In November, the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation acquired an approximately 45-hectare area, which was once a raised bog used for the purpose of peat production, next to the Konttikangas conservation area in Siikajoki. It belongs to the 300-hectare bog area of Karjoneva.
This bog area will be turned into a wetland for birds. The project will be carried out by the Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment as well as the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation together with the other owners of Karjoneva, the Finnish Environment Institute, and Turveruukki, a peat company that donated half of the costs required by the purchase of the area.
Karjoneva will be restored by raising the surface of the water and possibly by spreading peat moss in the area. The environment is suitable for waders, and there have been observations about the endangered species of ruffs and the arctic species of Curlew Sandpipers made in the region.
After the deal, the Konttikangas area is made up of almost 95 hectares.
Photo: Ari-Pekka Auvinen.
