Download First Interim Activity Report

ESTONIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY
LIFE00NAT/EE/7082
Restoration and management of the Häädemeeste wetland complex
INTERIM REPORT
WITH INTERIM PAYMENT REQUEST
NOVEMBER 2002
COMPILED BY:
Marika Kose
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THE DELIVERABLE PRODUCTS
Product
Leaflet for farmers
and landowners
Management plan
Hydrological
assessment of
Maasika bog and S
part of Tolkuse
Bog
Name or nr of
reference action
E 13
A1
A3
Deadline
References
April 2002
Completed
See Annex 19.
September 2002 Delayed due to the time
consuming procedure, see the
request for a modification and
Annex 1 (1.-8.)
December 2002 Completed
See Annex 1. 3
THE PROJECT MILESTONES
Milestone
Steering committee
Project management
Land ownership and restitution survey
Public meeting
Meeting with local stakeholders
Contracts and management agreements
Preparatory actions for grazing are taken
Bird watching towers
Bird watching hide
Livestock grazing infrastructure is in
place
Livestock grazing management of coastal
meadow
Guided visits are organised
Livestock purchase
Managing of coastal meadow by mowing
Information and accommodation building
Hydrologic assessment of peat-bog
Name or n°
of reference
action
A.2
F.2
A.6
A.4
E.4
A.5
D.1
E.16
Deadline
September 2001
September 2001
October 2001
October 2001
March 2002
April 2002
April 2002
April 2002
E.17
C.6
May 2002
May 2002
Done, see Annex 2 (23)
Done,
Done, see Annex 5, 6
Done, see Annex 3
Done, see Annex 18
Done, see Annex 4
Done, see Annex 12
Partly done, see
modifications and Annex 21
Delayed, see modifications
Done, see Annex 9
D.2
May 2002
Done, see Annex 14
E.2
D.1
D.3
E.18
A3
May 2002
June 2002
July 2002
August 2002
October 2002
Done, see Annex 16
Done, see Annex 13
Done, see Annex 14
Delayed, see modifications.
Done, see Annex 1. (3)
References
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Action A1.
The management plan of the Rannametsa-Soometsa nature Reserve.
Elaboration of the Rannametsa-Soometsa Nature Reserve Management Plan (MP) was started as
the priority preparatory action of the project in October 2001. The task was contracted the
specialists Uudo Timm and Piret Kiristaja from Information and Technology Centre of the
Ministry of Environment. The preparatory task was to collect all the possible data about the
reserve area, which in advance was known, was not much to be found. In January, 2002, the
skeleton of the document was proposed, in which there were a lot of empty spaces, which
indicated the need of fieldwork investigations and therefore already then it was obvious, that the
completion date, proposed in project application, was unrealistic.
The following process can be described with the contracted fieldwork reports, added as
Annex 1.
(1. Botanical research maps(On CD Annex 23). 2. Forestry research. 3. Hydrological
assessment report. 4. Bird censuses, maps, report. 5. Sand patches investigation report. 6.
Aerial survey, recording of photographic material on habitats. 7. Two public meeting photos.
8. The preliminary MP document.).
One of the main focus in the survey’s has been censusing the breeding and migratory bird
populations of the reserve. This is the first time, when thorough study of the ornithofauna of the
reserve as whole has been done. During the period of the spring and autumn migration, the
numbers and dynamics of staging waterbird populations has been regularily censused. This
work has resulted with new data on numbers of staging waterbirds. Several of them got new
maximal numbers and some species according their numbers additionally qualify the site as
Important Bird Area at international level (eg. Smew Mergus albellus). The survey of the
breeding bird communities revealed some surprises as well. It turned out, that the capercaille
population in the reserve is far more numerous than expected. There has been counted at least
67 males displaying trees. In total, there are estimated 45-60 lekking males in the area, which
makes it one of the top ten areas in the country. Big surprise was also census of the corncrakes.
It has turned out, that fields, especially in the northern part of the reserve are very important for
the corncracke but also fields adjacent to the reserve. Important process going parallely with the
development of the management plan for the Ranametsa – Soometsa NR is selection of the
canditate Special Protection Areas for implementing of the EU Bird Directive in Estonia.
Estonian Ornithological Society is principal partner for the international consortium which is
implementing the project for selecting of candidate SPA-s funded by Dutch MATRA fund.
Therefore, the preparation of the adequate bird data, defining borders for a SPA and filling
standart data form has been important tasks in current year as well. Concerning the optimizing
of borders of the nature reserve and desiging of the cSPA there has been taken into
concideration existing and new bird data on these processes. It has been revealed, that several
rare bird species (under strictly protected, I natioal protection category), have breeding places
adjacent to the NE part of the reserve (White-tailed Eagle, Lesser-spotted Eagle, Black Stork). It
has been considered logic and practical to propose the enlargement of the reserve in account of
these forest areas and include them into borders of cSPA as well. Due to large corncrake
populations, it was decided to include fields, surrounding or between reserve as part of the
future SPA and do not include them as part of the reserve. There has been first time compiled
the species list for the reserve. It appears, that 249 species has been registered in this teritory,
from which 166 species are actual or potential breeding birds and 12 of them are vagrants.
According to the updated information, 70 Annex I species of the Bird Directive has been
registered in the area, from whom 36 are breeding species. In total, 1010 working hours has
been devoted for the ornithological fieldwork in the reserve in 2002.
During Botanical research on coastal meadows the habitat types were distinguished, rare species
mapped and Gladiolus imbricatus population study carried out. The draft of thorough innovative
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monitoring scheme was produced; it is still in discussion phase and therefore not included as
annex.
To the beginning of November all the crucial fieldwork was done and preliminary or final
reports handed over. Two public meetings were held to introduce the draft to local communities,
all the stakeholder groups were informed and invited and asked for comments. The draft was set
up to LIFE project WWW page(www.livonia.ee/life-haademeetste) and there is possibility to
comment online, also by writing letters.
Until December the MP is open for comments and proposals, and then the final document will
be compiled and there will be two other meetings to demonstrate it to the stakeholders. After
that it will be proposed to the Minister of Environment to sign. We hope that all will be ready at
least for the May 2003 and the modification to prolong Action 1 has been asked for. The Project
Steering Committee accepted the delay and modification proposal.
Action A2. The formation of Project steering Committee.
The Project Steering Committee (SC) was established and two meetings have been held. The SC
consists of the partners and beneficiary and ministry representatives, also of specialists of the
similar field. The List of Steering Committee members is included in Annex 2.
Action A3.
Hydrological assessment and blueprint for bog restoration.
Hydrological assessment of Tolkuse bog was to ensure to what extent the ditches of various
origins have drained the bog system and what is the most sensible way to restore the habitat. It
must be mentioned, that no proper telmatological or hydrological research has been carried out
in this bog system before. The area, which was planned to be covered in this survey, was the
surroundings of Rannametsa River, particularly the Maasika Bog peat cutting fields and the
major big ditch, called “Fish Ditch” in Tolkuse Bog Southern part. The work was carried out by
Tallinn Pedagogical University, Institute of Ecology, Mire research Group (E.Lode, M.Ilomets).
The Uppsala Agricultural University was represented by L.Lundin.
During the first field visit it became obvious, that the Maasika Bog peat cutting fields and
drainage surrounding, has affected seriously the living part of Maasika bog, especially draining
the bog pool system. It also became obvious, that State Forestry Centre local Laiksaare forestry
unit has planted Pinus sylvestris on the abandoned area illegally and deepened and enlarged the
drainage.
Therefore more effort was put to identify the situation on Maasika Bog. The 14 water level
measurement stations were put into peat, (measured once in 2 weeks), the nivelling of the peat
fields, surrounding ditches and pools water levels was done. The peat coring was done and pool
sediments origin and quality registered. Water quality was analyzed and water flowing speed
and amounts measured. The plant communities were described.
In Tolkuse Bog the southern part was examined. It has been overgrowing by pines and some
birches during last 50 years in high speed. The old open water pools have overgrown by
quagmire and swamp and open raised bog habitat is degrading in the surround. The nature and
influence of old overgrown ditches was examined and the “Fish Ditch” water quality, flow
speed and flow amounts measured. The surrounding water movement scheme was detected and
old overgrown big lake system was examined.
In the result of the Maasika bog research it came out (see Annex 1. (3)) that the main effort and
monitoring must be concentrated on restoring the existing pool system in bog, also stopping the
degradation of the bog plant cover there, as sphagnum mosses are disappearing and peat is
shrinking. The peat cutting area is rapidly overgrowing by birch, which is also killing the
planted pines sooner or later in most parts. The raising of water table with planting cranberry
and distributing Sphagnum fragments may help to get a bog-like wetland quite easily as the peat
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layer left is of suitable quality. So blocking the main ditches is urgently needed and if
management regulations change (see Modifications asked for Action C1, C2), the actions will
be taken immediately.
For Tolkuse Bog southern part it was even more difficult. The SE drainage system still works
effectively, taking out water permanently. But during the fieldwork we discovered, that the
euthrophic lake system (Tolkuse bog is known as centripetally oligotrophic bog, unique in
Baltic’s and Europe) has been fed by numbers of springs, in some parts apart, creating even
spring fen habitats with orchids. Still the estimations about the water amount, going out, and
precipitation, coming in and the additional spring water lead to the thought, that the reason of
lake and bog overgrowing can not be only the ditches, dug, but there may be other reasons. The
suspect is that the spring water amount has gone down for some reasons like drainage of lands
eastward or any other(?). Also there is a division of the water catchments in the middle of the
bog, from area northwards the old pool system the water moves NW, from lake area, it moves
SW towards the sea. So blocking the ditches flowing north may help to keep water inside the
bog, but we do not know, how big role the springs play in pool formation or will the water start
finding way towards NW through old ditches and natural water channels in peat.
For the total budget of the action (1900 EUR) it was not possible to carry out more
investigations about the water origin, movement patterns and also draw technical blueprints.
According to the new details and seriousness of the problem the bog scientists team, Nature
Reserve manager and the Project Steering Committee found, that it is reasonable to spend some
more resources on water movement study on whole Tolkuse Bog complex to ensure the success
of restoring the degrading parts of the bog to the favorable conservation status (see
Modifications for Action C1, C2).
Action A4.
Public meeting.
The first general public meeting was held on 30.november, 2001. The meting took place in
Häädemeeste School, started at 17.00 and lasted four hours. The meeting was announced
beforehand in all the local municipalities newspapers, in Regional newspaper “Pärnu Postimees”
and the relevant advertisements were put up on local news boards. All the material about the
meeting is presented in Annex 3.
(1. Advertisement. 2. Newspaper articles. 3. PP presentation. 4. List of participants)
43 people attended the meeting which is enormous amount according to the earlier experience in
holding such meetings. Represented were all the Project Partners, landowners, farmers,
foresters, hunters, people interested in tourism development and local development. The first
presentation was by Marika Kose about the European Commission funding and LIFE Nature
Project “Restoration and management of the Häädemeeste wetland complex” in general. The
second presentation was from people compiling the MP document about the Nature Reserve
management legislation, future MP and the discussion followed. People asked a lot of questions
about present management regime, Natura 2000, future regulations, possibilities with EC LIFE
funding. A lot of needs and proposals for collaboration were called out. This was also the very
day, when the first NR leaflet with map came out from print, so it was distributed and received
with great interest and success.(leaflet see Annex 8)
Action A5.
Contracts and management agreements with land owners and farmers.
The action was meant to ensure the coastal area land availability for grazing and mowing,
whether done by landowners or someone who could rent the land. It was at the beginning meant
to pay compensations from the LIFE funding to encourage people starting or continuing coastal
area management. But as the Estonian Government environmental policy changed and state
subsidies became available for coastal meadow habitat management, also one of the partners
bankrupted (see modifications for Actions D1, D2, D3), Project Management decided to re5
arrange this part of the Project ideology and financial structure. Project Management found out
all the landowners (see Action A6) and potentials, who had claimed for restitution. We
contacted every of them in Häädemeeste community and with some in Tahkuranna community
(this area was not the Project target area at first). Some landowners gave Project Management
the right to use their land in nature conservation purposes and contracts were made with five of
them. Examples see in Annex 4. The representatives of local St. Michaels Lutheran Church
local Community were not eager to let their land to be used and gave only oral permissions.
None of Project Managements letters or questions was answered in written form and when the
actions were taken in advance (like cleaning area from litter and old vegetation remnants, also a
general fence to divide coastal area from the village was built through the land), they started to
object. So we had to turn to the Head of Estonian Lutheran Church Economy Department, who
understood the purpose of the LIFE-Nature project and gave us the kind permission. The written
agreement has not come to us by letter yet, but there have been no further problems in managing
the land.
Project Partner- Pärnu Environmental Department has been distributing the State subsidies and
therefore making the land management contracts as part of their job. The Project Management
helps the people to fill in and form the needed formulas and look over the results of
management. Project Management also gives advice and encourages land users to improve poor
management or helps to share the good examples with the others. Project management helps the
land users to negotiate with landowners to create bigger land use units or just to start with
proper management on lands not in active use.
Action A6.
Survey on land ownership and land restitution status.
In October 2001 Project Management ordered Nature Reserve Maps with registered land units
from State Land Cadastre. These maps were taken to the Häädemeeste and Tahkuranna
Municipalities to comment and add all the information about the restitution applications and
other interest groups on the area. The area, meant here, is most of all the coastal area, about 1000
ha. The example of the map is in Annex 5. The municipalities gave the list of land owners and
applicants, with addresses and contacts. Project management contacted every local landowner
and asked from neighbors about those who lived elsewhere. The general idea about their
intentions was searched out and negotiations started about proper land use. During this process
several articles in local Häädemeeste newspaper were issued to explain the necessity of proper
land use and encouraging people to contact and talk about their ideas, needs or problems. We got
a good response and people contacted and shared their opinions about how and with which
animals and machinery the coastal meadow management would they like to carry out, with
which landowners they would cooperate with and etc. It took a month to create the map and
address database but it took far more time to understand the idea how things work out in local
community on personal, village and other levels. By the end of this year (2002) most of the
structures are on their place, still little adjustments will come next years, as (by no surprise!) the
project and land use subsidies are getting more popular and more people would like to get
animals or join in another ways.
Action B1.
Arrangement of land lease for conservation purposes.
This action was meant to cover the possible expenses of land use in coastal meadow zone during
the Project time. Anyway, to encourage the sustainable continuation of the coastal meadow and
any kind of land management, the Project Management has tried to create self sustaining systems
where possible. This issue is one of them. Project Management tried to negotiate the people,
while using their own land or using the others´ land not to ask money for that, or if doing so, we
tried to let the people themselves sort out how they make their contracts between themselves. As
State is paying subsidies for land use anyway, people found the idea reasonable and agreed. So
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except on Suurküla Common Pasture beside Häädemeeste village in every other case the land
users and owners have their own contracts. Most of these worked out well only in one case the
system did not work properly but it will be revised and a new contract made. At Suurküla
Common Pasture there are several land owners who do not use the meadow but want it to be
managed properly. They found it easier to delegate the Project management to find the proper
managers, so we contracted them, but we did it so, that the Project will not pay the small rent,
but that person, who gets the right to use the land. (See also Annex 4.) The rent is paid. There
are other landowners in Tahkuranna community, which, when heard about Project, wanted their
land also to be managed. They contacted only in late august and Project tractor mowed their
land, proper contracts were made then as well.
Action B2.
Land purchase in coastal areas for conservation.
There has not been such practice in Estonia for NGO-s to buy land. We started the management
effort from Häädemeeste Community, as the obligation before Commission is to manage these
areas most properly. As mentioned in Modification application for Actions D1, D2, D3, Project
would like to cover larger areas than planned at first. So we would spread the actions northwards
and try to find partners – land users from Tahkuranna Community as well. In both communities
large areas of coastal meadow are without any proper ownership. The requests for restitution or
privatization have stopped for a period by Pärnu Environmental Department; the land officers in
communities are looking for possibilities to replace the territories or compensate them. Such land
is legally the state or municipality land, but not properly measured or carried into Cadastre with
proper designation, coordinates, areas etc. And there are still old ownerships in the air, so any
other people finds hard to start using that kind of land. In January, 2002, there was a meeting in
Häädemeeste Community, where took part Urmas Vahur (Reserve manager) from Pärnu Env.
Dept, Helgi Vainula, Häädemeeste Community Land specialist, Urmas Aava, Major, AVO
Grupp the land measuring company and Marika Kose, EOS, Life Project. The land restitution
questions were discussed and the problems were justified. It came out, that in the interests of
Ministry of environment and Reserve manager is to get the coastal area to the State and then
make long term contracts rather than restitute or privatize the land. But to get land in State
possession with designation to Nature Conservation, it has to be measured out properly. There is
also a problem, that there are big land management units, which must be measured out and
organized into Cadastre units’ altogether. This contains also a number of private owners, who are
not willing to pay their share or just do not have the money. The order to get the “free land” must
come from Pärnu Environmental Service but they have no such finances in the budget (nor the
relevant line in budget). With all the stakeholders at present in the meeting, the cost of the
procedure was estimated and it was about 30 000 EEK = less than 2000 EUR. There is
possibility to wait and negotiate all he people to pay their share and wait until one year there will
be possibilities from State budget to organize the land measurement procedure, but this might
take another year or two and that has serious affect to coastal meadow management and Project
results. So Project Management decided to cover those expenses and it will guarantee about 500
hectares of land to be measured and put into Land Cadastre for Nature Conservation. Every
private landowner anyway cannot get his land rights until he has paid his share to the company
and Cadastre. This enables the Reserve Manager to establish long term contracts with farmers,
who ca build business plans and get loans or other infrastructures. This procedure is not like
purchasing land for EOS, but it is acquiring control over a large amount of land guaranteeing its
proper management. And when all the parties who have benefited from this, have paid their
share to the Company, the Company will use that money to measure all the other land on Nature
Reserve to be put into Land Cadastre for Nature Conservation. See also Modification for Action
B2.
Action C1.
Blocking the drainage ditches for water level control in Tolkuse Bog.
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For this action see request for modification. By the project timetable this action is not ought to be
carried out yet, and there are several things, mentioned in the modification request, which may
cause the delay and difference from original proposal.
Action C2.
Pilot bog restoration for former peat extraction field.
This action is not ought to be started yet, the request for modification has been written for this
action as well. Although some preliminary actions have been taken as: from Nigula Nature
reserve different Oxycoccus palustris seeds have been ordered, also the necessary amount of
shoots, both rooted and without roots, the field excursion with Nigula Nature Reserve Director
to see their experience and details about plantations. In august the Maasika bog caught fire and
more than 20 ha of bog surface, particularly the area, affected by drainage, burned. It included
also about 3-5 ha of peat cutting field. The vegetation self-regeneration will be monitored there.
Action C3.
Restoration of open sand patches.
This action is not ought to be started yet. The preliminary inventory of patches, still existing or
lately overgrown, has been made. The forest management plan, compiled for the Reserve
Management plan (see Annex 1), indicates some dune forest stands, which should be managed
to create the age difference. Combining those factors, the proper sites will be detected and open
sand habitat created. Also we consider as a creation of open sand habitat the Võiduküla sand
quarry restoration by Project Partner Pärnu Environmental Service. The territory of the area is
6,1 ha.
Action C4.
Restoration of former Pikla fishpond as wetland
With Pikla fishponds the LIFE Project took an ambitious task to restore and create a self
sustaining system for an artificial wetland landscape. This is a new task in Nature Conservation
in Estonia and the skills are lacking. By lucky chance the Project was proposed to participate in
EUROSITE/Darwin Initiative joint workshop for “Management planning, Building capacity in
wetland conservation”. We got a possibility to share our “fishpond problem” with experts far
more experienced in this kind of topic. There is possibility to get more knowledge about similar
activities in Europe during next years and write a separate MP for the fishpond system. There is
a request for Commission to accept the modification of Action C4, to postpone the action to year
2004. Project Management has contacted also two landowners, interested in fishpond
management. Both have different approaches, which partly cover the needs of Nature
Conservation. Therefore a very careful engineering planning as well as economical survey is
needed. Project Management is looking forward to organize an international workshop at the
place to solve this landscape restoration and management problem. See pictures about area in
Annex 7.
Action C5.
Restoration of water level management in coastal meadows.
Although the action as to be carried out in 2003, as 2002 was to sort out which ditches or areas
need some clearance, this year 2 ditches, 600 meters each, were cleaned from reed, mud and
growing bushes and trees. For next year more ditches, overgrown by bush and reed, providing
shelter for predators and spreading reed are planned to be cleaned.
Action C6.
Creating livestock grazing infrastructure.
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As the Project partnership with AF Häädemeeste did not work out, the action will be carried out
in different way. The State Subsidies, paid for the coastal meadow management, also include
payment for fence-building or restoring. It is 10 EEK =0.64 EUR per meter. The amount, used,
will cover the part of co-funding as much as needed. So most of the fences are built for this
subsidy and farmers own money, only in most problematic areas the Project Management
interferes, like beside the village, for Common pasture we bought extra sheep fence (1,5 km) to
prevent animals getting into the village on people’s fields and gardens. Also an electric generator
and small amount of other articles were bought.
With LIFE funding we have supported building two animal sheds on coast, one for horses and
another for sheep. Next year probably two smaller sheds will be supported. The pictures about
the objects are in Annex 9.
Action C7.
Restoration of shallow ponds for Bufo calamita.
To fulfill their share of co funding, Pärnu Environmental department financed the Recultivation
of Võiduküla sand quarry to a Bufo calamita spawning pond system on 6,1 ha. The action costs
about 12000 EUR, which is additional budget to Action C7 and qualified as external assistance.
For the Project funding will be restored the spawning areas on coastal meadows. See Annex 10.
In May 2002 Project Team took part in LIFE00NAT/EE/7083 workshop and during the
workshop groups of specialists had two visits to our sites. During first visit the night call count
took place to identify and map the places the species still breeds. The second visit was to
Võiduküla sand quarry to re-introduce tadpoles from there to Kabli pools. During that visit
occurred, that due to draught several thousand tadpoles had dried and died. The workshop people
managed to “rescue” and reintroduce some 8000 tadpoles. Still more than 15 000 were left. It
was obvious that they were to dry soon, but meaningless to take them away as well. So there was
a discussion with specialists, that when draught continues, only adding water makes sense.
Project Management went to Häädemeeste Fire Brigade to ask, if they could do the service and
supply the water. The people kindly agreed and during next 5 week draught 25 times they
brought water, 7 tons each time. First weeks water was brought each second day, later every day.
This action, surprisingly, became very popular with people and especially media. Locals were
astonished and confused at first, then the Natterjack became very popular and during whole
summer people kept advertising where they had seen them. The local newspaper had story and
pictures, radios took interviews and the TV program filmed. The daily newspaper also wrote an
article. Associated Press contacted Project Management. All the materials about this action are in
Annex 11. At the end of the action fire brigade manager decided to ask the Project to
compensate only the petrol cost and some of water cost, they did not want any extra for offering
service or renting cars and people. Hopefully about 5000-3000 small natterjack passed the
metamorphosis and got safely into nature. The Recultivation of the quarry will provide better
conditions for spawning in future. The place can be also used as a source to reintroduce the
amphibian to coastal meadows, if needed in future.
In Rannametsa coastal meadow one landowner has managed to dig a spawning pool this year,
the other pools will be dug or restored this winter and next spring, depending on weather. The
negotiations with landowners are ongoing.
Action C8.
Preparation of coastal meadows for grazing and mowing.
This action was planned to target 50-150 ha of coastal meadow, but it was carried out by Project
management or by landowners separately on more than 200 ha this spring. Two weekends with
local people the big events were held, where people participated in collecting garbage, taking it
9
away by tractors, also burning reed and litter. Reed burning is dangerous activity, but having
previous experience from 2000, and support from fire brigade, it can be controlled normally.
Some of coastal areas were cleaned by bush cutters in august as well. As next years the storm
will bring a lot of different material on coast as well, the cleaning activities will be done then
too. And as we plan to start managing more areas in next years, on those areas the preparation
works are needed as well. Pictures about the activities are in Annex 12. For burning and garbage
collecting several events were advertised and organized, every time more than 30 people and
schoolchildren participated. In these actions people were also informed about the Project and
leaflets and other materials were distributed. Annex 12 also includes the participants list.
Action D1.
Livestock purchase for coastal meadow management.
This action was to be carried out in first half of 2002, but probably will continue until 2003 for
several reasons. When starting of the project was confirmed by the Commission and Project
management in place, the first thing was to advertise the possibilities of coastal meadow
management by Project animals and other support schemes in local and regional newspapers as
well as by personal contacts and in public meetings. At first we had to find out, which kind of
animals and how many people agree to take, or are there any volunteers at all. During November
2001-february 2002, most of interests were declared and Project Management with the potential
farmers started to look after suitable animals. First were 14 Limousine breed cows, brought from
a special breeding farm in Estonia. Ten were given to Project biggest collaborator OÜ Aminolte
and 4 to a farmer, owning and renting over 40 ha coastal meadow. Next a Limousine bull Peeter
was bought and also given to OÜ Aminolte. The similar activities in Western Estonia show, that
local horse breed Estonian Horse is a very tough grazer and survives well. There were several
people who wanted to have an animal, which grazed the meadow and was not much trouble,
people also were fond of horses. So a delegation from Project region attended the annual meeting
of Estonian Horse Breeders Society and we made contacts to buy such horses. Next trip was to
Saaremaa and Muhu Islands, where these horses have remained. It is a local and endangered
breed, only about 500 specimens left. With people we chose and contracted 7 horses for 5
households, which were delivered during March-May. For autumn the horses had become so
extremely popular, that about 10 more people wanted to get one. We have to re-consider some of
the budget topics to see, if we can have some more, as the budget line for animals is running out.
Still, economizing with other activities, it can be possible, as the horses seem to be excellent
grazers, especially on previous common pasture, where probably nowadays village people are
not likely to take any other kind of animals. So if possible, maximum 7 horses will be added.
There were people, who liked to start with Hereford cows, so we looked for Herefords for whole
spring. We got first four cows in July and two more and a bull Aadu in August. Two farmers
wanted to go on with sheep, which seemed to be extremely hard to get in winter or springtime. In
July we managed to buy 30 for one farm and in September we got more 11 and 18 for another
farm. All the farmers have contracts on those animals until the end of the project and with the
rights to prolong the contract. For each type of animals the contracts differ slightly. The Annex
13 will provide the pictures of the animals and the example of a contract with translation.
Action D2.
Action D3.
Grazing of livestock for coastal meadow management.
Managing the coastal meadow by mowing.
These actions were in Project Application divided as separate actions, as some of it supported by
payment and some not. Also the main manager was to be the Project Partner AF Häädemeeste
who is not a partner any more. For Actions D1 and D2, D3 see also modifications request.
Today the situation is somewhat different than 2 years ago, when the application was written.
10
The land ownership is almost clear by now at the Nature Reserve territory (see also action B2).
The intentions of about 60% of landowners are also identified and their land in use. The other
40% will be contracted 2003, as that area was not targeted by the Project at first. There are now
several farmers, who would like to manage their own land or use the others´ as well. (There is a
big part of LIFE Project effort in those decisions as well as the State subsidies support.) Most of
them have or plan to have different kind of grazing animals. There are several landowners, who
themselves mow their coastal land and several, who do not mow themselves, but buy the service.
All those people get the State subsidies, which are considered the co-financing of Pärnu
Environmental Department. In some places both mowing and grazing are used together. So it is
hard to distinguish the management regime so strictly, as probably during some years the real
longer lasting management scheme will sort out. Active farmers probably will divide the area
between them, make contracts themselves and hopefully this will last all longer than LIFE
Project. It is also important, that different landowners manage their patches with different
schemes and intensities (still the spaces are big enough), as in previous centuries, which will
support the rich biodiversity of the large coastal meadow area, created just this way. From
botanical research it came out, that the more coastal areas, fenced specially and used for
intensive grazing have saved the areas more inland for tall herbs and their communities, of which
5 are orchid species, then Gladiolus imbricatus population (best in all Estonia) and Angelica
archangelica also on large areas. We now try to issue a booklet about old management history
(see modification of Action E12) and nowadays ways, so that people can match their activities
with old and new.
In 2001 on Rannametsa- Soometsa NR 321,1 ha of coastal meadow was managed by grazing
or/and mowing and 15 000 meters of fences built or reconstructed. 8 contracts were made with
land users.
In 2001 320 hectares were managed.
In 2002 21 contracts were made, 422 hectares of coastal meadow was managed and 58 170
meters of fences built or reconstructed.
Probably some 20 hectares were in use without contracts with Pärnu Environmental Service and
subsidies payments.
Durable goods, such as 2 tractors LTZ 60 were bought, 3 different mowing devices, hay
colleting device, hay packing device and lifting devices were bought and given to selected
persons to carry out work.
Annex 14 will provide pictures about the activities and mashinery.
Action E1.
Media work and informing public about the Project.
During the Project first activity year several articles in local community newspaper
“Häädemeeste Elu” have been published, several shorter and longer articles in regional
newspaper “Pärnu Postimees” and in big daily newspapers some press announcements and
bigger events have been mentioned. All the articles are available on the Project WWW page.
There have been several radio interviews about project activities and two TV interviews
(26.10.01 Õie Arusoo, “Osoon” about coastal meadows management and bog nature trail
improvement. In 2002 the grey herren´s colony and dune habitat protection issues as well as bird
protection issues in the reserve.) and Participation in Children Nature camp has been filmed too.
Also the Natterjack watering campaign was filmed.
The photocopies of articles and other press event announcements are in Annex 15 (and some are
added to other actvities).
Action E2.
Guided visits.
During Project time several guided visits or events have been organized by Project Management
or proposed from outside. The list and Materials about the visits are in Annex 16. In Project
11
application it was meant and finances asked for big events, advertised and organized and paid by
Project, but it has come out, that the interested bodies have contacted themselves and found the
resources to come. Only the BIRDWATCH event bus was paid from Project budget. In the
following list we did not mention all the people, who have been lead by Project management
people. Like journalists, while writing their articles or all children groups, visiting RannametsaTolkuse nature trail or scientists, who have wanted to do their fieldwork here and have asked for
a tour or just birdwatchers, whom we have accompanied. The number would increase three times
at least.
Action E3.
Children’s summer camp.
A children’s summer camp is by Project Application planned for summer 2004. This is to be
organized by Project Management and paid by Project. This Summer Project Management was
asked to help in organizing two children’s Summer Camps.
The first camp was “MIKSIKESE suvelaager” organized by Estonian internet based interactive
learning environment MIKSIKE. The summer camp was 10 days long and LIFE Project
management helped in one day 20.07.2002. Project Manager Marika Kose was leading a
groupwork in sand dune habitat and bog, Monitoring Specialist Jaak Tammekänd was leading a
working group on coast, to see the birds and coastal habitat. Children had to compile the www
site afterwards.
In Häädemeeste locality there is a farmer, who is specialized on children’s camps and interactive
and charity camps, funded by several organizations. One of his this summer camp was called
“Environment camp” where 12 local and other children in age 7-15 participated. This was to
introduce the nature of Rannametsa-Soometsa NR, sustainable use of natural resources and
traditional ways of living. LIFE project management was asked to help to suggest all the content
and timetable of this camp, which we did. Although we spent only 2 days out of 7 with the
children, we got a good idea about which activities were the most interesting and how things
work better. On 14.08.2002 Project ornithologists took children out to coastal meadow and
explained the Project work there. Also Nigula Nature reserve bird ringing station was active
there, so bird catching with mist nets was introduced and was extremely popular. On 16.08.2002
the Project Manager as a botanist joined in and most common plant species around the
farmhouse were introduced. Also everybody had to try do make a herbarium sheet of two plants.
This action was filmed by ETV as a part of Environment camp activities and shown in TV later.
Materials about camp are in Annex 17.
Action E4.
Meetings with local farmers, landowners and other interested persons.
In Project Application it was thought about organizing special meetings to introduce project and
results to the locals or any other interested bodies. It can be said, that several events, happening
during Project time, have served this particular aim, although not headed in this way. Also many
events described under E2 are of same quality.
So the first meeting, introducing the Project, held in 31.October 2001, was a good start. After
that we organized another meeting on 7.02.2002, where we introduced the LIFE Project and
where Urmas Vahur, the Reserve Manager from Pärnu Environmental Service answered the
questions about land restitution and other kind. Also the springtime activities like burning reed
and cleaning coastal meadows (07.04 and 14.04.2002), when most of the villages´ people were
out, all the Project things and Nature conservation things were discussed, can be regarded as
meetings with stakeholders. The same can be said about the bird watching tower opening event
and Green Days event (see E2). 02.03.2002 the Project management organized the visit of
interested farmers to Estonian Horse Society annual meeting to become familiar with the breed
and possibilities to introduce it to Häädemeeste region. 11 people participated and contracts were
made to buy horses. On 10.04.2002 the State Forestry Center Recreation Specialist Marju Paas
12
and Pärnu Museum Scientific Director Tiit Kask were invited to Rannametsa – Tolkuse Nature
trail and the surrounding objects to discuss tourism development issues. The tourism potential
and threats of the region were analyzed. Afterwards the local tourism entrepreneurs and
interested bodies were invited to the Project office to have a brainstorm about the problems and
solutions. On 12.04.2002 the Laiksaare Forestry department head Heiki Ärm was invited to the
Maasika bog peat extraction fields, where the foresters had planted pines during last four years.
With facilitators (the MP compiling people) we tried to explain the LIFE Project aims and find
the solution to the problems but the attitude of Mr. Ärm was far too negative to start even
listening not speaking of understanding the Bog habitat restoration processes. There is still a
conflict with the Forestry logging departments in Nature Reserve area, but with the help of the
new kind of Forest Management Plan (Annex 1.2) we hope to overcome it in some way.
10.10.2002 in Rannametsa village there was a village people meeting where LIFE Project
manager was asked to come and give a short introduction to the Project. In 31.10. and 1.11. 2002
there were two public meetings about the Rannametsa-Soometsa NR MP. (See action A1). There
were also in first meeting the foresters and in the second meeting foresters and hunters
represented. In 20.08.2002 the first day of waterfowl hunt was observed in Pulgoja coastal
meadow. Two Project workers were there accompanied by at least 40 hunters. Project workers
explained the existing protection regulations of the reserve and informed the hunters of the
zonation of the coastal meadow. The hunt is allowed only on a very strict area and all the other
areas can be used only by the permission of the Reserve Manager, which the hunters did not
have. There were other problems although half of the people understood that everything is not
proper with the organising of the activity. On the next morning the kill was looked over and
there were several birds of Bird Directive shot. There was more other breaking the rules. The
issue was raised by Project in GreenGate, the www. Newsletter.
It must be said, that if people do have questions or need more information, they do not hesitate to
come or call to the Project office and ask or discuss their problems or ideas. There has been no
week when people do not contact for information. It is difficult to line all the personal contacts
up in the report but most of them are recorded in office. Also during the Project Management
visits to the spots and fieldwork people are met or asked and usually long discussions are held
about the area management. It is not less important that the Project Manager Marika Kose used
to work as a teacher in local Secondary School and that has been a great benefit to the Project as
people are familiar to the person and trust the ideas and actions also are freer to make contacts.
Also the Project author Mati Kose comes from Häädemeeste and being a part of local
community, the activities are more easily accepted and people feel free to contact in informal
way. Materials are in Annex 18.
Action E9.
Creation of photographic database of Project.
For implementing this action, a digital camera Canon Powershot was purchased and also a photo
equipment. Since the start of the Project most of the events have been photographed. To create
the really working internet database the negotiations are held with a relevant company and in
2003 the works will start. Until now the pictures are stored in digital way in Project office or as
slides in the same place. Many of the photos are used in this report, on Project www
(www.livonia.ee/life-haademeeste) page and in various posters and presentations and newspaper
articles.
Action E11. Project WEB-page.
See www.livonia.ee/life-haademeeste
Action E12. Visitors map and information leaflet for Rannametsa- Soometsa Nature Reserve.
Although the leaflet was planned to issue only in 2003, in 2001 Pärnu Environmental Service
took initiative to create one for the reserve. The financing was provided by Pärnu Environmental
13
Service, the LIFE Project management contributed with writing the leaflet text and provided
photographs as well. The 4000 leaflets were printed in Estonian language on environmentally
friendly recycled paper. Leaflet is in Annex 8. It is planned to do another leaflet, not in 2003, but
later, when new Management Regulations are agreed and new borders and reserve name (?)
settled. We have asked a modification for this Action E12. as well.
Action E13.
Leaflet for farmers/landowners
Estonian ornithological Society has provided the general guiding leaflet for landowners and
landusers how to carry out sustainable agriculture in floodplains and meadows, especially coastal
meadows. To create such a colourful and big leaflet (rather booklet), EOS used other sources
than LIFE Nature as well, like RSPB and others. This leaflet was distributed in all Estonia, on
Nature Reserves, libraries, environmental services, schools and etc. There can each year be
added different information about subsidies, normative or other relevant information. In
Häädemeeste region, the leaflet is very popular within landusers, also the numerous groups from
schools find it useful. Leaflet is in Annex 19.
Action E 14. Development of facilities for sustainable tourism regulation.
The Rannametsa-Tolkuse Nature Trail has gained more and more popularity during the last
years, since the LIFE Project application was written. From previous PR activities it can also be
seen, that it is the most popular place to take the Project guests. This also has a great impact on
the surrounding nature, like creating more and more soil erosion on dunes and also on drier parts
of bog surface, where people tend to step. Therefore the need of improvement the trail is most
obvious. There has been a year of negotiations with State Forestry Centre Recreation department
about the trail and its management in future. Only in October 2002 we managed to sign a
contract with all sides are happy with. Now we have started to develop a detailed project of all
the constructions of the trail, which will be financed by State Forestry department. We hope it
finished for May 2003. The building work will start in July 2003. State Forestry Department so
far has invested into the maintenance of the trail and also created information boards with texts.
See one example in Annex 20.
Action E16.
Bird watching towers.
In Project application three bird watching towers were planned to be constructed on coastal zone
of reserve. By now things have changed, and probably more will be erected for several reasons.
The Pärnu Environmental Service has provided as co financing for two more towers. The map
with the locations is in Annex 21.
The first tower was erected at Häädemeeste –Pulgoja coastal meadow, 9,5 metres high. This was
partly supported by Pärnu Env.Serv., partly by LIFE Nature Project. (Pictures about towers and
opening advertisement are in Annex 21) The object has become extremely popular among locals
to have a nice view to sea and coastal meadow and among birdwatchers, as the birdlife is
magnificent around and the tower is good and stable.
The second is a bird watching platform in the mouth of Häädemeeste River. 4 meters high, it has
a good view over surrounding shallow bays and mudflats, helping to count waders and geese in
spring. It was opened for Birdwatch Day.
The third tower was not planned at the beginning by the Project Management because the lack of
resources. But local farmer and children camp organiser Lembit Künnapas had applied for
money from Pärnu Environmental service and got it for building a Bird watching tower into his
territory, which is also a very good area for waders, especially geese and swans. So the tower
14
became ready in November 2002 and is also a part of co-financing by Pärnu environmental
Service.
The Project Management has planned two other towers as well, but there was a problem with the
land ownership on the proposed good sites. In August 2002, when the problem somewhat solved
(see actions A6, B2) project got permission to build the towers on future State land. So only then
the Platform was built and another Tower will be on Suurküla locality. This tower is waiting for
proper logs, possible to get in wintertime. Will be erected by May 2003. We also planned to
build a bird watching tower to Pikla Cape, which can be called a “Bird Paradise” but the most
suitable place is owned by Swedish residents. Project Management has contacted their
representative in Pärnu and the response was not very willing. We now wait those people to
come to Estonia in Spring 2003, then it will be clear, if the Project can rent the land or plan the
Tower to a place, not owned by private, but closer to sea and therefore more vulnerable to water
and ice. The modification has been asked from Commission about the Delay.
Action E17.
Bird watching hide.
The compact wooden hide, transportable on uneven coastal meadow for bird watching was
planned in Project application. During the management works it came out how difficult it is to
move on the meadow with tractors and other machinery, so there was very little idea about the
shape or size of the hide. As there was no good idea, the hide was not built in the time, proposed
in the Project Application. During the Project Estonian local horses were introduced to coastal
meadows. As they all are trained to ride and work, we came to an idea to use the horses to drag
the hide on meadow. The birds are not afraid of horses and the well shaped hide will be good to
observe the birds more closely. So we have asked the Commission for prolongation to complete
the hide for may 2003.
Action E18.
Information and accommodation building.
To Häädemeeste - Pulgoja coastal meadow there was planned to replace the old hunting facilities
with one info- and accommodation building to provide for birdwatchers and visitors, using also
the bird watching tower. Although Project Management made great effort with State Forestry
Centre, to find out the old facilities ownership and land use mechanisms, it only lately came out,
that the Forestry Hunting Department is renting the land under the buildings, although they do
not own these buildings. So there is no possibility to renovate there until the land ownership
changes (see actions A6, B2). Hopefully this will happen in early 2003, so that the existing
contract will not be valid any more. Then Pärnu Environmental service as new land manager will
contract EOS about the site and then only the new building can be built. There is a great need for
such building as this year showed. The old buildings were used by OÜ Aminolte shepherd,
looking for cows and she told that every day 4-10 cars and buses visited the bird watching tower
or came to see the coastal meadow on the newspaper articles. There are animals also, and visitors
tend not to close the fence gates properly and leave garbage and ask information and so on.
Action E19.
Signs and information boards of the Project.
This year not much signs have been put up. In Annex 22 the signs and stickers, which were used,
are presented. All the fences, sheds and bird watching towers were labelled with signs, project
machinery and office equipment was labelled with special stickers.
Action F1.
Project Steering Committee.
Two Project Steering Committee meetings have been held in Häädemeeste. The list of members
is in Annex 2.
15
Action F2.
Project daily management.
Setting an office.
In october 2001 Häädemeeste Community found rooms for Project office and started to do some
repairworks. For november 2001 the room was ready and equipment like computers and
telephone were settled. Häädemeeste community provided also one table, three chairs and free
telephone and internet connections. The office was announced to the public by local newspaper
and in public meetings and personal contacts. The maps and literature about the area and Natura
2000 and EOS publications were collected and exsposed. The office became popular among
locals, so every week several people visited (and are still visiting) for curiosity, advice or
collaboration. The official public opening of the office was in 04. February 2002, it was
announced in Pärnu Postimees and a lot of invitations were sent around. The opening event is
described in next day´s Pärnu Postimees. See Annex 15, 24. Since that we have developed the
computer park with a laptop and a lot of software for processing and providing maps, digital
photographs, scanned views and others. We have bought scanner, two printers (laserjet and
colour inkjet) two other smaller tables for office equipment, 5 more chairs to hold several
smaller meetings and shelves for materials.
The address of the office is:
EOÜ Häädemeeste LIFE Projekt
Pärnu mnt. 40, II korrus
86001, Häädemeeste, Pärnumaa, ESTONIA
Telephone in the office is +372 44 65 228
Häädemeeste community fax can be used: +372 44 65 245
The e-post is: [email protected] or [email protected]
Hiring people.
In Project daily management there is one full time Project Coordinator: Mrs. Marika Kose. She
started in September 2001. She has contract with EOS about tasks and responsibilities. Major
responsibilities are relations with stakeholders, landowners, authorities, coastal meadow
management organising, tourism management coordination, bog restoration organisisng,
botanical fieldwork organising. Also organising construction of sheds, fences, bird watching
towers, organising Rannametsa-Tolkuse trail reconstruction, public events, reporting to
Commission and EOS council and board. Also responsibility for carrying out actions in time and
organising other´s work.
As scientific researcerand conservation manager Mr. Mati Kose joined in the Project in July
2002. His responsibilities are Management Plan coordination, photographing, data collecting and
processing and ornithological and nature conservation work coordination. Also public awareness
events with media and representing Life Project and EOS in various conservational and political
events.
In June 2002 Mr. Jaak Tammekänd as monitoring specialist was hired to carry out all different
ornithological fieldwork, needed for elaborating management plan and getting data about bird
species, occurring in NR and surrounding IBA and Natura 2000 candidate area. In wintertime his
task will be the data processing and digitalizing with MapInfo. His task is also to register the
land use characteristics, bog water levels in dipwells and any other data, needed in field.
Project needs a lot of technical assistance, provided by Mrs. Kaie Mark first months of the
Project and Ms. Krista Varusk last 11 months. The tasks are to ensure the payment of bills,
register and sort them, to cmmunicate tax authorities and other office work of the kind.
From jauary 2002 the IT specialist Mr. Indrek Luik is responsible for setting up the materials to
Project www site.
16
In summertime Project provided one shepherd job for Urve Tamm for 4 months to look after the
cows on coastal meadow and kep eye on the people coming and how they behave with animals
and bird-watching tower.
As part-time job the reed cutting with bush-cutter was offered for local schoolboys over 16 years
old. This was to clear the very edge of water from reed and also to clean roadsides and old fences
and other places, dangerous for, people, animals or mowing mashines.
Several people were hired as scientists for certain tasks in short time periods like bog restoration
specialists, plant ecologists and others.
The part of the Project daily management has been participating in workshops and seminars,
organised by Estonian and European institutions. In many such events Project management has
participated with presentation, oral or poster.
The presentations are available as files in Annex 23 (the CD).
Here is the list of events, Project management has participated.
Date
Place
Event/Organisation
presentation
25,10,2001
Matsalu NR, Estonia
WS “Implementing Arhus
no
Convention”
Estonian Fund For Nature
06,11,2001
, Paikuse Estonia
WS “Pärnu Ikla Recreation area
no
management plan discussion” State
Forestry Centre
03,02,2002
Pärnu, Estonia
Bird Club “Buteo” meeting
yes
02.03.2002
Matsalu, Estonia
Estonian Native Horse Protection
yes
Society” meeting.
19-24.
Szarnocin, Poland
“Stakeholder involvement in Nature
no
03,2002
Management Planning” EUROSITE,
EUCC
8-12,05,2002 Matsalu, Estonia
“Coastal meadow management for
yes
Bufo calamita. Reintroduction of
B.calamita” LIFE00NAT/EE/7083
28Jurmala, Latvia
BEF Conference in Management
yes
31.05.2002
Planning.
12Wicken Fen, UK
EUROSITE/Darwin Initiative joint
yes
16.06.2002
WS “Building capacity in wetland
conservation”
26.08,2002
Tallinn, Estonia
Seminar for LIFE –Nature Applicants yes
Ministry of environment, Ecosystems
28Saaremaa, Estonia
“Management of meadows, Nordic
Presentation,
30.08.2002
and Baltic solutions” WWW, Min. of
poster
Envir, etc
13Somerseth, UK
EUROSITE/Darwin Initiative joint
yes
17.10.2002
WS “Building capacity in wetland
conservation”
07Haapsalu, Estonia
“Summary Conference of Väinamere
yes
09,11,2002
Project” Research centre Arhipelaag
29.11.2002
Matsalu, Estonia
WS about bird monitoring and
yes
management planning. Min. of
Environment, Matsalu NR, others
6-10.11.2002 Moravske Toplice,
EUROSITE/Naturelink joint WS
yes
Slovenia
“How to write a LIFE application”
17