Conversion of three thresholds into shallow river bed ramps with natural redesign of the water profile and its banks

The two ground threshold in Felheim and the one in Pleß are currently impassable for aquatic organisms, such as fish or micro-organisms moving on the ground. By converting the concrete sleepers into shallow ramps, the passability for aquatic organisms is achieved. A sole ramp provides passability over the entire width of the watercourse. The watercourse section is extended and creates new valuable habitat. The aim of the measure is to achieve good ecological status or, in the case of heavily modified water bodies, good ecological potential in accordance with the Water Resources Act (§ 27 WHG). The status of the habitat for aquatic organisms is to be improved by relocating individual sections of the bank and installing structural elements. In the first step, the existing bank will be removed, the river bed widened and the accompanying bank path relocated. The Iller will be created space for development. In the next step, structural elements such as groynes (dams built across the river) or dead wood will be installed. These measures as well as the design of bays and steep banks create different habitats for the biocoenosis of plants and animals.. An alternation of slow-flowing sections as resting areas and fast-flowing sections, which carry oxygen into the water body through their currents, is of great importance for the habitat. A diversity in the water body structure creates a diversity in the animal and plant world.  In addition to relocating the bank, the bank slope is to be flattened. In this way access for the population is created. The water body is to be made experienceable. In the transition between the embankment and the river, shallow water zones and gravel banks are created, which serve as spawning grounds for fish. The measures are part of the project Agile Iller.