Great Mühl gains nine restored river stretches

Nine stretches of the Great Mühl river in the Rohrbach district have been restored to a more natural state, creating habitats for fish and other wildlife, ORF reports. The work included placing stones in the riverbed and creating new bays along the banks.

Large stones were placed in the river from Klaffer am Hochficht to Pürnstein Castle. They create different currents and quieter zones, as well as deeper pools behind the stones that retain water during low levels. The structures provide shelter for fish including brown trout, grayling and bullhead.

In Klaffer and Haslach, the project also created side bays as refuges for animals during floods and periods of heat. Thomas Koller, head of the Rohrbach fishing district, said the summer had left the impression that “nothing lives in our rivers.” He said images showed that action could make a difference.

The Grieskirchen water district planned the project with the Rohrbach fishing district, with applications submitted by municipalities along the river. Nine municipalities were involved. The work cost about 200,000 euros, funded by the federal government, the state and the state fisheries association.