Saarde municipality does not agree with the planned forest restoration in the Kikepera Nature Reserve. In June, the municipality and the Minister of the Environment agreed that a more detailed study would first be conducted on how restoration affects flood risk. Floods have become more frequent in the area. For example, in the last six months, the Reiu River has overflowed its banks twice, causing floods.
The Ministry of the Environment commissioned an expert assessment from the Environmental Agency. The study will analyze the water regime of the Reiu River and possible changes that may occur due to wetland restoration. The study will be completed in the autumn.
Kadri-Aija Viik, Deputy Chairman of the Saarde Municipal Council, said that during a meeting in early August, it was agreed that the closing of ditches would not begin before the completion of the study. "We agreed that actual work will not start before the study is completed. It should be ready by mid-September," said Viik.
In addition, a representative from RMK confirmed that restoration can begin after the study is completed. Restoration of swamp forests is planned on nearly 3100 hectares in the Kikepera Nature Reserve.