New treatment for "Rosenkranke" at Steigra / Willingmann granted funding for the project
Government Grants Boost Pond Renovation: Official Kick-Off in Steigra
Environment Minister Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann officially commenced the rejuvenation of the "Rosstraenke" pond in Steigra, Saalekreis, by awarding a funding decision of approximately 209,000 euros to Dr. Matthias Henniger, the managing director of the Geo-Naturpark Saale-Unstrut-Triasland. This initiative aims to enhance the pond as a habitat for native amphibian species and preserve it as a year-round water reservoir.
The Rosstraenke, a small retention system and natural water source, plays a vital role in regional water balance management. However, its dam area is currently experiencing leaks, and inlets and outlets are defective. Hence, the urgency for renovation. Willingmann underlined the significance of this renovation, stating, "This project is crucial due to the absence of alternative natural water reservoirs promoting groundwater formation in the vicinity."
Henniger, the director of the Geo-Naturpark, highlighted the local community's concern for the Rosstraenke's restoration. He expressed pleasure at finding an effective, bottom-up solution that caters to the cultural landscape concerns of residents and the state's species protection interests.
The comprehensive pond renovation will involve dredging and desilting the Rosstraenke, improving water supply through renewed inlets and outlets, shaping the waterbed and western shoreline, designing amphibian-friendly slopes, and installing bat boxes. To stabilize the dam, a bentonite preform will be installed, while vegetation areas will be cleared, and tree stands near the shoreline will be pruned back. A notable exception is the preservation of the trees on the eastern shore and the old drinking water well.
The primary funding for this project comes from the Ministry of the Environment's nature conservation guidelines, with 75% support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and 25% from state funds.
By focusing on ecological restoration, species protection, and water balance management, the renovation of the Rosstraenke holds the potential to create a sustainable and beneficial ecosystem for both the environment and the local community of Steigra, Germany.
The environmental-science project focusing on the Rosstraenke's renovation received a financial boost with the Ministry of the Environment's grant of around 209,000 euros. This financial allocation will contribute to the implementation of various measures, such as dredging, desilting, and amphibian-friendly slope designs.
