Iidesjärvi to Become Protected Nature Area as Experts Urge Boating, Fishing Restrictions

According to Tamperelainen, Iidesjärvi is being designated a protected nature area, with restrictions proposed to prevent disturbance to nesting birds between early April and late July.

Classified as nationally valuable for birds, the protection proposal covers the lake and parts of its shoreline, especially at the east end. By law, people must avoid driving through reed beds and keep dogs on a leash under public order law. Cats should also be prevented from roaming freely to protect nests.

Anglers have become increasingly visible both on the water and from shore. Some boat movements already disturb nesting and resting birds. Visitors are asked not to leave fishing line or hooks on the shoreline.

Recent restoration work — managed grazing, nesting rafts for gulls and targeted removal of excessive small bony fish — appears to be helping.

Bird counts in recent years show increases in species such as the highly endangered coot, the threatened wigeon and the near-threatened great crested grebe. Year-to-year variation, however, makes direct attribution difficult.

As the area gains protected status, planners must ensure management rules and a care-and-use plan prevent disturbances both inside and outside the reserve so the positive trends can continue.