This area is one of the largest inner-alpine valleys in Austria. Following regulation of the river, only small areas of riverine forest, fen and raised bog remain. Large areas of pasture and intensively-managed grassland exist with small patches of non-intensively managed wet meadows. In places, cliffs enclose the valley. The main human activities are agriculture and recreation.
Key biodiversity
An important area for species breeding in wet meadows and raised bog.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
A road-building project threatens the most valuable sites in the valley. Other threats include drainage, high fertilizer use, groundwater abstraction, building development, and recreational use.
Protected areas
National Low International Low142 ha of IBA covered by seven Nature Reserves. 62 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Pürgschachen Moor, 62 ha). 1,569 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Pürgschachener Moor, 1,569 ha). 407 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Wörschacher Moor, 407 ha).
