At the end of October, the management works in the open areas of the big were completed (C.5 activity). The plots were managed for the third time, as it was foreseen in the project’s prolongation, approved by the EC. Due to the high precipitation level, this year a combination of machinery and hand work was applied, as some of wet areas were not accessible by tractors. In total the area of 113 ha was managed. 

The reed management works, which were planned in the flooded areas of the Tyruliai bog, are completed. At the beginning of October, the reed stands were cut (C.3 activity) using special equipment. This activity was planned in the project’s prolongation, which was approved by the EC late summer. The reed stands were cut in autumn in order to avoid disturbance of breeding or migrating birds. In the total area of 78 ha, the reed stands, covering 7,2 ha, were cut. 

Cutting of woody vegetation in selected areas of Tyruliai bog (Action C.2 ) is the first stage of management works. Later in these areas works of re-wetting were implemented (Action C.1).

The whole territory of the peatbog is covered by fairly dense network of draining channels. A large part of these channels are really effective, so in most parts of abandoned peatbog areas there are no conditions for wetland habitats forming.  These areas are dominated by poor vegetation, with the naked peat on the surface in some places.

At the end of summer -beginning of autumn 2016 m. habitat management works of repeatedly cut reed stands in former wet places of the bog were continued (project action C5). This aimed to reduce areas of dense reed stands, so as sedge communities could recover.

C.5 activity - cutting of reed stands in the former wet areas of the bog - aims to reduce peatbog territories occupied by thick reed stands, thus improving habitat conditions for the bird species avoiding dense reedbeds (Little Crake, waders) and wetland plants overshadowed by thickenning reeds. 

The project presents calendar for 2018 –“Year in Tyruliai bog”. The new calendar contains not only spectaculars pictures of the site, but as well as valuable and informative information about project activities and description of natural values of Tyruliai bog. Descriptive part also covers presentation of the project outcomes, as 2017 was the year of the project and most of the results were achieved at the end of 2017.

In November 2017 installation works of the new dams have been finalised. The new dams were set following the decision, taken during the Steering Committee meeting, for better recovering conditions of the damaged wetland habitats. The number of dams and precise location were foreseen in the prolongation of the Agreement with the EC. In addition 23 dams of two types were installed.

This autumn the habitats management works have been completed, when woody vegetation was removed from the overgrown peatland. During this activity open areas, which are important for the migrating cranes, swans and geese as stopover place, in Tyruliai bog have been formed. While performing management works, it was seeking to shape large open areas. Removal of woody vegetation, following the valid Rules on forest cuttings, started at the beginning of September. Hydrological conditions were not favourable for implementation of this action in 2017, as only some areas were accessible by tractors, where woody vegetation was removed; however wet areas of the bog were managed as well. Until March 2017, in 244 ha of Tyruliai bog the woody vegetation was removed, while at the end of the project in September – October 2017, reeds and wood was removed from additional 34 ha. The total area managed during the project reached 278 ha.