches, e.g. Ňooding and drain-blocking, as opposed to natural regeneraƟon. • At this point in Ɵme, an overview of current restoraƟon and rehabilitaƟon pracƟce should be undertaken. This would provide a baseline measure on which to plan for Wise AŌerUse of Peatlands naƟonally and internaƟonally. Reference material for this review comprises papers presented at the Special Session on Irish Peatlands at the InternaƟonal Peat Congress in Tullamore 2008, available from the IPS website: Farrell, C.A. & Feehan, J. (2008). AŌer wise use – the future of peatlands. Proceedings of the 13th InternaƟonal Peat Congress. Volumes I & II. IPS, Finland.

Catherine Farrell Bord na Mona Energy Ltd Main Street, Newbridge, Co.Kildare e-mail: [email protected]

Mute swans on flooded industrial cutaway bog, Turraun County Offaly.

Foot notes 1) Protected under Irish legislation. 2) This is despite legal requirements for all operators on more than 50ha to do so. 3) Listed habitat under Annex I of EU Habitats Directive. 4) There is an obligation under the EU Habitats Directive to prevent further degradation of Natura sites and where possible restore those bogs that are part of the Natura 2000 network: therefore these areas take priority in restoration. 5) This year (2009) the Minster for Environment extended the deadline for cessation of turf-cutting on SACs.

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Text: Päivi Picken

From biomass production to mire regeneration

Diverse after-use of cutaway peatlands in Finland

Key points of Finnish after-use history The starƟng point of the Finnish peat industry goes back to the 1870’s, when mechanical producƟon was launched to produce fuel peat for consumpƟon by ironworks. For a while, peat remained a local source of energy for diīerent industries. AŌer the turn of the century, some other uses for peat also came into the picture, from animal bedding to insulaƟon materials. During the Second World War, the demand for fuel iniƟated a new wave of peat development and the 1970’s energy crisis became the starƟng point for the modern scale peat industry. This development is reŇected in the aŌer-use measures. There are some older examples of peat producƟon sites and their aŌeruse soluƟons, but quesƟons about aŌer-use became a large scale issue only in the 1990’s, when the Įrst of the 1970 producƟon sites started to be released from industrial use. TradiƟonally, forestry has played the strongest role in the aŌer-use of Finnish cut-away peatlands and it has also been an important part of the local economy. AŌer all, for a very long Ɵme, the forest industry has been one of the main livelihoods of the country and forestland has been valued accordingly. In many places, agricultural aŌer-use had already been an aim for former producƟon sites. Especially in the early days, farmers had rented the land for peat producƟon, with the terms of the contract including that the land will be returned to them and their families as good agricultural land. In the 1990’s, however, the role of peatland regeneraƟon and waterfowl sanctuaries started to become more important. Finally, the climate quesƟons and the demand for biofuels brought the Įeld energy

Left: Regrowth of Sphagnum mosses at the former peat production site at Aitoneva. Photo: Päivi Picken

Canary grass harvesting at Piipsanneva. Photo: Olli Reinikainen

crop producƟon into the picture and, during the last decade, this has become one of the most important aŌer-use opƟons. Development of Finnish afteruse research The Įrst aīorestaƟon experiments on cut-away peatland started in the area of Aitoneva in 1954 and later were taken over by the Finnish Forest Research InsƟtute. In the same area, peat excavaƟon pits from the same era have also been an acƟve object of research. Redevelopment of the mire Ňora and fauna and the peat layer have been studied, for example, by the University of Oulu and the University of Jyväskylä. Later, the University of Helsinki established restoraƟon experiments on earlier milled peat producƟon sites. Aitoneva has been perhaps the Įrst Ňagship of aŌer-use experiments, but many other cut-away sites have been objects of intensive scienƟĮc research. For example, the waterfowl sanctuaries of Kurunneva and Hirvineva in northern Finland have been studied since the 1990’s. Over the years, Finnish aŌer-use research has covered a large variety of land-use ideas. The biggest “take-oī” has clearly been energy crop producƟon, but both berry growing and herb growing have also produced posiƟve results. For

example, the agricultural research insƟtute, MTT, has been heavily involved with horƟcultural aŌer-use studies since the early 1990’s. Also turf producƟon and, in Lapland, reindeer grazing areas have been well-funcƟoning aŌer-use opƟons. Even Įsh farming has been trialled. AŌer the turn of the millennium, the gas exchange of diīerent types of aŌer-use sites has become an increasingly relevant research subject. Diīerent scienƟĮc groups are working on diīerent scenarios, scaling from mire regeneraƟon sites to energy crop Įelds. Recently, aŌeruse research has, in general, been increasingly developing towards restoraƟon and climate moƟvated research. The latest trend is that the development of new producƟon technologies is conducted along with aŌer-use research. The whole producƟon and aŌer-use cycle becomes one pre-planned package, where one stage is carried out while already preparing for the next. Current decision making In general, the aŌer-use form is selected by the land owner. In Finland, it is more or less common to rent land areas for peat producƟon as it is to produce peat on producer-owned land. This means the land-use decision is not always in the producer’s hands. On rented land, the peat producer only 23

A new Canary Grass field on a former peat production area. Photo: Olli Reinikainen

carries out the aŌer-care, as long as the rental agreement does not specify something else. AŌer-care includes, for example, removing those producƟon-related structures and features that have become unnecessary. In his own land areas, on the other hand, the peat producer is responsible for the whole aŌer-use process. The role of environmental authoriƟes in the process is to demand aŌer-use plans and to control the environmental eīects of the transfer towards aŌer-use. In many successful aŌer-use cases the involvement of the local communiƟes has also been part of the process. Today aŌer-use decisions are based on environmental, technical, economical and social demands. Private land owners are oŌen connected to agriculture and forestry livelihoods. This naturally explains the quite common interest towards aŌer-use forms which serve the agricultural way of life. On land owned by peat producers, the decision base is, in many cases, more diverse and, for example, experimental and research-serving aŌer-uses are quite common. Technical factors and site suitability include, for example, the eīecƟveness of drainage, the natural water table, morphology of the site, chemical and physical characterisƟcs of the mineral subsoil and 24

surrounding nature as well as land-use. For example, the deepest pools in the middle of the peatland are oŌen impossible to keep dry without pumping during producƟon. From an aŌer-use perspecƟve, this kind of site is most unsuitable for forestry, but very well suited for mire regeneraƟon. In general, diīerent parts of the same peatland are not always suitable for the same form of aŌer-use. In Finland, almost the whole peat layer of a producƟon site is used due to the high energy value of the basal peat horizons. When producƟon ceases, the site has quite similar physical and chemical condiƟons to those that existed at the beginning of mire formaƟon. TheoreƟcally, in this situaƟon, a well suited aŌer-use form is oŌen something very similar to the original nature type. If the peat layer development started as an overgrowth of a lake or a pond, some form of wetland is usually pracƟcal to implement. Where the mire formaƟon was due to paludiĮcaƟon of forestland, the condiƟons aŌer removing the peat layer are usually well suited for reforestaƟon. In principle, repeaƟng the cycle is one way of looking at it.

The Finnish peat industry has the shared target of applying aŌer-use alternaƟves which help to bind CO2. Generally, the ability of a site to produce biomass is the way of esƟmaƟng the successfulness of such projects. It is also important to have a low output of other greenhouse gases; currently a lot of gas exchange research is being carried out. Climate objecƟves are best achieved, when the correct aŌer-use form is used in the right place and combined with the best technologies. Cut-away peatlands in Finland today and in the future Soon 30,000 hectares will have been released from peat producƟon in Finland. Current and previous peat producƟon areas together cover approximately 1% of the Finnish peatlands. The three big aŌer-use forms at the moment are forestry, tradiƟonal agriculture and energy crop producƟon. However, the relevance of other aŌer-uses is increasing. Forestry has sƟll a strong posiƟon, even though its share within the new aŌer-use projects has been decreasing. Forestry is a leading candidate especially on drier and rocky parts of the cut-away peatlands. These types of areas are poorly suited for agriculture because of their uneven surface. They are also relaƟvely unsuitable for land use forms that demand a higher watertable because of morphological and hydrological reasons. Agriculture as

What is characteristic for current Finnish after-use? • Traditionally forestry has had a very strong position in Finnish after-use due to the livelihood structure of the land-owners. • Currently biomass production (¿eld energy crops) has become an important form of after-use. This development is due to Finnish biofuel objectives. • In Finland the peat layer of the production sites is used almost completely to the under-lying mineral subsoil. In the beginning of after-use, the characteristics of the mineral subsoil may cause technical limitations. Physical characteristics, nutrition level, other soluble elements, morphology and hydrological features of the mineral soil below the peat layer are all very important. • In Finland the mire regeneration process usually starts from a young, wet and nutrition rich mire type. • Post-glacial land-uplift constantly changes the Finnish Àora and fauna, especially on the western coast. Also new mire areas are formed through these processes in shallow sea bays, but also through the overgrowth of lakes. Creating waterfowl sanctuaries on previous peat production areas is one way to provide new resting and nesting sites for bird life, while the old ones are slowly turning into mires.

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

an aŌer-use form sƟll has relevance in regions where there is a demand for new Įeld areas. Many cut-away peatlands make good agricultural soils. They are relaƟvely weed-free and especially, being of medium-Įne to Įne textured mineral soils, they provide easy to manage growing condiƟons. Field energy crop growing (Canary grass, Phalaris arundinacea) has, during the last few years, been the fastest-growing aŌer- use crop on cut-away peatlands. Local markets for biofuels are good. They have a highly signiĮcant role in Finnish objecƟves for climate poliƟcs and the future land area demand is not a small number of hectares. The milestone of 20,000 hectares of Canary grass producƟon was already exceeded in 2007, though cut-away peatlands were just part of this total area. Many former peat producƟon sites provide excellent growing condiƟons for Canary grass. In theory, approximately 40 - 60% of cut-away peatlands are possible areas for either tradiƟonal agriculture or Įeld energy crop producƟon. The range refers to variaƟon in the site technical quality demands. RegeneraƟon of mires and building arƟĮcial wetlands have this far covered a relaƟvely small percentage of cut-away peatlands. On the other hand, these wetland projects have been carefully prepared and have included large investments. In the future, the percentage of mire regeneraƟon and other wetland soluƟons is going to grow without

a doubt. Many of the current aŌer-use sites only cover the shallower edges of larger peat producƟon areas. These margins are very suitable, for example, for forestry but they would have been technically quite complicated as mire regeneraƟon sites. When peat producƟon ends due to the presence of deep pools in parts of the peatlands, opposite condiƟons for aŌer-use apply. In these pool areas, it is both ecological and economical reasonable to choose mire regeneraƟon or a waterfowl sanctuary as the aŌer-use form. Perhaps it is worth noƟcing that, because, in Finland, mire as an aŌer-use form starts from a 10 - 30 cm peat layer, the development procedure is more like regeneraƟon than restoraƟon. Finally, the increased aƩenƟon to the mineral subsoils may also encourage mire regeneraƟon, which is a very suitable aŌer-use for sites with very poor nutrient storage capacity or sites with very sensiƟve subsoils, for example sulphide clays. Anyhow the choice of wetland is not based only on an economical or technical decision. Mire regeneraƟon leads, in the early stages, to young mire types with thin peat layers. These young mire types are oŌen signiĮcant because of their biodiversity. Also waterfowl sanctuaries are created simply because they are beneĮcial for natural Ňora and fauna. Because of land-upliŌ and other reasons, A peat production area, which is well suitable for agricultural use. Photo: Olli Reinikainen

Regenerated Rastunsuo peatland. Photo: Päivi Picken

many natural wet birdland areas are becoming overgrown and thus vanishing. In western Finland, where the land-upliŌ is strongest, this has become especially relevant and therefore new resƟng and nesƟng sites for birds have been warmly welcomed. In the future the big open quesƟons concern the peat producƟon methods. In the long run, current Finnish research and development might open up completely new technologies. This also means that the old, current aŌer-use technologies won’t necessarily be valid anymore. A future peat producƟon site might look very diīerent from a current milled peat producƟon site. Hydrology, topography, size and surroundings might together form a new type of package. It is though quite safe to predict that, in the future, planning producƟon and planning aŌer-use will have an increasingly strong inŇuence on each other. Päivi Picken e-mail: [email protected]

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Research and monitoring support peatland restoration in Finland Text: Kaisu Aapala, Maarit Similä and Tuomas Haapalehto characterisƟc of a funcƟoning mire ecosystem, will not restart unƟl the water-table level has been raised and the peat-forming vegetaƟon recovered. RestoraƟon of peatlands drained for forestry is required to conserve biodiversity, to improve the quality of protected areas, and to re-establish a carbon sink. Research and monitoring of the eīects of restoraƟon are needed to evaluate if the goals have been achieved and if there is a need to change and adapt the pracƟcal methods. Restoration techniques

Members of the peatland restoration expert group with local guides discussing possible ways to solve problems with restoring the ditches along the borders of the protected area. Haapakeidas Natura 2000-area. Photo: Kaisu Aapala

Introduction In large parts of Finland over 75% of the original peatland area has been drained for forestry, an acƟon that has profound eīects on funcƟon and diversity of mire ecosystems. The main changes are related to hydrology: the water table is lowered, peatland is cut oī from its original water sources and the natural water Ňow paƩerns through the peatland are changed. As water determines the living condiƟons in mire ecosystems, changes in hydrology are rapidly reŇected in plant communiƟes. The 26

species composiƟon is changed and peat accumulaƟon ceases when the original mire plants decline and forest species take over. Furthermore, changes in feeding and nesƟng habitats caused by the vegetaƟon and microclimate changes have an eīect on the populaƟons of original mire animal species. RestoraƟon is deĮned as a process of assisƟng the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed (SER 2004). For peatlands drained for forestry, the prerequisite for recovery is to restore their hydrology. Peat accumulaƟon, an essenƟal

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During 20 years of acƟve peatland restoraƟon, the techniques have evolved from hand-made dams to ditch-Įlling by excavators (Heikkilä et al. 2002). Currently the most pracƟcal and cost-eīecƟve methods are to Įll in the ditches or build dams with an excavator. In special cases, e.g. in sites requiring special care or sites that are not accessible for machinery, hand-made dams are sƟll used. In the sites that were originally (before drainage) open or halfopen, tree stand grown aŌer the drainage is cut and removed partly or completely. If the site was originally forest covered, there is usually no need to treat the tree stand. Restored peatland area Drainage for forestry has been so extensive that nature conservaƟon areas also include 45,000 - 50,000 hectares of drained peatlands, which is about 4% of all protected peatlands. Approximately 16,000 hectares of them have been restored so far (Aapala et al. 2009), mainly in state-owned conservaƟon areas.

UnproĮtable drained peatlands in state-owned forestry areas have also been restored. The focus has been especially on grouse habitats (Putaala et al. 2008), and approximately 700 ha of drained bogs have been restored (AhƟ Putaala, pers. com. 18.5.2009). Private forest owners can have state subsidies to restore drained peatlands in forest management areas. This acƟvity has been directed at the most threatened mire site types, such as rich fens and herbrich spruce mires. Restored areas are usually small and the total area restored so far is approximately 200 ha (Timo Soininen pers. com. 17.3.2009). Measuring and evaluating the success of restoration The evaluaƟon of the success of restoraƟon requires both experimental scienƟĮc research

and long term monitoring on a scale of decades. Shortterm monitoring of diīerent types of restored peatlands in Finland shows encouraging progress, but also some problems remain to be solved. Usually, the watertable level rises quickly and fairly easily in diīerent types of peatlands (e.g. Jauhiainen et al. 2002, Laine et al. 2004, Aapala et al. 2006, Kangasjärvi 2006). However, there have also been problems in raising the water-table level and iniƟaƟng the reweƫng process.

These problems have been caused mainly by inadequate damming or Įlling and limitaƟons of water availability due to small catchment areas or acƟve drainage outside the boundaries of the protected areas (Sallantaus et al. 2003, Tahvanainen 2007). One of the problems associated with restoraƟon is the negaƟve impact on the water quality of recipient brooks and lakes, especially the increased leaching of phosphorous (Sallantaus et al. 2003). Nevertheless this is not a problem at all sites. At ombro-

Filling-in the ditches with an excavator is the most common restoration method currently used in Finland. A drained sprucemire site before (left) and after (above) restoration in the Mujejärvi Natura 2000 area, Lieksa. Photos: Maarit Similä

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Responses of animal populaƟons to restoraƟon have been studied much less. The short-term results from nine study sites in Central and Eastern Finland prove that mire buƩerŇies and moths beneĮt from restoraƟon (Loukola 2008). RestoraƟon of pine bogs as brood habitats for Lagopus lagopus has been successful (Putaala et al. 2008, Putaala pers. com. 18.5.2009). One aim of peatland restoraƟon is the re-formaƟon of a carbon sink. So far there have been only a few studies on the changes in carbon dynamics aŌer restoraƟon. In one case study, a bog site and a fen site acted as CO2 sinks ten years aŌer restoraƟon (Komulainen et al. 1999, Kangasjärvi 2006). Methane emissions increased within two years aŌer restoraƟon at both the bog and the fen site, but they were sƟll lower than those at a prisƟne site (Komulainen et al. 1998).

Hydrological monitoring of restored peatlands includes collecƟon of water samples four Ɵmes per year from each monitoring site. Photo: Maarit Similä oligotrophic sites, concentraƟons decreased rather rapidly, and aŌer Įve years, were near the iniƟal levels (Sallantaus 2004). In more ferƟle sites, concentraƟons have remained high for longer periods (Sallantaus 2007, Koskinen 2008). Leaching of dissolved organic carbon also increases for some Ɵme aŌer restoraƟon (Sallantaus et al. 2003). Plants are the key species group for the re-establishment of peatformaƟon and thus the natural-like funcƟoning of the restored peatland ecosystem. Especially important are the Sphagnum mosses. When the site is properly re-weƩed and where relict patches of Sphagnum are leŌ, they usually recover rather rapidly aŌer restoraƟon (e.g. Heikkilä & Lindholm 1997, Jauhiainen et al. 2002, Haapalehto et al. 2006, Aapala & Tukia 2008).

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A typical feature in the early stages of vegetaƟon succession seems to be a very strong increase in some vascular plant species, for example Eriophorum vaginatum or Carex globularis (Heikkilä & Lindholm 1997, Jauhiainen et al. 2002, Laine et al. 2004, Aapala et al. 2006, Tahvanainen 2006). There can be ecological limitaƟons for successful re-establishment of the target community if the original mire species have become exƟnct at any parƟcular site and source populaƟons are too far away. For example Carex limosa and Scheuchzeria palustris, typical species for Ňark fens, were sƟll missing aŌer 8-10 years of restoraƟon (Haapalehto et al. 2006). One problem to be solved is the strong increase of Betula pubescens saplings and someƟmes Pinus sylvestris in restoraƟon sites that are meant to be open habitats.

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It is felt that, in addiƟon to shortterm case studies, a naƟonal network of long-term monitoring sites is needed. Currently the Natural Heritage Services of Metsähallitus, which is responsible for the management of protected areas, is seƫng up vegetaƟon, hydrology and buƩerŇy monitoring networks at restored peatlands (Aapala et al. 2009). The vegetaƟon monitoring network includes six diīerent habitat types with ten replicates both at restored and prisƟne sites. The buƩerŇy monitoring network includes nine pine bog sites with three diīerent treatments (restored, drained and prisƟne) at each site. Hydrological monitoring includes monitoring of the water-table level and water quality at restored and prisƟne control sites as well as monitoring the impact of restoraƟon on the quality of runoī waters. Monitoring always starts before restoraƟon and is planned to last several decades.

Connecting theory with practice - expert group on peatland restoration For the last Įve years, a group of peatland restoraƟon experts have been working together in order to reinforce co-operaƟon between pracƟcal and scienƟĮc experts (Aapala et al. 2008). The expert group has 15 members from Metsähallitus, diīerent research insƟtutes (Finnish Environment InsƟtute, Forest Research InsƟtute) and universiƟes (Jyväskylä and Joensuu), the Forestry Development Centre, Tapio and the Ministry of the Environment. One of their main tasks has been planning of the monitoring networks. To implement the monitoring methods as uniformly as possible, the staī at Metsähallitus has been trained in the Įeld and the third ediƟon of the monitoring guidebook is currently in press (Aapala et al. 2009). Feedback about the restoraƟon and monitoring methods is acƟvely collected from the Įeldworkers. In addiƟon, current

informaƟon from the scienƟĮc world is oīered to restoraƟon planners in themed seminars. The next big task, updaƟng the restoraƟon guide book, is under way. References Aapala, K., Haapalehto, T., KoƟaho, J., Lindholm, T., Rehell, S., Sallantaus, T., Similä,M., Suikki, A., Tahvanainen, T. & Vesterinen, P. (2009): EnnallisteƩujen soiden seuranta. In: Hyvärinen, E. & Aapala, K. (Eds.) Metsien ja soiden ennallistamisen sekä harjumetsien paahdeympäristöjen hoidon seurantaohje (InstrucƟons for monitoring restored forests and peatlands and managed sunexposed esker forest habitats. In Finnish). Metsähallituksen luonnonsuojelujulkaisuja, Sarja B. In press. Aapala, K., Haapalehto, T., Lindholm, T., Sallantaus, T., Similä,M., Suikki, A., Vesterinen, P., Tahvanainen, T. & Salminen, P. (2008): Framework for peatland restoraƟon acƟviƟes in conservaƟon areas. In: Farrell, C. & Feehan, J. (Eds.) AŌer Wise Use -

The Future of Peatlands. Volume 2, Poster PresentaƟons. Proceedings of the 13th InternaƟonal Peat Congress. Tullamore, Ireland, 8.-13 June 2008. Jyväskylä, InternaƟonal Peat Society. p 1 - 4. Aapala, K., Tukia, H. & Rita, H. (2006): Ten years of vegetaƟon succession aŌer restoraƟon of boreal spruce mire. 5th European Conference on Ecological RestoraƟon, Land use changes in Europe as a challenge for restoraƟon - ecological, economical and ethical dimensions, 21.25.8.2006, Greifswald, Germany. Conference Programme & Abstracts. p. 55. Aapala, K. & Tukia, H. (2008): RestoraƟon as a tool to improve the quality of drained spruce mires in conservaƟon areas. In: Farrell, C. & Feehan, J. (Eds.) AŌer Wise Use - The Future of Peatlands. Volume 1, Oral PresentaƟons. Proceedings of the 13th InternaƟonal Peat Congress. Tullamore, Ireland, 8.-13 June 2008. Jyväskylä, InternaƟonal Peat Society. p 17 - 20. Haapalehto, T., KoƟaho, J. & Kuitunen, M. (2006):

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Riitta Korhonen – Leila Korpela – Sakari Sarkkola (eds.):

Finland –Fenland also available at the IPS online shop: www.peatsociety.org

Finnish edition

Suomi –Suomaa Research and sustainable utilisation of mires and peat

F

inland has more mires and peatlands regarding its land area than any country in the world; one third of its total land area is covered by them. Mires have always played an important role in Finns’ lives, and they have been meticulously studied for over a hundred years. Finland – Fenland, with articles by 42 experts, introduces readers to the latest research into, and the myriad uses of, mires and peat today.

ires are a rich source of berries and perfect areas for reindeer grazing. Peatlands have been transformed into arable land, and forested mires are important to the forest industry. Furthermore, peat is economically valuable as a source of energy and growth medium as well as in environmental management. Th ere are also various potential after-uses for abandonned peat production areas.

T

V

he book explains how mires were initially formed; the amount and variants of peat and mires; geological research; the mires’ rich biodiversity; and the potential consequences of current global changes. It also describes how mires were utilised in the past and how this has affected their present situation.

M

arious alternative forms of mire use are represented in the modern day, for example as tourist atractions and sites for sporting events, as well as a source of peatbased textiles and therapeutic products. Mires are also of importance to the Finnish arts, folklore and general state of mind. Responsible utilisation and conservation will secure the future of Finnish mires.

Suomi – Suomaa ISBN 978-952-5652-46-8 Finland – Fenland ISBN 978-952-5652-47-5

Richly illustrated 288 pages Layout Eeva Louhio Price € 42 + mail costs 30 PEATLANDS International 1/2009 Maahenki (2008)

Publication: June 2008 Orders by email: Birgit.hyyrylainen@turveteollisuusliitto.fi [email protected]

www.suoseura.fi

Metsäojituksen ja ennallistamisen vaikutukset suokasvillisuuteen Seitsemisen kansallispuistossa. (The eīect of drainage and restoraƟon on mire vegetaƟon in Seitseminen NaƟonal Park. In Finnish). Metsähallituksen luonnonsuojelujulkaisuja, Sarja A 156:1-45. Heikkilä, H. & Lindholm, T. (1997): Soiden ennallistamistutkimus vuosina 1987-1996. (Abstract: The mire restoraƟon from 1987-1996). Metsähallituksen luonnonsuojelujulkaisuja, Sarja A 81: 1-75. Heikkilä, H., Lindholm, T. and Jaakkola, S. (2002): Soiden ennallistamisopas. (A guide for the restoraƟon of peatland habitats.). Metsähallituksen luonnonsuojelujulkaisuja, Sarja B 66: 1- 123. Jauhiainen, S., Laiho, R. & Vasander, H. (2002): Ecohydrological and vegetaƟonal changes in a restored bog and fen. Ann. Bot. Fennici 39:185-199. Kangasjärvi, S. (2006): Kahden metsäojitetun suon ennallistumiskehitys kymmenen vuoden aikana. MSc thesis. University of Helsinki, Department of Forest Ecology. 57 pp. Komulainen, V-M., Nykänen, H., MarƟkainen, P.J. & Laine, J. (1998): Short-term eīect of restoraƟon on vegetaƟon change and methane emissions from peatlands drained for forestry in southern Finland. Can. J. For. Res. 28:402-411. Komulainen, V-M., Tuiƫla, E-S., Vasander, H. & Laine, J. (1999): RestoraƟon of drained peatlands in southern Finland: iniƟal eīects on vegetaƟon change and CO2 balance. Journal of Applied Ecology 36:634648. Koskinen, M. (2008): Korven ennallistamisen aiheuƩama ravinnekuormitus. MSc thesis. University of Helsinki, Department of Forest Ecology. 56 pp. Laine, J., Komulainen, V-M., Laiho, R., Minkkinen, K., Rasinmäki, A., Sallantaus, T., Sarkkola, S., Silvan, N., Tolonen, K., Tuiƫla E-S., Vasander, H. & Päivänen, J. (2004): Lakkasuo - a guide to mire ecosystem. University of Helsinki Department of Forest Ecology PublicaƟons 31. 123 pp. Loukola, O. (2008): Ennallistamisen vaikutukset soiden perhosiin (The

Eīects of Mires RestoraƟon on Lepidoptera Species. In Finnish). MSc thesis. University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biological and Environmental Science. 35 pp. Putaala, A., Bisi, J. & Joensuu, O. (2008): RestoraƟon of grouse habitats in state-owned land in Finland. 11th InternaƟonal Grouse Symposium. Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Abstracts. P 46. Sallantaus, T. (2004): Hydrological impacts set constraints on mire restoraƟon. In: Päivänen, J. (Ed.). Wise use of peatlands. Proc. 12th Int. Peat Congr., Tampere, Finland Vol. 1 p. 68-73. Int. Peat Soc., Jyväskylä. Sallantaus, T. (2007): Soiden ennallistamisen vesistövaikutukset. In: Syrjänen, K., Horne, P., Koskela, T. & Kumela, H. (Eds.). METSOn seuranta ja arvioinƟ. Etelä-Suomen metsien monimuotoisuusohjelman seurannan ja arvioinnin loppuraporƫ. Maa- ja metsätalousministeriö, ympäristöministeriö, Metsäntutkimuslaitos ja Suomen ympäristökeskus. 39 - 41, 44. Sallantaus, T., Kondelin, H. & Heikkilä, R. (2003): Hydrological problems associated with peatland restoraƟon. In Heikkilä, R. & Lindholm, T. (Eds.) Biodiversity and conservaƟon of boreal nature. Finnish Environment 485:256-261. SER, Society for Ecological RestoraƟon InternaƟonal Science & Policy Working Group (2004): The SER InternaƟonal Primer on Ecological RestoraƟon. www.ser. org & Tuscon: Society for Ecological RestoraƟon InternaƟonal. Tahvanainen, T., Vesterinen, P., Sallantaus, T. & Heikkilä, R. (2006): Mire restoraƟon as a tool to make a naƟonal park. In: Heikkilä, R., Lindholm, T. & Tahvanainen, T. (eds.) Mires of Finland - Daughters of the BalƟc Sea. The Finnish Environment 28:107 - 112. Tahvanainen, T. (2007): Kymmenen vuoden aikaskaala ennallisteƩujen soiden kehityksen arvioimisessa. Teoksessa: Syrjänen, K., Horne, P., Koskela, T. & Kumela, H. (Eds.). METSOn seuranta ja arvioinƟ. Etelä-Suomen metsien monimuotoisuusohjelman seurannan ja arvioinnin

loppuraporƫ. Maa- ja metsätalousministeriö, ympäristöministeriö, Metsäntutkimuslaitos ja Suomen ympäristökeskus. 42-44. Vasander, H., Tuiƫla, E-S., Lode, E., Lundin, L., Ilomets, M., Sallantaus, T., Heikkilä, R., Pitkänen, M-L. & Laine, J. (2003): Status and restoraƟon of peatlands in northern Europe. Wetland Ecology and Management 11:51-63.

Kaisu Aapala Finnish Environment Institute Expert Services Department Nature Division PO Box 140 00251 Helsinki, Finland e-mail: kaisu.aapala@ymparisto.¿ Maarit Similä Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services Urheilukatu 3A 81700 Lieksa, Finland Tuomas Haapalehto Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services PO Box 36 40101 Jyväskylä, Finland and University of Jyväskylä P.O.Box 35 40014 University of Jyväskylä Finland

Adopt an Orangutan Orangutans are one of the most threatened species in the tropical peat swamp forests of Borneo and Sumatra. The Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation actively rescues wild orangutans from oil-palm plantations and aims at rehabilitating orphaned orangutans, displaced as a result of the devastation of their habitat to clear land for palm oil production. It is the largest primate rescue project in the world, with nearly 1000 orangutans in its care. For more info on activities and how to help: www.redapes.org.

31

Belarus boosts peatland restoration in Central Europe Text: Annett Thiele, Franziska Tanneberger, Merten Minke, John Couwenberg, Wendelin Wichtmann, Zbig Karpowicz, Viktar Fenchuk, Alexander Kozulin, Hans Joosten signiĮcant unrealized opportunity for cost eīecƟve measures in miƟgaƟng and adapƟng to climate change” (foreword in Parish et al. 2008). In Belarus, peatlands cover 2,939,000 ha, i.e. about 15% of the country’s area. As the present area of undrained mires is less than 1,434,000 ha (Tanavitskaya & Kozulin 2008), the majority of peatlands act as a source of CO2 emissions by peat oxidaƟon. These are esƟmated as 12 Mt per year (Rakovich, 2008). This huge of emission and addiƟonal erraƟc GHG emissions by peatland Įres could be avoided through peatland restoraƟon. Fig. 1: Global hotspots of greenhouse gas emissions from peatland (after Aljosja Hooijer, 2006, PeatCO2 project). The drained peatlands of temperate Europe, especially Germany, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia, constitute an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are - after Southeast Asia - the second most important global areas of concern in this respect.

being implemented with the explicit goal of decreasing GHG emissions. The raƟonale for this was succinctly expressed by Achim Steiner, UN Vice-Secretary-General and UNEP ExecuƟve Director in December 2007: “Peatlands currently present a

The variety and size of peatland ecosystems in Belarus are impressive. The mire types vary from up to 6-7 m high domed bogs in the northern Poozerie (see pict. 1, Ɵtle picture), via huge mesotrophic subneutral fens in the central part of Belarus to vast meso- to eutrophic percolaƟon mires and Ňoodplain fens in the famous Polessie region. No other country holds such a high-quality collecƟon

Peatland drainage leads to fast mineralizaƟon of the carbon and nitrogen stocks in the peat, which transforms the peatland from a C and N sink to a potenƟally very strong C and N source (Fig. 1, Parish et al. 2008). Since the beginning of the 1990s, socio-economic changes and soil degradaƟon have led to a declining use of drained peatlands in Central Europe. In Germany, Poland (EU-Projects) and Belarus (UNDP-Projects) ambiƟous peatland reweƫng programmes are currently 32

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

Fig. 2: Measurement of net CO2 exchange with chambers, aŌer Drösler (2005). Photo: Merten Minke.

of peatland types representaƟve of temperate lowland Europe. Thanks to the strong dedicaƟon of the Belarusian government and the successful preparatory work of several European NGOs (Joosten 2007), a new large peatland restoraƟon project started in September 2008: “Restoring Peatlands and applying Concepts for Sustainable Management in Belarus A Climate Change MiƟgaƟon project with Economic and Biodiversity BeneĮts”. The project is set up by the Royal Society for the ProtecƟon of Birds, United Kingdom, the Michael Succow FoundaƟon, Germany, and APB-BirdLife Belarus, and Įnanced by Germany through the KfW Entwicklungsbank in the framework of the InternaƟonal Climate ProtecƟon IniƟaƟve of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature ConservaƟon and Nuclear Safety (BMU). It is carried out with the support of the United NaƟons Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental ProtecƟon of the Republic of Belarus. The project consists of three parts: The Įrst part comprises developing and tesƟng a method to assess emissions from degraded and restored peatlands by using plant species groups as indicators. As water level is the main factor inŇuencing GHG emissions (Couwenberg et al. 2008), vegetaƟon types that sharply indicate water levels can be used for quickly assessing GHG emissions from peatlands. This will facilitate reliable baseline seƫng and monitoring of GHG emissions aŌer reweƫng that is necessary to sell carbon credits from avoided emissions from peatlands. A scienƟĮc team of two German experts (funded by CIM, a human resource placement organisaƟon for German development cooperaƟon and by RSPB) and local scienƟsts are currently working in Belarus to elaborate and reĮne this tool with the support of Greifswald University and the Leibniz-Centre

Title photo: The 25,0000 ha Yelnia bog in the northern part of Belarus. Photo: Sergey Zuyonok for Agricultural Landscape Research, Müncheberg, Germany. Their main task is to assess annual GHG exchange rates of the major peatland vegetaƟon types (Fig. 2). The second part of the project builds on the peatland restoraƟon

experience of the UNDP-GEF project “RenaturalisaƟon and Sustainable Management of Peatlands in Belarus to Combat Land DegradaƟon, Ensure ConservaƟon of Globally Valuable Biodiversity and MiƟgate Climate Change” (see: www.peatlands. by) and aims at reweƫng 15,000

Fig. 3: Sites planned for rewetting in 2009 and 2010 (approx. 7,700 ha). 33

country, for the ulƟmate beneĮt of climate protecƟon, biodiversity, and sustainable development. References

Fig 4: Construction of a peat dam in Obol1, the first rewetting activity in this project. Photo: Hans Joosten hectares of drained peatland (Fig. 3), therewith avoiding approx. 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per year. The project sites range from cut-over bogs in northern Belarus to degraded fens in southern Belarus. The third part relates to the sustainable management of restored peatlands. Biomass from restored peatlands can be used as a source of alternaƟve energy (and thus subsƟtute fossil fuels) while preserving the carbon stock in the peat. Peatland biomass pellets and briqueƩes could be used by local communiƟes for heaƟng. This socalled “paludiculture” (Wichtmann & Joosten 2007) is a promising approach to meet the challenges of global change. A feasibility study on the use of biomass from restored peatlands will be carried out within the project, accompanied by trials to harvest the biomass. HarvesƟng peatland biomass can also beneĮt biodiversity, e.g. by maintaining suitable habitat condiƟons for threatened species (see Tegetmeyer et al. 2007). Another major aspect of the project is the development of a Įnancing mechanism for peatland 34

restoraƟon and maintenance through development of a necessary methodological basis for trading avoided emissions from peatlands restoraƟon under Voluntary and Kyoto markets. This involves the development of a Peat carbon standard for the Voluntary market and an advocacy campaign for inclusion of peatland restoraƟon projects into the post-Kyoto regime. Last but not least, the project involves intensive training and capacity-building. Belarusian students are enabled to parƟcipate in the two-year MSc programme “Landscape Ecology and Nature ConservaƟon” with specialisaƟon into peatland ecology at Greifswald University, whereas scienƟsts are trained in state-of-the-art GHG measurement at the Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research. DomesƟc capacity is strengthened by on-the-job-training and joint Įeld work. The ulƟmate aim of this and another, already planned, followup project is to embed the capacity for peatland reweƫng, long-term management, and carbon credit trade into the oĸcial (Ministry and Academy) and non-oĸcial (BirdLife Belarus) structures of the

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

Couwenberg, J., AugusƟn, J., Michaelis, D. & Joosten, H. (2008): Emission reducƟons from reweƫng of peatlands. Towards a Įeld guide for the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from Central European peatlands. Duene Greifswald / RSPB Sandy. Joosten, H. (2007): Belarus takes the lead in peatland restoraƟon for climate! IMCG NewsleƩer 2007/3: 21-23. Drösler, M. 2005. Trace gas exchange and climaƟc relevance of bog ecosystems, southern Germany. PhD thesis, Technische Universität München. 182p. Parish, F., Sirin, A., Charman, D., Joosten, H., Minaeva, T. & Silvius, M. (eds) (2008): Assessment on peatlands, biodiversity and climate change. Global Environment Centre, Kuala Lumpur / Wetlands InternaƟonal, Wageningen. Rakovich, V. 2008 Belarusian mire and peat soils contribuƟon to formaƟon of sources and Ňuxes of CO2 and CH4. Geophysical Research Abstracts 10, EGU2008-A-11623. Tanavitskaya, T. & Kozulin, A. (2008): Inventory overview on the status of peatlands in Belarus. In: Thiele, A. (Ed.): Inventory on Area, SituaƟon and perspecƟves of reweƫng of peatlands in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, pp. 3-27, Michael Hermsen FoundaƟon Bremen / RSPB Sandy. Tegetmeyer, C., Tanneberger, F., Dylawerski, M., Flade, M. & Joosten, H. (2007): Saving Europe’s most threatened song bird – reed cuƩers and conservaƟonists team up in Polish peatlands. Peatlands InternaƟonal 2007/1: 19-23. Wichtmann, W. & Joosten, H. (2007): Paludiculture: peat formaƟon and renewable resources from reweƩed peatlands. IMCG NewsleƩer 2007/3: 24-28.

Annett Thiele Akhova Ptushak Batskaushchiny e-mail: [email protected]

UNDP/GEF Project Completed Works on Renaturalisation of Obolskoye Mire in the Vitebsk Region, Belarus

Text: Alexei Tchistodarski

The UNDP/GEF Project “Renaturalization and Sustainable Management of Peatlands in Belarus to Combat Land Degradation, Ensure Conservation of Globally Valuable Biodiversity and Mitigate Climate Change has announced that is has restored the second mire in the territory of Vitebsk Region of Belarus. The depleted peatland, Obol-1, became the eighth degraded mire in Belarus to be re-wetted by the Project since 2007.

internaƟonal community, as similar acƟviƟes contribute signiĮcantly to miƟgate climate change. Raising the water level of the mire will reduce the incidence of peatland Įres, stop the process of peat mineralisaƟon and lower CO2 emissions.

On 15 May 2009, a special commission under the chairmanship of Shumilino State Forestry conducted acceptance of the site. Mr. Antonius Broek, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident RepresentaƟve parƟcipated in the event.

RenaturalizaƟon and stabilizaƟon of the hydrological regime will result in a rehabilitaƟon of the ecological situaƟon in the Obol and Western Dvina interŇuve area, including the improvement of natural habitats of animals and bird species in the Red Book of Belarus, such as badger, biƩern, black stork and snake eagle. The measurements will also provide condiƟons for increasing the populaƟon of important hunƟng animals and birds, like elk, wild hog, black-cock and snipe.

According to Mr. Alexander Kozulin, the ScienƟĮc Coordinator of the Project, the re-waterlogging strategy aims to establish condiƟons for the formaƟon of transiƟon and raised bogs by raising the ground water level of the whole area by “cascaded decking”, blocking the main ditches with 43 soil dykes and one stone dyke. The results of reweƫng the Obol-1 depleted peatland site were visually presented to the parƟcipants of the meeƟng. Antonius Broek stressed the importance of the restoraƟon for local communiƟes to preserve nature potenƟal and facilitate ecotourism development in the district, as well as its importance for the whole

The local populaƟon will also receive an opportunity to renew its tradiƟonal economic acƟviƟes - berrying, picking mushrooms and amateur angling. It is also hoped that the territory will increase its aƩracƟveness for the development of ecological tourism. The re-waterlogging construcƟon project was designed by the Republican Unitary Enterprise Belgiprovodkhoz and implemented by the Shumilinskoye MelioraƟve

Project website at www.peatlands.by. Enterprise. The cost of the construcƟon work is 150 millions BYR. The total area of the re-weƩed territory is 1,096 ha. The Ministry of Forestry of Belarus is the execuƟve agency of the UNDP/GEF project on rehabilitaƟon of degraded mires and depleted peatlands. Present at the event, in addiƟon to those menƟoned above, were representaƟves of the UN/UNDP Belarus, the Ministry of Forestry of Belarus, State Enterprise Beltopgas, Vitebsk State ProducƟon Forestry Enterprise, Shumilino District ExecuƟve CommiƩee, State Shumilino Forestry, the Shumilino District Emergency SituaƟons Department, APB BirdLife Belarus, the NGO AssociaƟon of Foresters, the UNDP/GEF Project ImplementaƟon Unit, as well as media representaƟves. Alexei Tchistodarski Akademicheskaya str. 27, of¿ce 324, Minsk, 220072, Belarus e-mail: [email protected]

35

Ecological restoration of a minerotrophic peatland in Canada Text and photos: Vicky Bérubé, Line Rochefort, Claude Lavoie, Monique Poulin, Jonathan S. Price, Maria Strack, J. Michael Waddington and Claire Boismenu Introduction RestoraƟon methods for Sphagnumdominated peatlands have been successfully developed (Rochefort et al. 2003); however, in pracƟce, peat extracƟon can lead to the exposure of the underlying minerotrophic peat and mineral deposits. As these sites are richer in minerals and less acidic than the pre-exisƟng bogs (WindMulder et al. 1996), the restoraƟon eīorts should focus toward minerotrophic peatlands (fen). Because of diīerent historical land uses and restoraƟon goals, much of the European fen restoraƟon research is not directly transferable to North America. UnƟl now, we

mostly worked at the plot scale on fen restoraƟon in North America (Cooper & MacDonald 2000; Cobbaert et al. 2004, Graf et al. 2008). Therefore, we sƟll ignore which techniques are suitable to re-establish natural fen condiƟons at the ecosystem level. To get some answers, a brand new project was iniƟated in 2008 to restore the primary carbon accumulaƟng funcƟon of a minerotrophic peatland aŌer peat extracƟon. A mulƟdisciplinary team of researchers from the Peatland Ecology Research Group (PERG) of Canada is studying the ecology of target plant assemblages to be reintroduced, the hydrology

of the cutover peatland and diverse techniques for successful establishment of key peat accumulaƟng species. The site is located at the Bic-SaintFabien peatland in eastern Québec, Canada (Figure 1). This site has been used for the extracƟon of horƟcultural peat since 1946, but the work has ceased in recent decades. The ecological work follows a framework for restoraƟon projects inspired by assembly rule approach (Figure 2), which is a helpful tool in restoraƟon ecology. Indeed, if the constraints of a system are deĮned, restoraƟon eīorts can focus on manipulaƟng these constraints to steer succession towards the desired community (Temperton et al. 2004). Determining the reference ecosystem In 2008, the Įrst objecƟves of the project were to deĮne the reference ecosystem and to idenƟfy the plant assemblages that should be reintroduced to form the new pool community (see Figure 2c). A paleoecological study and historical documents helped to understand the dynamic of the system through Ɵme. VegetaƟon surveys of surrounding regional fens (Figure 2b) were also used to esƟmate the range of variaƟon in plant communiƟes. Vegetation surveys in the abandoned peatland

Figure 1. The Bic Saint-Fabien peatland, Québec, Canada.

36

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

Other tools were uƟlised to deĮne the spontaneous species pools (Figure 2a). To test the relaƟonships between various community structures and the prevailing abioƟc condiƟons, vegetaƟon relevés and

Figure 2 a-f. Framework of the research program to gain knowledge on the restoration of fens and wet meadows. The rectangles represent “species pools” which are pertinent for restoration. Open arrows represent active measures which should be explored to develop strategies for restoring a degraded system. Solid arrows represent the direction of the “species pool” development during restoration and the dashed arrow represents similarity between “species pools” (Graf 2008).

peat and water physico-chemistry samplings were made within a systemaƟc sampling design. Carbon cycling of abandoned peatland ecosystem Other objecƟves of the project were to establish the net carbon Ňuxes (CO2 and CH4) of diīerent plant communiƟes growing in the abandoned area (Figure 3) in comparison to the natural area (Figure 4), and to determine the potenƟal for peat accumulaƟon of several spontaneously recolonised plant communiƟes. Closed chambers were installed in the Įeld to measure carbon Ňuxes. This data will conƟnue to be recorded during the following years.

Trials of restoration techniques

Success monitoring

During 2009, we will have begun the reintroducƟon of a target species pool (Figure 2c) and the restoraƟon of the fen’s hydrological condiƟons (by reweƫng). We will try to reintroduce the vegetaƟon by hay transfer and moss layer transfer techniques. The creaƟon of pools is scheduled as well.

During the coming years, we will have to monitor the internal dynamics between the reintroduced species (Figure 2e) to ensure that the target species can persist on the restoraƟon site. We will also check if the ecosystem funcƟons tend towards the reference ecosystem.

Hydrological assessment of post-harvested minerotrophic peatland To characterise water inŇows and ouƞlows of the disturbed peatland, and to improve the hydrological major constraint (Figure 2c), an ecosystemic approach for reweƫng was designed. A meteorological staƟon, piezometer nests, water wells, lysimeters, a tensiometer, and a potenƟometer will be used to collect data.

Figure 3a. The west side of the abandonned area is weƩer and well re-vegetated. The peat depth varies between 1.6 to 3.5 m. 37

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These objecƟves will be achieved by vegetaƟon and macrofauna surveys, microbiological assays, producƟvity assessments, water balance and carbon cycle measures. Conclusion This is a Įrst aƩempt of fen restoraƟon at the whole-ecosystem level in eastern Canada. We hope to develop suitable techniques to re-establish natural condiƟons of a carbon accumulaƟng fen. Acknowledgements We wish to thank all the Įeld assistants, employees of the Bic NaƟonal Park, Berger Peat Moss and Tourbière Rioval, members of the PERG and the landowners for their involvement in the project. This restoraƟon project would not be possible without the Įnancial support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and partners of the Industrial Research Chair in Peatland Management.

Figure 3b: The the east side of the abandonned peatland is drier and still shows bare peat.

Temperton, V. M., R. J. Hobbs, T. NuƩle, M. FaƩorini & S. Halle. 2004. Pages 1-8 in Temperton, V. M., R. J. Hobbs, T. NuƩle, M. FaƩorini & S. Halle (eds.). Island Press, Washington, DC, USA. Wind-Mulder, H. L., L. Rochefort & D. H. ViƩ. 1996. Ecol. Eng, 7: 161-181.

References Cobbaert, D., L. Rochefort & J. S. Price. (2004). App Veg Sc 7: 209220. Cooper, D. & L. MacDonald. (2000). RestoraƟon Ecology 8:103-111. Graf, M., L. (2008) Thesis (Ph.D.), FSAA, Université Laval, Québec. Graf, M., L. Rochefort & M. Poulin. (2008). Wetlands 28(2): 28-39. Rochefort, L., F. Quinty, S. Campeau, K. W. Johnson & T. J. Malterer. 2003. Wetlands Ecology and Management 11: 3-20.

Vicky Bérubé, Line Rochefort, Claude Lavoie, Monique Poulin, Claire Boismenu Université Laval, QC, Canada e-mail: [email protected] Jonathan S. Price Université de Waterloo, ON, Canada Maria Strack University of Calgary, AB, Canada J. Michael Waddington McMaster University, ON, Canada Peatland Ecology Research Group www.gret-perg.ulaval.ca

Figure 4, left (a) Open moderately-rich fen that has never been mined but is still under the influence of the former drainage system. It may be used as a reference system. Peat thickness averages 5 m. It is the habitat of several rare plants like, above (b) Amerorchis rotundifolia, (c) Arethusa bulbosa, (d) Cypripedium reginae and (e) Valeriana uliginosa. The moss layer is composed of (f) Tomenthypnum nitens, (g) Sphagnum warnstorfii and (h) a mixed community of Scorpidium cossonii and Campylium stellatum. 39

Ecological restoration of shrubby-forested margins on cutover peatlands Text: Étienne Paradis and Line Rochefort

Peat extraction is an important economical activity in many rural regions in Canada and the northern United States, but, as often with natural resources extraction, is having its drawback on environmental impact.

1999, Rochefort et al. 2003). As a result, an ecological restoraƟon technique has been developed, in partnership with peat-harvesƟng industries, to restore the cut-over areas into funcƟonal Sphagnumdominated peatlands (Rochefort et al. 2003).

the vegetaƟon of natural peatlands in north-eastern United States, the swampy forested mire margins (also known as lagg zones) form a habitat that is totally diīerent from the central rain-fed bog dome or the adjacent forests growing on mineral soils.

The current mechanical peat extracƟon techniques, which require extensive peatland drainage and the complete removal of the superĮcial plant layer, considerably slow-down natural succession on the dry, decomposed and compacted peat remaining aŌer extracƟng acƟviƟes have ceased (Schlotzhauer and Price

Yet, the margins of sites, with a thinner and nutrient-richer peat layer, have never been successfully restored because the residual peat of these sites is not appropriate for typical bog restoraƟon using the Sphagnum moss layer transfer technique (Rochefort et al. 2003). From a review of the literature on

As seen in Įgure 1, these margins are oŌen dominated by the tallshrub layer (Aronia melanocarpa, Ilex (Nemopanthus) mucronata, Ilex verƟcillata, Myrica gale, Rhododendron canadense, Vaccinium corymbosum, and Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides), while the understory layer is habitually characterized by an abundance of ferns (Osmunda cinnamomea, O. regalis and Woodwardia virginica). Some of those “ecotonal species” are relaƟvely uncommon in other habitats and are classiĮed as threatened species or species of special concern in many states. As a result, these ecotones play a crucial role in maintaining a higher biodiversity across the landscape. Ecotones are also known to play a major role in regulaƟng Ňuxes of energy, material and organisms between diīerent ecosystems (Risser 1995). The goal of our project is to develop a method for the restoraƟon of these shrubby ecotones on cutover peatlands of eastern Canada to maximize the diversity of habitats in restored peatlands.

Figure 1: A typical mire margin of a raised bog dominated by Rhododendron canadense in New-Brunswick. Photo: Étienne Paradis 40

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

Our hypothesis is that abandoned peatlands are principally limited by seed dispersal and seedling recruitment. As a consequence, it should be possible to restore an “ecotonal community” by using seed addiƟon and biological facilitaƟon, i.e. using forest or bog

species as nurse-plants, to modify the environmental condiƟons that prevented the natural regeneraƟon unƟl now. For example, in the bog restoraƟon method developed by Rochefort et al. (2003), biological facilitaƟon by Polytrichum strictum, a pioneer moss, is used to enhance the establishment of Sphagnum mosses on abandoned peatlands by reducing frost-heaving and increasing substrate humidity (Groeneveld et al. 2007). In 2009, a full-factorial experiment, located in north-eastern New Brunswick will be used to test diīerent strategies to improve the microenvironment required for seed germinaƟon and seedling growth of the ecotonal species to be restored (see Įgure 2). One of the strategies will be to study the eīect of arƟĮcial shade on the establishment of the sub-canopy species to determine if trees could be used as nurseplants in large-scale restoraƟon. A second strategy will be to study the importance of a bryophyte layer (Polytrichum strictum, Dicranum spp., Pleurozium schreberi, PƟlidium ciliare, Sphagnum spp.) to provide the micro environment needed for the germinaƟon and the growth of the seedlings of the targeted shrub species. Diīerent bryophyte species will be used because they can create diīerent microclimates required for diīerent regeneraƟon niches (Hörnberg et al. 1997). In conclusion, the biological facilitaƟon experiment will provide informaƟon on the regeneraƟon

Figure 2: One block from a full-factorial experiment testing the effect of seed addition, artificial shade and mosses cover on seedling recruitment in a cutover peatland.

niche of the ecotonal species and will uncover the main environmental constraints to natural lagg regeneraƟon. Since the raised bogs of North America are relaƟvely homogenous in their species composiƟon across the conƟnent (NWWG 1988), the knowledge gained from our study carried out in the province of New Brunswick should be useful for the management of abandoned cut-over sites across the conƟnent. The understanding of the diīerent abioƟc and bioƟc Įlters impeding the natural recovery of lagg zones (ecotone) in peatlands should greatly help managers to devise means to restore the biodiversity of peatland margins. The idea to restore ecotonal communiƟes should be used in conjuncƟon with the “Sphagnum moss layer transfer technique that restores Sphagnumdominated peatlands” to diversify the peatland landscape and to improve the biodiversity not only in new restoraƟon projects, but also in peatlands already restored. Literature Groeneveld, E., A. Massé and L. Rochefort. 2007. Polytrichum strictum as a nurse-plant in peatland restoraƟon. RestoraƟon Ecology 15: 709-719. Hörnberg, G., M. Ohlson and

O. Zackrisson. 1997. InŇuence of bryophytes and microrelief condiƟons on Picea abies seed regeneraƟon paƩerns in boreal oldgrowth swamp forests. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 27: 1015–1023. NaƟonal Wetland Working Group (NWWG). 1988. Wetlands of Canada.Environment Canada, Ecological Land ClassiĮcaƟon Series 24. Polyscience Publishers, Montreal, Canada. 452 pp. Risser, P. G. 1995. The status of the science examining ecotones. Bioscience 45: 318-325. Rochefort, L., F. Quinty, S. Campeau, K. W. Johnson and T. J. Malterer. 2003. North American approach to the restoraƟon of Sphagnum dominated peatlands. Wetlands Ecology and Management 11: 3-20. Schlotzhauer, S. M. and J. S. Price, 1999. Soil water Ňow dynamics in a managed cutover peat Įeld, Québec: 1. Field and laboratory invesƟgaƟons. Water Resources Research 35: 3675-3683.

Étienne Paradis e-mail: [email protected] Line Rochefort e-mail: [email protected] Peatland Ecology Research Group www.gret-perg.ulaval.ca Université Laval, QC, Canada

41

Peatland Restoration in Sweden From peat cutting areas to shallow lakes – after-use of industrial peat sites Text: Sabine Jordan, Lars Lundin, Monika Strömgren, Elve Lode and Torbjörn Nilsson

important measure to rehabilitate the site. However, following industrial peat extracƟon, where almost the whole peat deposit is excavated, other soil substratum condiƟons would exist and a quick recolonisaƟon of peat-forming mosses is delayed. In the sites’ iniƟal state a number of vascular plants started to develop. At the fairly ordinary poor Porla site, the dominaƟng species were Eriophorum vaginatum while at the richer West Fen site Typha laƟfolia, Phragmites australis and Phalaris arundinacea were dominant, together with carex species. Figure 1: Porla before re-wetting in 1999. Photo Lars Lundin

Regeneration and Wise Use of peatlands after peat harvesting is highlighted in Sweden. Two peatlands close to each other, Porla bog and West fen, in south-central Sweden were investigated before and up to nine years after re-wetting, in 1999 and 2000.

and prerequisites are important. Where uƟlizaƟon of peatlands has mainly been combined with drainage and liƩle or no removal of peat, e.g. for agricultural crop producƟon, regulaƟon of hydrology would probably be the single most

Further, interesƟng reweƫng developments related to the ŇoaƟng and swelling of the peat especially if composed of Sphagnum mosses. The peat formed ŇoaƟng raŌs showing a black surface in the iniƟal phase of reweƫng. However, aŌer a few years, these areas were colonised by coƩon grass giving a nice white Ňowering Įeld layer.

Considerable changes in site condiƟons had occurred during the extracƟon of peat and new prerequisites existed as the very old peat boƩom horizons were exposed to land surface re-colonisaƟon. Peatland restoraƟon was therefore diĸcult and management for wise aŌer-use aimed iniƟally to focus on re-weƫng for restoraƟon of the hydrology that would provide new condiƟons for biogeochemistry and biodiversity. In wetland restoraƟon and aŌeruse of cut-over areas, properƟes 42

Figure 2: Porla after re-wetting in 2007. Photo Lars Lundin

Figure 3: Porla greenhouse gas measurements for six vegetaƟon types and chamber technique. Photo Monika Strömgren

to vegetaƟon coverage and diīerent amount of decomposing biomass causing microbial respiraƟon. The CH4-Ňuxes showed a similar paƩern as the CO2 Ňuxes. The higher CO2 emissions on tussocks on drained peat compared to the bare drained peat can easily be explained by the Water chemistry Changes in hydrochemistry aŌer reweƫng at the relaƟvely nutrient poor Porla site were lowered pH, DOC, base caƟon content, sulphate and organic nitrogen. Sulphate decreased because oxidaƟon of organic material at reduced boƩom condiƟons stopped thereby iniƟally releasing phosphorus. Organic nitrogen making up most of the total nitrogen decreased related to sedimentaƟon. Nitrate Įrst decreased because of less decomposiƟon but increased due to nitriĮcaƟon of ammonia and organic nitrogen in free water, probably contribuƟng to denitriĮcaƟon. At the nutrient richer West fen site, re-weƫng was associated with lowered pH, Ca, SO4 and NO3 content. DOC and phosphate increased in the Įrst years but later decreased over Ɵme. Despite a lowered Ca content, pH increased probably dependent on the near zero sulphate producƟon caused by developing anaerobic condiƟons in the sediments and concomitant release of phosphate. AŌer a few years P-release stopped and PO4 concentraƟon dropped. High potenƟal for release of phosphorus may exist in well and completely humiĮed fen peat horizons with high Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide contents. If oxidised Fe remains aŌer re-weƫng, P may be released from these horizons over many years. The former peat extracƟon site West fen has been transformed into a

shallow and nutrient rich lake that hosts a wide variety of migratory and breeding birds.

Figure 4. West fen about four years after rewetting. Photo: Lars Lundin

Greenhouse gases Wetland restoraƟon by re-weƫng changes the CO2 emissions that are supposed to decrease while methane emissions may increase. Poor wetlands turn to sinks but rich ones could sƟll be emiƩers. These condiƟons were invesƟgated at the Porla site using chamber technique (Figure 3). Six “vegetaƟon types” were studied including a control sphagnum mire. The other Įve types were drained peat without vegetaƟon, tussocks on drained peat, tussocks with surface water level, carex with high groundwater level and open water. The CO2 emissions from the vegetaƟon types varied, with the lowest emissions measured on the prisƟne mire and the drained bare peat. VariaƟons were related

respiraƟon from living biomass. However, while the bare drained peat did not emit any CH4, the tussocks on drained peat did. This suggests that the plants can emit CH4, promote the transport of CH4 from the soil to the atmosphere and/or promote the formaƟon of CH4 in the soil.

Sabine Jordan e-mail: [email protected] Lars Lundin e-mail: [email protected] Monika Strömgren, Elve Lode, Torbjörn Nilsson Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden

43

Wetland restoration - a term, which needs discussion Impressions from the meeting of the European Chapter of the Society of Wetland Sciences in Erkner, Germany Text and photos: Raimo Sopo A prestigious group of wetland researchers from 22 countries gathered for five days near Berlin in order to discuss the present status of wetland restoration in Europe. The 4th Annual Meeting of the European Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) took place on 20 - 24 May in Erkner, a small town located some thirty minutes ride by train from the Central Railway Station of Berlin.

The meeƟng was organized in the comfortable venue of Bildungszentrum Erkner by the Leibniz-InsƟtute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGBBerlin) in co-operaƟon with the Government of MecklenburgVorpommern and the IPS German NaƟonal CommiƩee (Deutsche GesellschaŌ für Moor- und TorŅunde). Dr. Dominik Zak and Dr. Jörg Gelbrecht deserve the very sincere

thanks of all the parƟcipants for their excellent work as coordinators of the oral and poster presentaƟons and the excursion. The relaxed nature of both of these gentlemen created a posiƟve atmosphere that was characterisƟc of this meeƟng. Main focus on degraded fens The meeƟng was enƟtled “Progress and problems in wetland science with a parƟcular focus upon wetland restoraƟon in Europe”. The seminar was divided into seven sessions as follows: • Session I: Wetland restoraƟon in Europe • Session II: Nutrient retenƟon in restored wetlands • Session III: Carbon cycles in wetlands • Session IV: Poster presentaƟons • Session V and VI: Flora and fauna in wetlands • Session VII: Water treatment. On Friday, day two of the meeƟng, we had a guided Įeld trip to reweƩed fen grasslands in North East Germany. A complete book of abstracts was given to the aƩendees of the Conference. Most of the speakers concentrated on peatlands, although some of them used the wider term “wetland

Beautiful whoopers can be seen here and there in the reeds. As rewetting continues, the forest is gradually dying-out and consequently the scenery begins to alter. 44

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

restoraƟon” in their presentaƟons. Strictly interpreted, the great majority of the speakers discussed the restoraƟon of degraded fens. In some papers, including a report by Susanne Lildal Amsinck from Aarhus University, Denmark, re-establishment of freshwater wetlands, including shallow lakes and other aquaƟc environments, was discussed. In many papers it was emphasized that the majority of peatlands in Central Europe had been drained for agricultural purposes during the past millennium in response to populaƟon growth. Eutrophic fens have been used largely as hay meadows and grasslands, which today are regarded as C-source ecosystems. According to Lukasz Kozub, for instance, fens in Poland, used to cover 3.8% of the land area, making up 90% of all peatlands. Of this area, only a small percentage remained undisturbed Ɵll the present Ɵme, the rest having lost most of the ecosystem services previously provided by natural fens. Similar examples can be found in other countries like Germany, Belarus, Ukraine and the Netherlands. Large reweƫng projects of degraded fens have

The “Anklamer Stadtbruch” is traversed by popular trails surrounded by high reed belts, from where the continuous chirps and cries of birds and frogs are carried over a long distance.

been implemented in all of these countries, the main focus being on the reducƟon of GHG emissions and habitat restoraƟon. This development reŇects a major change in the aƫtude of socieƟes towards nature and soil culƟvaƟon work done by previous generaƟons. Many difficulties to overcome The presentaƟons proved that turning back development is by no means a smooth road to take. RestoraƟon achievements are sƟll rather modest as are the areas concerned, compared to the huge

amount of anthropogenically aīected peatlands and other wetlands. The number of projects in diīerent countries may be large, but most of them cover relaƟvely small areas. There are many diīerent factors which may hinder the carrying out of restoraƟon projects, one of them being of a social nature. “Reweƫng is only possible when the area has been bought and all aīected landowners have agreed to the measures”. This view was expressed by Dr. Michael Trepel in his presentaƟon on monitoring the eīecƟveness of wetland restoraƟon projects in the State of Schleswig-Holstein. Dr. Trepel was not the only person to pay aƩenƟon to the role of landowners as important stakeholders in restoraƟon. This quesƟon was also raised by Dr. Veronika FeichƟnger from the Government of Upper Bavaria,

The 4th Annual Meeting of the European Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists took place in Bildungszentrum Erkner near Berlin in the peace of the countryside.

45

The same observaƟon was raised by Jürgen AugusƟn, according to whom re-Ňooded sites can be a strong source of methane emission when liƩer and roots of Reed Canary Grass are decayed to CO2 and CH4. Although great hopes for a reducƟon of global warming potenƟal are connected with reweƫng and reŇooding acƟons, there are only a few pieces of contradictory informaƟon available at the present Ɵme on whether Ňooding reduces GHG exchange and global warming potenƟal, as Jürgen AugusƟn reports. However, he concluded that in the long run, reŇooded sites have a lower climate impact than drained sites or sites with water levels near the surface. A group of excursionists listens to a report from an expert at the “Anklamer Stadtbruch”. In the foreground Divisional Manager Rory Harrington from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government of Waterford, Ireland.

according to whom landowners in Bavaria stand on tradiƟonal forms of land use and where giving up ownership causes diĸculƟes in carrying out restoraƟon projects.

to restore the funcƟon of peat formaƟon, but is less eĸcient in restoring biodiversity and returning the neutral balance of greenhouse gas emissions”.

A bird watchers’ dreamland An almost 12 hour long bus trip from Erkner to the “Anklamer Stadtbruch” on the southern shore of the Oderhaī and back came up to all expectaƟons of the parƟcipants interested in bird watching. A 2,000 ha large peatland complex at the mouth of the Peene River was partly Ňooded over in the winter of

Susanne Lildal Amsinck reported that at the mid-term evaluaƟon of the Second AcƟon Plan on the AquaƟc Environment, approved by the Danish Parliament in 1998, only 90 ha of wetland had been restored, the main reason being the low compensaƟon paid to landowners. In the evaluaƟon, it was also stated that conducƟng a restoraƟon project is, in pracƟce, much more complicated and Ɵme-consuming, than expected. In addiƟon to Įnancial, legislaƟve and administraƟve problems, there are sƟll many open scienƟĮc quesƟons to be answered in restoraƟon projects. Some of them are connected with the impact of reweƫng of fens on greenhouse gas emissions, in which process there seem to be contradictory eīects between CO2 and methane emissions. In the summary of his abstract, Lukasz Kozub states “The most commonly used restoraƟon measure, i.e. reweƫng, may help 46

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

The view from a watch-tower overlooking the flooded “Anklamer Stadtbruch”. On the left, a dike built in 2001 in order to prevent water from pouring into nearby villages.

1995/1996 during a heavy storm from the BalƟc Sea, which broke up dikes and let water pour into the area. A new dike was built farther oīshore in 2001, ditches were closed and the area was leŌ in a natural state. Today the area’s aquaƟc system corresponds largely with that of the original condiƟons. This has aƩracted an enormous number of diīerent bird species to live and brood on the wetland and its vicinity. The “Anklamer Stadtbruch” and the adjacent “Kleine Haī” provide ideal living condiƟons for the Great Cormorant, for example, which has been near to exƟncƟon in Europe. Thanks to protecƟon programs since the 1980’s, Germany’s biggest Great Cormorant populaƟon is to be found in Mecklenburg - Western Pomerania where about 2,000 pairs brood in the crowns of dead trees in the “Anklamer Stadtbruch”.

Another object of the study tour was the lake Galenbecker See near Neubrandenburg, south of Steƫner Haī. It is part of the 12,000 ha large “Friedländer Grosse Wiese”, which was, in its natural stage, the largest percolaƟon fen in northern Germany. Agricultural use of this extensive fen area started, according to Swedish registry maps, as early as at the end of the 17th century. ExcavaƟng of drainage systems gradually aīected the water level and quality of the lake located inside the peatland area. In 2001, an EU-LIFE project was started to stabilize the water regime in the lake with the aid of a 7.3 km long arƟĮcial dam. The general picture of the inundated area is very much similar to that of “Anklamer Stadtbruch”. Especially noteworthy was the abundance of fauna in the waters of the inundated area.

Sources Naturraumsanierung Galenbecker See. Herausgeber: Staatliches Amt für Umwelt und Natur Ückerrmünde, 2007 New Nature in North-Eastern Germany. A Field Guide of the 5th European Conference on Ecological RestoraƟon. InsƟtute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, University of Greifswald, 2006. Progress and problems in wetland science – with a parƟcular focus upon wetland restoraƟon in Europe. Programme & Abstracts of the 4th Annual MeeƟng of the European Chapter of the Society of Wetland ScienƟsts. Leibniz-InsƟtute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries. Berlin 2009.

Raimo Sopo e-mail: raimo.sopo@kolumbus.¿

47

DSS-WAMOS – A new Web-based Planning Tool for Fen Restoration in European Temperate Forests

Text and photos: Bernhard Hasch, Heike Lotsch, Vera Luthardt, Ron Meier-Uhlherr and Jutta Zeitz

Introduction Located in the extensive woodland of Central Europe, there is a large quanƟty and a wide range of fens and transiƟonal mires. The hydrological regime of these forest mires has frequently been changed by drainage due to agriculture or commercial forestry in the past. Though in many cases the economic intent has become redundant, the pressures, like drainage, are sƟll acƟve. The implicaƟons are a rapidly decreasing biodiversity and increasing releases of nutrients and climate relevant gases aīected by accelerated peat decomposiƟon. Considering the very large number of small to medium-sized forest mires that need to be restored, it was reasonable to develop an eĸcient and easy to use web-based planning tool to provide understandable 48

and meaningful informaƟon for decision making and deriving recommendaƟons for an individually adapted management strategy of forest mires. The Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Soil Science and Site Science, in close collaboraƟon with the University of Applied Sciences Eberswalde, Department for Landscape Use and Nature ConservaƟon, has now completed their work on the development and design of a web-based decision support system for management of forest mires (DSS-WAMOS). The main feature of the DSS-WAMOS is a web-based dialogue interface leading the user through the decision making process, providing speciĮc informaƟon for each decision step and delivering a Įnal report with a management strategy.

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

Based on literature studies, the evaluaƟon of closed restoraƟon projects and expert discussions in Germany, the most important and frequently applied parameters for site classiĮcaƟon have been idenƟĮed as the main basis to set restoraƟon objecƟves and determine measurements. Further exisƟng freely available DSS-components were searched and reviewed with regard to their applicability for the DSS-WAMOS. To build up the model component of the DSS-WAMOS, the decision making process was structured and subdivided into several secƟons and modules adapted to the principles of ecological planning (Pfadenhauer and Zeitz 2001). In every sectoral module, dichotomous decision trees are used for site classiĮcaƟon. The modules are linked by matrices and logical operaƟons ensuring that decisions and outcomes of previous

modules are considered in the subsequent modules. Finally the dialogue interface of the DSS-WAMOS was developed and websites for an online query-replysystem were designed. The model component The model component of the DSS is subdivided into two decision secƟons and six modules to derive the main restoraƟon objecƟves and to determine their best Įƫng measures (Fig. 1). Both secƟons contain several modules to handle diīerent decision aspects. In each module, the sectoral decision making is supported by a dichotomous decision tree. Sectoral decision results are summarized in an integrated management strategy with the help of matrices. The Įrst aspect of deĮning the restoraƟon objecƟve is to esƟmate the water yield, which can limit the reweƫng potenƟal, with respect to parameters like discharge, groundwater level, climaƟc water balance, water permeability of mineral subsoil and the slope of the adjacent watershed. The second important aspect is to assess the risk of impairment on protected species and habitats caused by reweƫng and collateral nutrient remobilisaƟon of inŇowing nutrient-rich water (Trepel 2004, Zak et al. 2004). Protected oligotrophic habitats in the mire or downstream may be damaged. Furthermore, unadjusted reweƫng can cause serious damage on protected habitats which are not adapted to inundaƟon. For assessment, diīerent ecological mire types and habitats including their neighbouring areas are considered as well as the degree of topsoil earthiĮcaƟon, intensity of agriculture and forestry, the

Left: Typical kettle hole mire in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany.

Fig. 1. Basic structure of the DSSWAMOS model component.

mire/watershed area raƟo and mire discharge. Finally, ongoing land use in the mire, which can limit full reweƫng, is taken into account. The outcomes of these sectoral modules are used to highlight the restoraƟon objecƟve out of six possible predeĮned types concerning the prospecƟve water regime, with or without inundaƟon, and the kind of land use or maintenance. The second decision secƟon is the determinaƟon of measures. To determine the water engineering measures, the local hydromorphological characterisƟcs are classiĮed by a decision tree considering the ecological mire type, slope of mire surface, peat substrate, mire depth, topsoil earthiĮcaƟon, decomposiƟon of the peat layer in the subsoil, water permeability of the mineral subsoil and aīorestaƟon status.

site types with diīerent starƟng condiƟons for reweƫng. In consideraƟon of the varying restoraƟon objecƟves, the adequate water engineering measure scheme is given by way of a matrix. Within the module “catchment area”, a decision is made on measures to increase water supply from a catchment area. This can be realized, e.g., by reducing the density of forest stands or by converƟng coniferous woodland into deciduous woodland. Relevant criteria for measurement determinaƟon are the abundance and composiƟon of forest skirt bordering the mire, forest species composiƟon, forestal site type of forest stand, age structure of coniferous forests in the catchment

Finally, this results in the descripƟon of 20 diīerent hydromorphological 49

area and incidence of protected species and habitats in the mire. The module “maintenance” proposes how to handle undesirable aīorestaƟon in the mire depending on the feasibility of water engineering measures, type of current land use, species and abundance of mire grove, abundance of hypnum moss, incidence of speciĮc kinds of shadowingsensiƟve vegetaƟon that need to be preserved, hydrostaƟc type of mire (the ability of surface oscillaƟon) and a long term warrantee of maintenance. In most of the cases, the required input parameters are provided by an adapted standardized Įeld mapping method for forest mires (Luthardt et al. 2004). AddiƟonal informaƟon is provided online by linked external data sources including spaƟal databases, e.g. on regional climate or geohydrology. The dialogue interface Overall the modular decision tree of the DSS-WAMOS is made of 530 T-

juncƟons and more than 300 internet pages managed by a java applet, running on every common internet browser. Because the elaborated decision tree is not very comfortable to handle, the user will only see the dialogue interface (online query-reply system) leading through the decision making process. The internet pages of the dialogue interface hold only one query per step that needs to be answered (Fig. 2). To every query the DSS gives a basic instrucƟon explaining the decision-relevant criteria and classiĮcaƟon scheme and provides further informaƟon like references, addiƟonal web links or illustraƟons. Typically, about 30 to 40 steps are necessary for a complete run. The DSS-WAMOS is an appropriate instrument to derive an individuallyadapted management strategy for restoraƟon of forest mires with high reliability at rather low datarequirement, high transparency of the decision-making process and simple pracƟcability providing upto-date experƟse and professional decision-relevant informaƟon. This tool should oīer pracƟƟoners, such

Fig. 2: Dialogue interface of the DSS-WAMOS.

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as forestry oĸces, forest owners, nature conservaƟon authoriƟes, landscape planning companies and others, easy access to the applicaƟon of current knowledge about forest mire restoraƟon. References Luthardt, V., Guilbert, S., Meier, R. (2004). Vorschlag zur IstZustandserfassung und Bewertung von Feuchtgebieten in den Wäldern Brandenburgs auf der Grundlage eines neu entwickelten KarƟerverfahrens (Proposal for an analysis of the actual state and an appraisal of wetlands in the forests of the Federal State of Brandenburg based on a new mapping technique). Beitr. Forstwirtsch. und LandschaŌsökologie 3. 155-163. Pfadenhauer, J. and Zeitz, J. (2001). Leitbilder und Ziele für die Renaturierung norddeutscher Niedermoore (Guiding principles and objecƟves for fen restoraƟon in Northern Germany). In Kratz, R. and Pfadenhauer, J. (Hrsg.), Ökosystemmanagement für Niedermoore. 317 pp.

Trepel, M. (2004). Vorschläge zur Beurteilung der redoxabhängigen Phosphorfreisetzung durch die Vernässung von Niedermoorböden (Proposals for esƟmaƟon of redoxsensiƟve phosphorous release by reweƫng of fen soils). ÖkologieZentrum an der ChrisƟan-AlbrechtsUniversität zu Kiel. Im AuŌrag des Landesamtes für Natur und Umwelt des Landes Schleswig-Holstein. Kiel. 49 pp. Zak, D., Gelbrecht, J., Lenschow, U. (2004). Die Wiedervernässung von Mooren im Peenetal – Erste Ergebnisse zur Freisetzung von Nährstoīen (Reweƫng of mires in the Peene-valley. First results of nutrient release). WasserwirtschaŌ 5/2004. 29-34.

REGENLAND Bernhard Hasch, Heike Lotsch, Jutta Zeitz Division of Soil Science and Site Science Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Invalidenstr. 42 D-10115 Berlin, Germany e-mail: [email protected] Ron Meier-Uhlherr, Vera Luthardt Department for Landscape Use and Nature Conservation University of Applied Sciences Eberswalde Fr.-Ebertstr. 28 D-16225 Eberswalde, Germany e-mail: [email protected]

Barbara Schmatzler Gerfried Caspers Hartmut Falkenberg Eckhard Schmatzler Photographs of Restored Peatlands in Lower Saxony after Peat Production 144 pages, 25 x 28 cm, in German ISBN 978-3-00-024391-2 € 25 + € 4.30 English text + shipping e-mail: [email protected]

Empty book shelves? Order peat and peatland publications online at www.peatsociety.org *worldwide mailing costs included* 51

IPS Award of Excellence to Dr. Timo Nyrönen Award speech by Donal Clarke, IPS President

The Executive Board of the International Peat Society has decided to confer the IPS Award of Excellence 2009 on Dr. Timo Nyrönen. The Award of Excellence of the InternaƟonal Peat Society is, since 2005, conferred every year on a member of the IPS for outstanding contribuƟons in maƩers related to peat and peatlands, especially with regard to Wise Use. The Award comprises a framed scroll and a prize of € 1000.

Timo Nyrönen has been involved in research and development on peat and peatlands for more than thirty years, inŇuencing peat producƟon technologies not only in Finland but also in many other countries. There is no doubt that he is one of the most excepƟonal and inŇuenƟal persons working in the sectors of peat chemistry, producƟon development and environmental issues. For a large part of his career, Timo worked for what is now Vapo Oy, from chief of the peat laboratory in

1977 to his recent task as Director of the Research Department. InternaƟonally, he served from 1992 to 1996 on the Council of the InternaƟonal Peat Society and, since 2004, as a member of the ExecuƟve Board of the European Peat and Growing Media AssociaƟon. In addiƟon, he chaired IPS Commission IV for many years and was involved in the organisaƟon of numerous congresses, symposia and other events. One of Timo Nyrönen’s latest developments was the new peat producƟon technology in which peat is excavated and aŌerwards dried on an asphalt Įeld, thereby increasing site producƟvity, lowering environmental impacts and decreasing weather dependence. In the eyes of his colleagues, partners and friends, Timo has made a remarkable contribuƟon as a scienƟst and pracƟƟoner. His enthusiasm and dedicaƟon have impressed many. It can be said that his approach to many problems provided an excellent example of how science and technology can work together and to promote the Wise Use of peat and peatlands. We warmly thank Timo for his eīorts and send our best regards to him and his family. Of course we would have liked to hand over the Award formally to Timo at the Annual Assembly in Belfast.

The IPS Award of Excellence was handed over personally at Timo’s home on 9 June by IPS Secretary General Jaakko Silpola, Riitta Korhonen, Chair of the Finnish Peatland Society, and IPS Communications Manager Susann Warnecke (photo).

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PEATLANDS International 1/2009

However, we regret that he was not able to aƩend due to personal commitments. Accordingly we placed the Award in the hands of the Finnish NaƟonal CommiƩee (Suoseura ry) who will make sure that Timo receives it in good order in his home city of Jyväskylä.

New Honorary Member Thomas J. Malterer, USA Application letter by Don Grubich As the Chairman of the U.S. NaƟonal CommiƩee of the IPS it was my honor to propose Dr. Thomas J. Malterer for elecƟon to an Honorary Membership in the IPS. Tom reƟred in early June 2009 from his posiƟon at the University of Minnesota, Natural Resources Research InsƟtute. He has been an IPS member for over 30 years and an asset to the organizaƟon. Tom Malterer’s educaƟon includes the degrees of Ph.D. in Soil Science and M.A. and B.A. in Geography from the University of Minnesota. I Įrst met Tom when he was a Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Minnesota in the mid 1970’s. He prepared the Įrst map that showed the locaƟon of all of the peatlands in the State of Minnesota. As a Natural Resources Specialist for the Department of Natural Resources and the leader of their Peat Inventory program in the late 1970’s, he assisted me in planning and carrying out some of the Study Tours and Post Congress trips of the 6th InternaƟonal Congress held in Duluth in 1980. Tom presented a paper in Duluth and the 6th Congress was his Įrst. He has parƟcipated in every Congress since, as well as many of the symposia held throughout the world, presenƟng papers, posters and assisƟng as the Chairman of many Technical Sessions. I asked him to be my Co-Chairman of the 1991 Symposium held in Duluth, not only to assist me, but also to introduce him to the organizing of internaƟonal events. He later organized the 1998 Symposium held in Duluth. We served on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Peat AssociaƟon

together for quite a few years and he now is and has been the President for a long period of Ɵme. Altogether, Tom has worked Įve years as Director of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Peat Inventory program, four years as Supervisor of Biomass and Peat Slurry Fuels, Energy and Environmental Research at the University of North Dakota and Įnally 21 years as the Peat Program Director at the Natural Resources Research InsƟtute, University of Minnesota. Tom served as an IPS Council Member from 1990-1996, at which Ɵme the ExecuƟve Board was formed and the Council terminated. He also served as Deputy Chairman of Commission I as well as being a member of the PI Editorial Board and contributed the chapter “Peat Resources of the United States” for the IPS publicaƟon “Global Peat Resources.” Tom’s Peatland Division of the Natural Resources Research InsƟtute (NRRI) has aided the development of three new horƟcultural peat operaƟons in Minnesota. Not only with the aspects of resource evaluaƟon and permiƫng, but also in cooperaƟon with State and local governmental agencies. Tom and his staī conƟnue to work with all

Tom Malterer together with Stéphanie Boudreau at the international peatland restoration tour 2005 in Canada. Photo: Susann Warnecke of the peat producers, as asked, and through their Ɵes with the Minnesota Peat AssociaƟon. Tom’s major project in recent years is a restoraƟon project where they are creaƟng a wetland bank at my old research staƟon, which was given to the University in 1986. They are creaƟng a valuable asset that allows government agencies, as well as others, to buy wetland credits to replace wetlands destroyed in the development of highways and other important projects. His accomplishments are great. He has experience not only in research but also in working with peat producers. The IPS has been an important part of his life and I believe it will be for many more years. 53

In memoriam

Tomasz Brandyk 2nd Vice President of IPS 2004 - 2009 born 12 September 1951, died 16 May 2009

It is with deepest sorrow that we heard that Tomasz Brandyk died suddenly on 16 May 2009 at the age of 57. Tomasz Brandyk was well known by the members of the “InternaƟonal peat family” and by many of his generaƟon as one of the warmest persons, a great scienƟst and a wonderful man.

in Wageningen, in The Netherlands. In addiƟon, he held a posiƟon of researcher at the Civil Engineering Department of University College in Dublin, Ireland. He also contributed much to several universiƟes and scienƟĮc insƟtuƟons in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, The Netherlands, Turkey and the United States.

Tomaz Brandyk was born in Bydgoszcz, Poland in 1951. In 1974, he graduated from the Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Sciences at Warsaw Agricultural University, Poland. Since his graduaƟon, he has worked in the Department of the Environmental Development at Warsaw Agricultural University. Throughout his scienƟĮc career, he worked as assistant, assistant professor, associate professor and full professor. He has also published and coauthored about 500 scienƟĮc papers and 10 books in many countries.

Prof. Brandyk’s scienƟĮc interests were focused on the impact of the secondary transformed peat soils on water movement, aspects of moisture control for soils with shallow groundwater levels, the use of mathemaƟcal modelling in soil water management, the importance of soil moisture in climate modelling as well as water management for the protecƟon and restoraƟon of transformed peat-moorsh soils.

Moreover, during his career, Prof. Brandyk gave over 30 lectures at numerous internaƟonal conferences and congresses as well as 15 invited lectures at diīerent foreign universiƟes. He was granted long-term scholarships at the Agronomy Department at the Iowa State University, USA and at the InsƟtute for Land and Water Management Research

54

AddiƟonally he studied the impact of irrigaƟon and drainage on the physical parameters of soils, methods of soil parameter measurements in unsaturated zones, analysis of water movement in organic soils with changing geometry, studies of shrinkage - swelling behavior and geometry factors in peat soils, inŇuence of physical properƟes on moisture retenƟon in peat soils and subsidence and the disappearance of peat deposits in relaƟon to drainage and climaƟc condiƟons. This scienƟĮc work was carried out by acƟve parƟcipaƟon in internaƟonal research programs as a coordinator, main performer and executor.

PEATLANDS International 1/2009

From 1993 to 1999, Prof. Brandyk held the post of Dean at the Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Sciences at Warsaw Agricultural University and was therefore heavily involved in the acƟviƟes carried out by this insƟtute. Since 2000, he had been head of the Department of Environmental Development at the University. In 2002 he was elected corresponding member of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the following year he was chosen as Vice Chair of the Division V - Agronomy, Forestry, and Veterinary Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences. From the early days, Prof. Brandyk parƟcipated eĸciently in the work of scienƟĮc organizaƟons involved in the study and uƟlizaƟon of peat and peatlands. He played an invaluable role in the acƟviƟes of Polish and foreign scienƟĮc organizaƟons and commiƩees, for example, in the InternaƟonal Peat Society (IPS) and its Polish NaƟonal CommiƩee. From 2004 unƟl his death, he was the second Vice-President of IPS and the Chairman of the ScienƟĮc Advisory Board of IPS. In addiƟon he chaired the NaƟonal CommiƩee of Poland in the years 2000 to 2004 and was member of the ExecuƟve Board of IPS’s Commission III. Prof. Brandyk was an Editorial Board member of several Polish and internaƟonal scienƟĮc publicaƟons including Peatlands InternaƟonal.

Tomasz Brandyk.

Besides his intensive involvement in IPS’s acƟviƟes, he also parƟcipated in the Polish Central Commission for ScienƟĮc Titles and Degrees, the Polish Soil Science Society and the Polish Commission of IrrigaƟon and Drainage. In addiƟon, he was a member of the ScienƟĮc Councils of the InsƟtute of Agrophysics in Lublin, the InsƟtute for Land ReclamaƟon and Grassland Farming in Falenty and the InsƟtute for Agricultural and Forest Environment of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznaŷ. Prof. Dr. h. c. Tomasz Józef Brandyk was an outstanding specialist who made an innovaƟve contribuƟon to the water management and

protecƟon of peat soil environments. On 5 October 2005 he was awarded a degree of Honorary Doctor Honoris Causa at the Agricultural University of Wrocųaw, Poland. Tomasz Brandyk won the respect and admiraƟon of everyone for his quiet and eĸcient service to the community. He was always cheerful and happy to give a helping hand to everybody. He will be greatly missed for his friendly personality. Tomasz Brandyk will stay in our memory as an excellent colleague and kindhearted friend. Lech Wojciech Szajdak Teal Lough April 2009

55

New brochure in German: Questions and answers about peatlands and climate The German NaƟonal CommiƩee of IPS, Deutsche GesellschaŌ für Moor- und TorŅunde e.V. (DGMT), has published a 12-page Ňyer on peatlands and climate change. The Ňyer answers to eight quesƟons which are frequently asked by members of the peat industry, peatland restoraƟon acƟvists, water managers, environmental authoriƟes, poliƟcians as well as natural history teachers or interested laymen. The publicaƟon aims to inform these groups on recent knowledge about mires and climate change, addresses uncertainƟes in the assessment of the climate impact of diīerent land use categories and discusses land use opƟons for peatlands with a lower climate warming potenƟal than today. The Ňyer is completed by a short list of references and internet

links allowing deeper insights into the maƩer as well as a membership applicaƟon form for the DGMT. The Ňyer was wriƩen by some acƟve members represenƟng all secƟons of the German IPS NaƟonal CommiƩee namely Heinrich Höper, Silke Kumar, Greta Gaudig, Joachim Blankenburg, Gerfried Caspers and Michael Trepel. The Įnal text was approved by the naƟonal board members to ensure that all secƟons accept the wording. The layout was done by Eckstein & Hagestedt from Kiel, a professional design bureau. The Ňyer can be ordered in German in small quanƟƟes from gerfried. [email protected], or downloaded from the DGMT webpage: hƩp://dgmtev.de/ publikaƟonen_Ňyer.html.

The 8 quesƟons • What have mires to do with climate change? • Which climate relevant gases are emitted from mires and peatlands? • How are methane-emissions from pristine mires assessed? • Which climate impact has land use on mires? • What is the importance of the peat industry for climate change? • Is it possible to sequester carbon dioxide through peatland restoration? • Will peatland rewetting increase methane emissions and thus reduce the positive impact of carbon accumulation as peat? • How can we proceed?

Subscribe to Peat News! If you are a member of the International Peat Society and wish to know about the activities of the “peat family” on a more regular basis than by reading Peatlands International, we invite you to order our monthly e-mail newsletter Peat News. To subscribe, please send your e-mail address to [email protected]. The subscription is included in the membership fee. Peat News is sent out every month to about 1,000 IPS members and an number of other stakeholders in peat and peatlands. The latest issue and summaries of earlier topics can also be found on the Internet at www.peatsociety.org.

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PEATLANDS International 1/2009

57

Future IPS Meetings and Symposia Finnish Peatland Society AŌernoon Seminar and Dinner 60th Anniversary Helsinki, 23 October 2009 More info: www.suoseura.Į Finnish Peatland Society Autumn meeƟng Helsinki, 24 November 2009 More info: www.suoseura.Į Finnish Peatland Society Excursion to Satakunta ja South-Ostrobothnia 14 - 16 September 2009 More info: www.suoseura.Į

IPS Commission II, SympoPeat, Dutch NaƟonal CommiƩee Life in Growing Media Netherlands, June 2010

German Peat Society Annual Assembly and Excursion Karlsruhe, 23 - 26 September 2009

Symposium on Sustainability of Peatlands Management and Growing Media ProducƟon Quebec, Canada, 14 - 17 June 2011

Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management Launch and seminar Central Europe, October 2009

14th InternaƟonal Peat Congress Peatlands in Balance Stockholm, Sweden, 3 - 8 June 2012

Events of related organisations 10th International Congress of Ecology Brisbane, Australia, 16 - 21 August 2009 More info: www.intecol10.org

International Horti Fair Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 13 - 16 October 2009 More info: www.hortifair.nl

International Conference on Problems of studying and use of Siberian Peat Resources Tomsk, Russia, 24 - 27 August 2009 More info: www.snipurl.com/hv6g9

XIIIth World Forestry Congress (WFC) Buenos Aires, Argentina, 18 - 25 October 2009 More info: www.cifor.cgiar.org

Bioenergy 2009 - Sustainable Bioenergy Business Jyväskylä, Finland, 31 August - 4 September 2009 More info: www.bioenergy2009.¿nbioenergy.¿ IMCG Field Symposium and Congress Georgia and Armenia, 1 - 16 September 2009 More info: www.imcg.net WETPOL 2009 3rd Symposium on Wetland Pollutant Dynamics and Control Barcelona, Spain, 20 - 24 September 2009 Eforwood - Shape your sustainability tools Uppsala, Sweden, 23 - 24 September 2009 More info: www.eforwood.com 2nd Int. Symposium on “Peatlands in the Global Carbon Cycle” Prague, Czech Republic, 25 - 30 September 2009 More info: www.peatnet.siu.edu

UNFCCC - UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference COP 15 Copenhagen, Denmark, 30 November - 11 December 2009 BioEnergy 2010 Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, 1 - 3 June 2010 More info: www.bioenergyconference.org Renewable Energy 2010 Paci¿co, Yokohama, Japan, 27 June - 3 July 2010 More info: www.renewableenergy.jp XXVIII International Horticultural Congress Lisbon, Portugal, 22 - 27 August 2010 More info: www.ishs.org XXIII IUFRO World Congress - Forests for the Future: Sustainability and Environment Seoul, Korea, 23 - 28 August 2010 More info: www.iufro.org

A frequently updated list of IPS events and symposia of related organisations is posted at www.peatsociety.org. To inform us about future happenings of interest for IPS members, please contact [email protected].

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PEATLANDS International 1/2009

Let’s Measure Peat Do you still measure the bulkdensity of your peat and substrates according to EN12580 by hand? As many people have experienced, measuring this by hand is very time-consuming and gives results that can deviate as much as 20 percent. last century….

The Solution

the INADCO Densimeter Accurate and fully automatic. Many satisfied users over the past 10 years Various options are possible: - Stand alone or combined with: - a printer - a (certified) Belt Weigher - a data storage device - a connection with your factory automation - moisture-measurement - ….. Contact us for more specific information or look at our website.

The yellow shovel takes samples from the belt and drops them in the black CEN Measuring Cylinder (with white bottom).

Meerheide 18 5521 DZ Eersel The Netherlands Phone: ++31 497-517291 Fax: ++31 497-517469 Internet: www.inadco.nl E-mail: [email protected]

59



 

  
  

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