Plan approval for Lech renaturation: insight into the major project!

Plan approval for Lech renaturation: insight into the major project!

On November 20, 2025, the planning documents for the important renaturation project “Licca liber Section I” for the Lech will be publicly displayed. This procedure applies to the river section between barrage 23 and the high discharge. As the municipality of Merching reports on its website gemeinde-merching.de, the documents can be viewed during general opening hours in the municipality's town hall. It is also possible to access the information online.

The “Licca liber” project is entering a new phase as the planning approval process for the first phase has begun. This extends over a river kilometer that is ten kilometers long. Comprehensive tests and a so-called “flow dialogue” with the population as well as the involved actors and authorities were the preliminary steps for this phase that has now started. The aim of the project is the comprehensive renaturation of the Lech and its floodplains, the stabilization of the river bed and the preservation of flood protection. The [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/augsburg/licca-liber-bei-augsburg-aktueller-stand-des-renaturierungsprojekts-fuer-den-freie-lech-112831041) emphasizes that the planned measures include the dismantling of bank protection, the connection of groundwater lakes, the conversion of falls to the river and the creation of backwaters belong.

Public inspection and deadlines

The inspection of the planning documents takes place not only in the Merching town hall, but also in other locations, including the environmental office in Augsburg and the district offices in Aichach-Friedberg. The public display periods for the planning documents are set between November 24th and January 8th, 2026. To support this process, the Lower Water Rights Authority of the City of Augsburg, which is leading the process, sought external help after the approval process stalled due to staff shortages.

An important aspect of the renaturation projects, as emphasized by the Federal Environment Agency, is to improve the more natural design of rivers and streams. This not only leads to an increase in the quality of life in urban and rural areas, but also contributes to reducing the risk of flooding and improving the ecological status of water bodies. In addition, natural flowing waters promote biodiversity and offer valuable habitats for many species.

Long-term perspectives and challenges

The implementation of the renaturation measures will take several years, which is due to the complexity of implementation and the need for the participation of all relevant actors. Given the fact that over 90% of German rivers are straightened, narrowed or piped, the renaturation of watercourses is a significant challenge. Whether and how quickly this process is successful depends on the careful planning and cooperation of all those involved in this project.

The planned measures are expected to not only improve the ecological condition of the Lech, but also contribute to adapting to climate change. This illustrates the necessity and urgency of the project in order to secure a sustainable future for the region.