Restoration of Lake Vanjärvi

Lake Vanjärvi is a 130 ha wide wetland-lake area and a significant resting and nesting site for migratory birds. The value of the Lake has been widely recognised and therefore the Lake is a part of the Natura 2000-network of protected areas. The Lake functions as a natural flood basin. A rare inhabitant, the River mussel is found in the River Vanjoki.

The value of the Lake is decreasing. Water surface levels have been lowered several times during last century and therefore River Vanjoki, which used to empty into the Lake, now passes the Lake nearby.

The Lake has become shallower and increasingly overgrown. Mean depth is 60 cm. The problems in the Lake have already affected the birds of the region and fish fauna that used to spawn in the Lake.

The Lake Hiidenvesi project takes part in the massive restoration of the Lake Vanjärvi. During the restoration the Lake's water level will be raised (60-80 cm) and the River Vanjoki will be moved back to its original position, running through the Lake Vanjärvi. The densely vegetated parts of the Lake will be dredget and a beach for the locals will be established. The restoration acitivities will also have a positive influence on hunting in the area since it will improve the living conditions of the water birds.

The project will take approx. 5-7 years.

See old maps from the area, when the River Vanjoki still run through the Lake.

See a video of the Lake Vanjärvi (in Finnish)