Open river Hiitolanjoki for All
Basic information
Project Title
Open river Hiitolanjoki for All
Full project title
Open river Hiitolanjoki for All
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
There has been lots of work for a long time to free the rapids of river Hiitolanjoki. In 2021 and 2022, the dams in Kangaskoski and Lahnasenkoski were demolished. The surrounding area was built and developed to serve better hikers, tourists and local residents. A virtual museum was opened in Kangaskoski on the site of an old wood grinder. In addition to the natural values, there is also a lot of industrial and cultural history associated with the Hiitolanjoki area.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Municipality of Rautjärvi, South Karelia, Finland, Finland
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
ERDF : European Regional Development Fund, 7.5, 2020-23 (Kangaskoski kalastajan keidas)<br />
ERDF : European Regional Development Fund, 7.5, 2021-23 (Lahnasenkosken retkeilyinfra)<br />
ERDF : European Regional Development Fund, 7.5, 2021-23 (Kangaskosken teollisuus- ja voimalaitosmuseo)<br />
CBC South East Finland - Russia, 2021-22 (RivTimes)
Description of the project
Summary
Hiitolanjoki river is located in South Karelia, Rautjärvi and it is a border river that flows into Lake Ladoga. The only wild endangered lake salmon population in Finland lives in the river.
The restoration of rapids in Kangaskoski and Lahnasenkoski has highlighted the beauty of rapids and stream water nature, and increases ecological, cultural and social sustainability and inclusiveness. The process has brought individuals, communities and users of the area closer to the nature, while promoting the revitalization of natural ecosystems and preventing the loss of natural diversity. Recreational opportunities encourage visitors to explore their own relationship with nature.
In river Hiitolanjoki, the physical change of the environment was carried out by demolishing the dams of old hydropower plants from Kangaskoski and Lahnasenkoski and by building the rapids as natural as possible, taking into account especially the needs of migratory fish. At the same time, camping infrastructure was built so that the areas can be used for recreation by local and leisure residents and tourists. The culturally historically valuable old hydropower plants were spared.
The restoration of river Hiitolanjoki also supports social inclusion. During the entire very long process, shared will and participation of different parties has been needed to make things happen.
The destinations of river Hiitolanjoki are easily accessible thanks to the train and highway connections, and they are available to everyone for free. Different user groups and accessibility have also been taken into account - for example, it is possible to eat picnics, fry sausages, hike along the trails or go to the outdoor toilets without barriers. In this way, all the principles of service planning have been followed.
A virtual museum has been created on the island in rapid Kangaskoski on the site of the wood grinder that was once located there. The Kangaskoski factory was revived with the help of AR technology.
The restoration of rapids in Kangaskoski and Lahnasenkoski has highlighted the beauty of rapids and stream water nature, and increases ecological, cultural and social sustainability and inclusiveness. The process has brought individuals, communities and users of the area closer to the nature, while promoting the revitalization of natural ecosystems and preventing the loss of natural diversity. Recreational opportunities encourage visitors to explore their own relationship with nature.
In river Hiitolanjoki, the physical change of the environment was carried out by demolishing the dams of old hydropower plants from Kangaskoski and Lahnasenkoski and by building the rapids as natural as possible, taking into account especially the needs of migratory fish. At the same time, camping infrastructure was built so that the areas can be used for recreation by local and leisure residents and tourists. The culturally historically valuable old hydropower plants were spared.
The restoration of river Hiitolanjoki also supports social inclusion. During the entire very long process, shared will and participation of different parties has been needed to make things happen.
The destinations of river Hiitolanjoki are easily accessible thanks to the train and highway connections, and they are available to everyone for free. Different user groups and accessibility have also been taken into account - for example, it is possible to eat picnics, fry sausages, hike along the trails or go to the outdoor toilets without barriers. In this way, all the principles of service planning have been followed.
A virtual museum has been created on the island in rapid Kangaskoski on the site of the wood grinder that was once located there. The Kangaskoski factory was revived with the help of AR technology.
Key objectives for sustainability
You can travel carbon-neutral to river Hiitolanjoki by train or bicycle. A charging station for electric cars is nearby. If those who are traveling from southern Finland come to river Hiitolanjoki instead of the popular Lapland, and use the train, energy and the road network will be saved.
There are small, environmentally friendly accommodations in the area. Most of them have been implemented by changing the purpose of use of old buildings, so there have been almost no emissions from new construction.
Mainly the activities organized around Hiitolanjoki are those that do not require motorized recreational equipment. There are mostly intangible services for tourists.
Hiitolanjoki does not aim for the number of visitors of overcrowded national parks. We want to grow and develop tourism under the conditions of nature. The number of visitors is monitored using counters. The aim is to stagger the groups and thus lighten the area's load by distributing it more evenly over different periods.
There are no tap water and no electrified facilities along routes . There are composting outdoor toilets and waste bins along the route.
By demolishing the dams, endangered migratory fish populations are protected and strengthened. At the same time, their conditions were improved, when the fish can go up the river to suitable, constructed spawning grounds. Other river fauna also benefit from the measures. For now, fishing is very strictly regulated, and the salmon must be released back into the river.
A new nature reserve has been designated for the area in 2021. The aim is to protect nature with well-marked paths and resting places. The nesting and spawning times of birds and fish and the related restrictions are posted on signs in areas where people move.
The Hiitolanjoki area and its tourism are developed in cooperation with various nature conservation operators. Ekvas has received several awards and honors related to nature conservation thanks to the Hiitolanjoki project.
There are small, environmentally friendly accommodations in the area. Most of them have been implemented by changing the purpose of use of old buildings, so there have been almost no emissions from new construction.
Mainly the activities organized around Hiitolanjoki are those that do not require motorized recreational equipment. There are mostly intangible services for tourists.
Hiitolanjoki does not aim for the number of visitors of overcrowded national parks. We want to grow and develop tourism under the conditions of nature. The number of visitors is monitored using counters. The aim is to stagger the groups and thus lighten the area's load by distributing it more evenly over different periods.
There are no tap water and no electrified facilities along routes . There are composting outdoor toilets and waste bins along the route.
By demolishing the dams, endangered migratory fish populations are protected and strengthened. At the same time, their conditions were improved, when the fish can go up the river to suitable, constructed spawning grounds. Other river fauna also benefit from the measures. For now, fishing is very strictly regulated, and the salmon must be released back into the river.
A new nature reserve has been designated for the area in 2021. The aim is to protect nature with well-marked paths and resting places. The nesting and spawning times of birds and fish and the related restrictions are posted on signs in areas where people move.
The Hiitolanjoki area and its tourism are developed in cooperation with various nature conservation operators. Ekvas has received several awards and honors related to nature conservation thanks to the Hiitolanjoki project.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Hiitolanjoki has been an ancient water route, a provider of fish, a transport channel, and a source of power for mills, sawmills and, most recently, hydropower plants. The buildings of hydropower plants of the Hiitolanjoki rapids are old and protected components. Along with nature conservation requirements, multipurpose, aesthetic recreation opportunities for people have been wanted, while cultural values have been protected. The goal has also been to improve the opportunities of current and new tourism operators in the area.
On the island underneath of Kangaskoski hydropower plant was made a virtual museum where the wood grinder was long time ago. The Kangaskoski factory was brought back to life with the help of a new mobile application.
The measures made on Hiitolanjoki also maintain and renew inclusive local culture, when old events are revived and new ones developed alongside. The public is very interested in restored rapids and their surroundings. Free Kangaskoski for All event was organized after the work was completed on November 21, 2021. The World Migratory Fish Day event was organized in Kangaskoski with the help of several operators and village activists on 21 May 2022. The new local village association has organized nature evenings in Kangaskoski, and it will become an annual tradition as part of Rautjärvi's cultural offer. Students in the field of natural sciences have also participated in implementing good projects in Hiitolanjoi during their studies. Various music events around the river are also planned.
The opened waterways with their demolished dams, restored rapids and surrounding recreation areas have aroused a lot of admiration both for their physical implementation and for their soundscape - not to mention the wonderful scenery. The project has received a lot of international positive feedback and it is being used as a good example for other DamBusters.
On the island underneath of Kangaskoski hydropower plant was made a virtual museum where the wood grinder was long time ago. The Kangaskoski factory was brought back to life with the help of a new mobile application.
The measures made on Hiitolanjoki also maintain and renew inclusive local culture, when old events are revived and new ones developed alongside. The public is very interested in restored rapids and their surroundings. Free Kangaskoski for All event was organized after the work was completed on November 21, 2021. The World Migratory Fish Day event was organized in Kangaskoski with the help of several operators and village activists on 21 May 2022. The new local village association has organized nature evenings in Kangaskoski, and it will become an annual tradition as part of Rautjärvi's cultural offer. Students in the field of natural sciences have also participated in implementing good projects in Hiitolanjoi during their studies. Various music events around the river are also planned.
The opened waterways with their demolished dams, restored rapids and surrounding recreation areas have aroused a lot of admiration both for their physical implementation and for their soundscape - not to mention the wonderful scenery. The project has received a lot of international positive feedback and it is being used as a good example for other DamBusters.
Key objectives for inclusion
The entire Hiitolanjoki restoration project was initially initiated by the active local people. They are called "river warriors", who have fought tirelessly for their good goal. Two decades work had to be done before it was possible to implement concrete and visible things. Local river warriors have also participated in practical tasks to clear the river. Funding was needed to start the project, and many different parties have come to the help with it. The project has thus involved both local people, several different organizations and funders.
The dismantling of the dams has already attracted so much attention and interest that there is a need for competent guides in the area. The foundation or the municipality cannot take it on as their own activity, so the plan is to activate local entrepreneurs and associations in this matter and train them as guides for groups. Those guides can sell their services for tourists and groups.
When the area's camping infrastructure was renovated and built, we wanted to make it as accessible as possible and suitable for everyone. Paths and bridges have been made accessible whenever possible. There is also a barrier-free option in the outdoor toilets. Tables and fireplaces can also be accessed by a wheelchair, as well as the barrier-free bird tower at Lahnasenkoski. Experience experts from the accessible nature tourism project of the University of Applied Sciences LAB were used in the planning.
Accessibility is also supported by the fact that it is also possible for people without cars to come to the river because the train stops very close nearby the river. The sites of Hiitolanjoki, which can be used freely and without charge, are popular outdoor recreation areas among locals and tourists. You often see elderly people walking with sticks, as well as cyclists and families with children in strollers on the routes.
The dismantling of the dams has already attracted so much attention and interest that there is a need for competent guides in the area. The foundation or the municipality cannot take it on as their own activity, so the plan is to activate local entrepreneurs and associations in this matter and train them as guides for groups. Those guides can sell their services for tourists and groups.
When the area's camping infrastructure was renovated and built, we wanted to make it as accessible as possible and suitable for everyone. Paths and bridges have been made accessible whenever possible. There is also a barrier-free option in the outdoor toilets. Tables and fireplaces can also be accessed by a wheelchair, as well as the barrier-free bird tower at Lahnasenkoski. Experience experts from the accessible nature tourism project of the University of Applied Sciences LAB were used in the planning.
Accessibility is also supported by the fact that it is also possible for people without cars to come to the river because the train stops very close nearby the river. The sites of Hiitolanjoki, which can be used freely and without charge, are popular outdoor recreation areas among locals and tourists. You often see elderly people walking with sticks, as well as cyclists and families with children in strollers on the routes.
Results in relation to category
Open Hiitolanjoki for all - the concrete results of the project are two dams that have been demolished and restored in rive Hiitolanjoki, accessible and versatile hiking and camping infrastructure has been built around the rapids, the history and cultural heritage of the area has been cherished by preserving the existing buildings and structures during the restoration and by building a virtual museum for Kangaskoski (free mobile application can be found on Google Play Store and Apple Store under the name "Kangaskoski mobile"). In addition, a tourism Masterplan has been drawn up for the area to support current and new entrepreneurs in the area in developing their nature-based business.
Restoring the connection to nature can be seen in the increased and constantly increasing number of visitors to the area and in the positive feedback received from visitors. The rapidly restored stream water ecosystem, the hugely increased numbers of juvenile migratory fish and the diversified birdlife also contribute to the restoration of the connection with nature, as these things are of great interest to the public and visitors to the river. Various events, which have been organized and are wanted to be organized by various parties on the river much more than before, also support community, social capital and people's connection with nature. Potential new entrepreneurs now also contact the municipality and Ekvas more than before in order to develop and bring their operations to Hiitolanjoki.
There is no special evaluation report, one uniform final report or certification for the Hiitolanjoki project, nor there will be one, because the whole project was made up of several smaller projects that received funding from several separate sources.
Restoring the connection to nature can be seen in the increased and constantly increasing number of visitors to the area and in the positive feedback received from visitors. The rapidly restored stream water ecosystem, the hugely increased numbers of juvenile migratory fish and the diversified birdlife also contribute to the restoration of the connection with nature, as these things are of great interest to the public and visitors to the river. Various events, which have been organized and are wanted to be organized by various parties on the river much more than before, also support community, social capital and people's connection with nature. Potential new entrepreneurs now also contact the municipality and Ekvas more than before in order to develop and bring their operations to Hiitolanjoki.
There is no special evaluation report, one uniform final report or certification for the Hiitolanjoki project, nor there will be one, because the whole project was made up of several smaller projects that received funding from several separate sources.
How Citizens benefit
The restoration of Hiitolanjoki has been a set of various investment projects focusing on tourism infrastructure, so citizens or civil societies have not been directly involved in the implementation. The outputs and results of the entire project, on the other hand, can be used free of charge by all citizens and civil societies, and various societies are closely involved in the further development of the area's activities. The dam demolition and rapids restoration work was tendered and the main contractor Oteran Oy used local experts as subcontractors. Companies operating in the area were also used in the construction of other camping infrastructure.
A tourism masterplan for the region was also made in the RivTimes project related to the demolition of the Kangaskoski dam, and the region's tourism companies and operators were involved in it. They participated in the workshops and they were interviewed separately. Local associations and other national organizations, as well as educational institutions, were involved in the implementation of the events during the project.
There was cooperation with the experts of the accessible nature tourism project of local University of Applied Sciences LAB in the planning of the accessibility of camping infrastructure.
All local know-how and material that was available was used in the design of the virtual museum of Kangaskoski. The developer of the actual mobile application is also a local entrepreneur.
A tourism masterplan for the region was also made in the RivTimes project related to the demolition of the Kangaskoski dam, and the region's tourism companies and operators were involved in it. They participated in the workshops and they were interviewed separately. Local associations and other national organizations, as well as educational institutions, were involved in the implementation of the events during the project.
There was cooperation with the experts of the accessible nature tourism project of local University of Applied Sciences LAB in the planning of the accessibility of camping infrastructure.
All local know-how and material that was available was used in the design of the virtual museum of Kangaskoski. The developer of the actual mobile application is also a local entrepreneur.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The restoration of Hiitolanjoki was Finland's first major dam demolition project, and also internationally noteworthy and significant, as it removed three dams from the same river in two and a half years. In this way, the entire river was freed for migratory fish. The restoration was also significant because the river is home to Finland's only wild lake salmon population, the Ladoga salmon. The fry counts carried out by researchers in 2022 and 2023 have also been record-breaking and amazingly good, which tells that things have been done correctly. It is now possible to share the accumulated know-how with others both domestically and internationally.
In addition, camping infrastructure is not always built in conjunction with dam demolitions and tourism-related matters are developed, as has been done in the case of Hiitolanjoki. Accessibility aspects have been well taken into account and culturally valuable things have been preserved in their worthy way.
In addition, camping infrastructure is not always built in conjunction with dam demolitions and tourism-related matters are developed, as has been done in the case of Hiitolanjoki. Accessibility aspects have been well taken into account and culturally valuable things have been preserved in their worthy way.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
There were experts in earthworks and waterworks in the practical restoration and construction work . In addition, landscape planning was needed to create aesthetic and practical solutions. Experience expertise was needed in considering accessibility. In order to nurture cultural values, expertise in the museum field was needed. The expertise of nature conservation organizations was needed to take nature conservation perspectives into account. The planning and implementation of the camping facilities such as the outdoor toilets, sheds and the bird tower required knowledge of wood construction. The planning and implementation of the virtual museum required the know-how of a historian, and the implementation of a practical mobile application required the know-how of the IT industry. In order to assemble and coordinate all of these, project management and communication skills were needed, as well as networking skills.
Some of the experts were involved for their position, some as volunteers and some through purchasing services. Regardless of the position, all the actors in the different fields were in close interaction with each other, which contributed to achieving such a great result in the planned schedule.
Some of the experts were involved for their position, some as volunteers and some through purchasing services. Regardless of the position, all the actors in the different fields were in close interaction with each other, which contributed to achieving such a great result in the planned schedule.
Methodology used
Since it was mainly a set of investment projects related to camping infrastructure, no actual scientific methodology or approach can be directly applied to the project. However, if this is what you want to do, the answer could be as follows:
Problem: Freeing Hiitolanjoki and improving people's relationship with nature
Strategy: Open river Hiitolanjoki for All - the project corresponds mainly to empirical multi-method action research, because it was the first time to experiment with concrete things.
Data acquisition methods: Regarding the dismantling and restoration of the dams, data was obtained from the produced documents, by observation and with the help of discretionary samples. As for the virtual museum, the process and methods differed from this.
Scientific-philosophical orientation: In this project, regarding the demolition and restoration of the dams, there was mostly empiricist relativism and an approach to constructivism, because despite a lot of advance planning, the formation of knowledge was guided in many stages by making sensory observations of the research object, i.e. the rapids, and generalizing the physical observations of experts and the knowledge from experience to also apply to other phenomena similar to the object, and new knowledge was built on top of the previous one. As for the virtual museum, the strategy, material acquisition methods and scientific philosophy would be slightly different.
Problem: Freeing Hiitolanjoki and improving people's relationship with nature
Strategy: Open river Hiitolanjoki for All - the project corresponds mainly to empirical multi-method action research, because it was the first time to experiment with concrete things.
Data acquisition methods: Regarding the dismantling and restoration of the dams, data was obtained from the produced documents, by observation and with the help of discretionary samples. As for the virtual museum, the process and methods differed from this.
Scientific-philosophical orientation: In this project, regarding the demolition and restoration of the dams, there was mostly empiricist relativism and an approach to constructivism, because despite a lot of advance planning, the formation of knowledge was guided in many stages by making sensory observations of the research object, i.e. the rapids, and generalizing the physical observations of experts and the knowledge from experience to also apply to other phenomena similar to the object, and new knowledge was built on top of the previous one. As for the virtual museum, the strategy, material acquisition methods and scientific philosophy would be slightly different.
How stakeholders are engaged
The restoration of the river Hiitolanjoki has its own steering group, which includes experts from different fields from the municipality, the recreation area foundation Ekvas, the Hiitolanjoki association, ELY, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the county association, the local responsibility museum, the area's fisheries cooperatives and WWF Finland.
Ekvas, as the owner and responsible party of the area, has had overall responsibility for the planning and implementation of the restoration and camping infrastructure. The municipality has been involved in financing, land use and permit matters, as well as from the point of view of the development of tourism in the area. Experts from ELY and MMM have been involved as financiers and as experts in permit practices, water engineering and fisheries. Responsible museum's expertise has been needed in planning the demolition of protected power plant sites and dam structures. Local fisheries cooperatives represent local river activists, and e.g. fishing licenses go through them. WWF Finland has been one of the major financiers and participated in the planning and implementation from a view of nature conservation.
Apart from the steering group, other stakeholders have been involved in the planning, such as educational institutions in the area. The University of Applied Sciences LAB was involved in the accessibility planning. The students of Sampo Vocational College have been on site to come up with ideas for the further development of the area.
All the stakeholders involved have been very committed to the issue and felt that the progress of the issue was also important on a personal level. It's rare to see such a deep commitment to something, as has been witnessed time and time again with regard to this overall project. The practical implementations have been made as purchase services, but also in them the relevance of this project to the authors has been unparalleled.
Ekvas, as the owner and responsible party of the area, has had overall responsibility for the planning and implementation of the restoration and camping infrastructure. The municipality has been involved in financing, land use and permit matters, as well as from the point of view of the development of tourism in the area. Experts from ELY and MMM have been involved as financiers and as experts in permit practices, water engineering and fisheries. Responsible museum's expertise has been needed in planning the demolition of protected power plant sites and dam structures. Local fisheries cooperatives represent local river activists, and e.g. fishing licenses go through them. WWF Finland has been one of the major financiers and participated in the planning and implementation from a view of nature conservation.
Apart from the steering group, other stakeholders have been involved in the planning, such as educational institutions in the area. The University of Applied Sciences LAB was involved in the accessibility planning. The students of Sampo Vocational College have been on site to come up with ideas for the further development of the area.
All the stakeholders involved have been very committed to the issue and felt that the progress of the issue was also important on a personal level. It's rare to see such a deep commitment to something, as has been witnessed time and time again with regard to this overall project. The practical implementations have been made as purchase services, but also in them the relevance of this project to the authors has been unparalleled.
Global challenges
There are lots of dammed rivers and streams around the world that could be released and restored to restore stream nature. While restoring nature's own ecosystems to their natural state, natural diversity and people's relationship with nature can be supported. By building controlled recreation areas around rivers, people get to move more in nature - and this, in turn, has been found in studies to have significant health and mental health benefits for the individual, as well as national economic savings. The liberation of Hiitolanjoki and the camping infrastructure and cultural sites built around it are a perfect example of how this can be achieved with persistent and long-term work. Our project is also a good example of how different stakeholders can have common goals, for which all participants do their best.
Learning transferred to other parties
A huge number of different things have been learned from the Hiitolanjoki project. Accumulated know-how and lessons can and are shared with other regions' own "river warriors". At first, a long-term change in the attitude climate is required - demolition of dams is often not viewed very positively at first, especially if it is a hydropower plant that produces electricity. In Hiitolanjoki river it required two decades of ground work.
Next, a lot of funding is needed, and it usually needs to be collected from many different sources. Lessons learned from Hiitolanjoki's permit processes may not be directly transferable to other countries, as each country has its own laws and practices. Good planning is needed next from several different areas; in terms of earth construction, water construction, fish habitat, demolition and landscaping, and camping infrastructure. After this, different work phases have to be tendered, especially if funding has been obtained from different project programs. The practical dam demolition work may be such that the contractors have never done it before - in that case it is good to consult contractors who have worked on Hiitolanjoki, for example. On Hiitolanjoki the actual dam demolitions were done completely without blasting unlike in many other countries. Without blasting the work is done more gently and sparing nature. The results of this were seen in a super-fast recovery of nature and an increase in the number of endangered migratory fish.
The model and technology of the Kangaskoski virtual museum can be transferred to a wide variety of environments.
The communication of the Hiitolanjoki project can also be taken as a model - the visibility in various media increased more than tenfold in a year and the number of visitors to the rapids more than tripled, even though the actual marketing has not even started properly yet.
Next, a lot of funding is needed, and it usually needs to be collected from many different sources. Lessons learned from Hiitolanjoki's permit processes may not be directly transferable to other countries, as each country has its own laws and practices. Good planning is needed next from several different areas; in terms of earth construction, water construction, fish habitat, demolition and landscaping, and camping infrastructure. After this, different work phases have to be tendered, especially if funding has been obtained from different project programs. The practical dam demolition work may be such that the contractors have never done it before - in that case it is good to consult contractors who have worked on Hiitolanjoki, for example. On Hiitolanjoki the actual dam demolitions were done completely without blasting unlike in many other countries. Without blasting the work is done more gently and sparing nature. The results of this were seen in a super-fast recovery of nature and an increase in the number of endangered migratory fish.
The model and technology of the Kangaskoski virtual museum can be transferred to a wide variety of environments.
The communication of the Hiitolanjoki project can also be taken as a model - the visibility in various media increased more than tenfold in a year and the number of visitors to the rapids more than tripled, even though the actual marketing has not even started properly yet.
Keywords
Restoration of Stream Water
Nature Protection
Recreation Areas
Sustainability
Accessibility
