Demolishing the Pöyry hydroelectric dam and restoring the rapids will be an important step in reviving migratory fish stocks in the Siikajoki River
The Siikajoki Vapaaksi environmental association is set to restore the Pöyrynkoski rapids, enabling the free ascent of migratory fish in the river. The project was formally launched on Tuesday 12 August at Revonlahti School in Siikajoki, North Ostrobothnia. Formally conveying favourable greetings to the event, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah noted that the project was a superb example of a remediation exercise promoted by local parties and prepared in broad partnership.
joint statement by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Siikajoki Municipality and the Siikajoki Vapaaksi association
The plan is to restore the Pöyrynkoski rapids in the lower reaches of the Siikajoki River to their natural state. This work will seek to resuscitate the migratory fish stocks of the Siikajoki River, enabling diversification of recreational use of the rapids and of the entire Siikajoki watershed. The scale of the project is significant nationally, incorporating a real estate transaction between the Siikajoki Vapaaksi association and Koskienergia power company that covers the hydroelectric power plant and land areas. This deal will enable closure of the hydroelectric power plant and demolition of the dam.
The Siikajoki River has been an important watercourse for migratory fish, providing anglers with opportunities to catch salmon, whitefish, trout, grayling and other species. Stocks of these migratory fish have nevertheless practically vanished from the river due to intensive hydraulic engineering. While two fishways have been constructed to bypass the Pöyry Dam, these have not proved sufficient to ensure the free migration of fish in the river.
"The state of the Siikajoki River and the future of the Pöyry Dam have long been topics of discussion in the area. The Siikajoki Vapaaksi association has jointly concluded with public authorities that demolishing the dam will be the best way to rebuild fish stocks and improve the state of the river. This measure will open up some 750 kilometres of free hiking access to the extensive breeding grounds of the main river channel and tributaries, restoring the rapids of the Pöyrynkoski area to their natural state," explains Lauri Junttila, Chair of the Siikajoki Vapaaksi association that is leading the restoration project.
The project is supported under the NOUSU programme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which provides financial and specialist assistance for projects that seek to improve stocks of migratory fish.
"Remediating the Pöyrynkoski rapids to enhance the watercourse environment and resuscitate migratory fish stocks is a major undertaking in terms of both implementation and impact. The project is based on voluntary effort and broadly-based cooperation. It demonstrates the exemplary strong commitment of local people to work for the benefit of the valuable natural environment of their own region," says Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah.
The Siikajoki River mainly serves the municipalities of Siikajoki, Siikalatva and Pyhäntä. The goal is long-term improvement of the watercourse through a partnership between municipalities and other public authorities.
"The Siikajoki River is a priceless asset of the local population, and people are strongly motivated to improve its condition. "Remediating the Pöyrynkoski rapids will enable recreational use of the river, providing a boost for tourism and a major opportunity for regional development," explains Siikajoki Mayor Tiina Hovi.
Preliminary plans have been drawn up for demolishing the Pöyry dam. The aim is to demolish the dam entirely, returning waters in the area to their natural level and thereby restoring the original extended stretch of rapids. The process will continue with more detailed implementation planning and water permit application measures. Local residents will be kept informed of the progress of planning and implementation as the project continues.
Photo: Pöyrynkoski Dam on the Siikajoki River, Mikael Parkkila
For further details of Siikajoki River remediation, please contact:
Lauri Junttila, Chair of the Siikajoki Vapaaksi association, tel. +358 44 015 0082, lauri.l.junttila@gmail.com
Perttu Tamminen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358 50 438 2179, firstname.lastname@gov.fi
Links to related websites
Siikajoki Vapaaksi association (in Finnish)
Elsewhere online:
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry: NOUSU programme (in Finnish)
