04 – Micro-meanders and measures for a more vibrant river

In the stretch between Piotta and Rodi-Fiesso, micro-meanders have been created that mimic the natural meanders of rivers through artificial bends in the watercourse.

These structures help to slow the current, distribute water more effectively during changes in flow rate, encourage the flushing of fine sediments and create more favourable conditions for aquatic fauna, thereby mitigating the effects of the river’s irregular flow caused by the discharge of water from the hydroelectric power station.

During changes in flow rate, the water gradually occupies new sections of the riverbed, recreating a more natural river dynamic and promoting habitat diversity.

Along the route, other structures designed to increase the ecological and morphological complexity of the River Ticino can be observed:

• Weirs: these are small, sloping barriers made of wood or stone that partially divert the flow and create calm or turbulent areas
• Clusters: these are groups of boulders that provide shelter, shade and spawning grounds for fish and invertebrates
• Log sections: these are strategically placed in the riverbed to slow the flow of water, encourage the formation of microhabitats and retain fine sediments

These measures allow us to observe how the river adapts over time to new forms, promoting a flexible approach to river management based on natural processes.