Municipal nature reserve Sieggraben

Short description

North of the settlement area of Sieggraben in the area of "Stättriegel" there are 2 nature conservation areas of interest whose existence has to be secured. At the beginning of the Stations of the Cross there is a pond which serves as a refuge for many animals (e.g. the large pond mussel). Due to the increased nutrient input (falling leaves of the bank vegetation, duck faeces) a strong mud layer has formed at the bottom of the pond. Thick bushes cover some of the bank areas. In the area of the tree sanctuary "Bildl" (at the end of the Stations of the Cross) lies the so-called "community meadow". The approx. 0.9 ha large wet meadow is owned by the municipality and because of its environmental importance they are subject to appropriate maintenance (e.g. late mowing with light equipment). The species-rich meadow contains the source of a spring ("Bründl") with crested newt, fire salamander, lung gentian and marsh heart leaf occurrences. The broad-leaved orchid also occurs there.

Targets and target groups

Through targeted maintenance measures it is intended to create different areas (breeding areas for birds, spawning grounds for fish, etc.) on the banks of the water and to prevent further settling of mud. In addition, the nutrient input from dead plant material is to be reduced in order to permanently ensure water quality.

The meadow area at the "Bildl" (arnica deposit) is to be enlarged and secured in the long term for nature conservation.

- Zoning of the banks to create different habitats
- Improvement of water quality
- Enlargement of the meadow area

The sustainable care of a meadow on the property is currently guaranteed by an agreement with a horse farm in the proximity (owner of the horse farm mows the meadow at a late time in the year with light equipment and removes the mowed material). This agreement is to be extended to 2 more parcels.

Project implementation and measures

- Purchase of a parcel (7650m²) as an exchange for the planned parcels (together 7675m²) with the aim of acquiring a large continuous area with the existing community meadow. 
- Removing the mud from the pond 
- Targeted pruning of trees on the shoreline 
- Minor terrain modelling at the shore/ in the surrounding area of the pond
- Planting at the shore or surrounding area of the pond appropriate to the location