Herausforderungen der ökologischen und technischen Dammpflege am Beispiel des Marchfeldschutzdamms (Niederösterreich)

The difficulties and challenges of ecological dam maintenance are shown using the example of the Marchfeld protective dam east of Vienna. The dam is located in the Donau-Auen National Park and has a variety of natural assets, e.g., orchid lawns and nesting places for the European pond turtle. Due to maintenance requirements from the nature conservation authority, the complex maintenance is made legally binding and is financed through the current maintenance budget. On other dams, where there are no maintenance requirements, ecological maintenance is difficult to implement due to a lack of funding. Grazing and reduced mowing frequency, such as leaving flower strips, are presented as options for cost-effective and nature-friendly dam care.