Background Actions to restore the tributaries of the Vindel river in the county of Västerbotten in the northern part of Sweden to a more natural conservation status are considered a priority by the Swedish environmental protection agency, the county administrative board and the EU under the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive (WFD). For example, the fundamental aim of the WFD is to maintain the “high status” of waters where it exists, preventing any deterioration in the existing status of waters and achieving at least “good status” in relation to all waters by 2015. Objectives The general objective of the project is to achieve 'good status' for the waters of the Vindel river with reference to the WFD, and a good conservation status for the species in the project area (under the Habitats Directive). This will be achieved by reducing or removing the remaining negative impacts of fragmentation and channelisation installations in 22 tributaries of the Vindel river system. Overall, the works will focus on a river stretch of just over 44 km. These installations (e.g. dams) stem from the period of timber floating, which was carried out from 1850 to 1976. They threaten the favourable conservation status of species and habitats within the Vindel river Natura 2000 site. The aim is that by the end of the project 73% of these obstructions to the natural river flow will have been removed and the conservation status of the river system should be considerably increased. Certain constructions built for the former timber floating activities that have a high cultural and historical value, will be left for educational or museum purposes. The ‘Vindel River LIFE’ project will restore two habitat types listed in the Habitats Directive and five species listed in Annex II of the directive. Expected results: The removal of seven dams, or the provision of bypass channels. In total, 44.1 km of tributaries will be restored to a more favourable conservation status; Improved conditions for the water flow regarding velocity and dynamics. This will mean: (1) slower currents and increased water levels; (2) mitigation of hydraulic disturbance during high flows; and (3) reduction of the flood risk in lower reaches during high flows; Improved conditions for species in the riparian zones, such as riparian plants and mammals. This will allow species and communities to recover to more natural and sustainable states; Improved conditions and changes in insect abundance and species composition will be achieved, directly (via changes in habitat) and indirectly (via changes in the availability of food); Improved conditions for the water habitats that will allow species and communities to recover to more natural and sustainable status.