Management plan for the Lielupe River Floodplain Meadows to be updated

The Natura 2000 territory “Lielupe floodplain meadows” is a unique nature site positioned within a busy urban environment of Jelgava. The site was established to protect natural meadows on the banks of the Lielupe River.

Lielupe River from Pilssala

side in Jelgava City

Management plan for the Lielupe River Floodplain Meadows to be updated

The Natura 2000 territory “Lielupe floodplain meadows” is a unique nature site positioned within a busy urban environment of Jelgava. The site was established to protect natural meadows on the banks of the Lielupe River. Lowland hay meadows and Hydrophilous tall herb communities found here are also habitats listed in the EU Habitats Directive. The site is also favored for breeding by rare warders: black-tailed godwit, common redshank, and ruff, as well as the corncrake.  It is also an important resting site for migratory birds. The site is unique due to its location within urban environment, yet in the past years it has been degraded by overgrowing with bushes.

A decade has passed since the previous management plan was drawn in 1996. In 2006, it will be redrafted to include changes in the borders of the nature reserve made in the recent years. A public meeting on the management plan will be held on April 12 at 13.00 in the Jelgava District Municipality. Everyone welcome!

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Development of management plan for the Burgas Meadows Nature Reserve located in the Valka district has also been started. Public meeting for this plan will take place on April 13 at 12.00 in the Valka County Council. Everyone welcome!

Andris Klepers