Model Wetlands • Korpinurmi, Ilomantsi
Korpinurmi Wetland, Ilomantsi
The Korpinurmi wetland was established on the former peat production area Lössänsuo. After peat extraction the area was used for growing hay, but especially the eastern end has been underwater nearly year-round and unsuitable for crop farming.
In 2021, a wetland was restored to improve the areas value as a brood habitat for waterfowl. Despite the challenges posed by the very soft soil in some places and the challenges to excavator work caused by heavy rains, the dam construction work progressed well.
The wetland was restored by building dams around the area and removing pipes used during peat extraction under the dam. A water level control device was installed in the dam.
A stone-covered overflow channel was built due to the area’s heavy rainfall and significant snow in winter, it’s crucial that in the event of a peak flood and when the capacity of the water level control device is exceeded, excess water has a controlled and structure-preserving exit route from the wetland. To ensure a sufficient water supply during the dryer summer season, additional water was directed to the wetland from a surrounding ditch through a pipe.
The financing of the Korpinurmi wetland included contributions from the international organization Waterfowlers Network (waterfowlersnetwork.com), which aims to develop waterfowl habitats across their entire migratory route. It is planned to closely monitor the development of the wetland during its initial months and years.
