Restoration of Sarca River Rising Ladder Aims to Reintroduce Lake Trout

Councilor Miori is over the moon for having quickly managed to resolve a situation that had been unresolved since the 1950s. It concerns the restoration of the “rising ladder” on the Sarca River, essential for the reproduction of the increasingly rare lake trout.

Since time immemorial, the then widespread Garda fish would swim up the river to lay their eggs. From these, once hatched, the fry would migrate into Lake Garda until reaching adulthood. The centuries-old migration of trout along the “rising ladder” was halted after World War II due to hydroelectric exploitation of the Sarca, which nearly dried up the watercourse, and the construction of some dams in the riverbed.

Until today, restoring this ancient passage had not been possible. The achievement was accomplished by the head of the Arco environmental department, thanks to the decisive help of the Province. “The most challenging part was involving the various provincial departments, particularly those of the environment and agriculture sectors, which indeed have responsibilities regarding the ‘rising ladder’,” explains Miori. “If a solution was reached, it was thanks to the coordination of the wildlife department, which managed to implement it in just a few months. The service manager, Dr. Masè, has prepared an intervention plan after numerous contacts, including with municipalities along the Sarca, Enel, and the Garda provinces of Verona and Brescia.”

Projects and Implementation Timeline

“The first step will be commissioning a feasibility study by a technician, which will not only focus on how to promote the migration of lake trout along the river,” clarified Dr. Masè, “but also on various aspects related to fish reproduction, including habitat preparation. We expect to have the experts’ response within two or three months.” The second phase will then begin, involving the renewal works of the “ladder”, which will likely be handled by the provincial environmental restoration service and should be completed by spring.”

However, it will take several years before the lake trout’s habits return to their pre-1950s state.