Öjenäsbäcken, Naturreservat

Öjenäsbäcken is the first nature reserve in Värmland County to be established to preserve endangered species in water. These include the river pearl mussel, trout and species of moss.
The nature reserve consists of Öjenäsbäcken between Gretjärnet and Nysockensjön and the wooded ravine surrounding the watercourse.

The reserve was established to preserve and restore an aquatic environment where there are several threatened aquatic species. The area is part of the EU's ecological network of protected areas, Natura 2000.

In addition to a pleasant nature experience around the stream, with its wealth and variety of rapids, stretches of stream and calm water, visitors can also see various cultural traces such as remains from the time when timber was floated.

During the years 2012 to 2015, biological restoration work was carried out in Öjenäsbäcken. Stones and gravel that were previously removed to facilitate rafting have been placed back in the stream channel. Along the banks, trees have been felled and ring-barked to promote deciduous forest and dead wood. The measures aim to increase the diversity of species in and around the stream, with a particular focus on the threatened river pearl mussel.

Animals and plants

The river pearl mussel is an important species that signals that the water ecosystem is doing well. In Värmland County, the pearl mussel is found in around 30 watercourses, and Öjenäsbäcken has relatively many mussels. The river pearl mussel is a species that can grow very old, up to 250 years. Öjenäsbäcken is one of five watercourses in Värmland where the pearl mussel reproduces. In addition to the river pearl mussel, there are also trout and other fish species, about a hundred different aquatic insect species and several rare and endangered mosses have been found in and around the stream.

Öjenäsbäcken has clean and clear water that also has a natural buffering capacity against acidification. This is probably one of the main reasons why the pearl mussel has survived in Öjenäsbäcken, unlike many other forest streams in the area.

Facilities

There is a parking lot and picnic area in the northern part of the reserve at Gretjärn. There is also a fireplace and an information board. The hiking trail runs from the parking lot on both sides of the stream. Bridge passages over the stream are located in three places: at the parking lot, in the far south and approximately in the middle of the route. The trail on the western side of the creek is on varied terrain and can be considered challenging. On the eastern side, the trail follows an old road that is easier to navigate.