Lisähaimankanava

Lisähaimankanava is a navigable canal located in the western part of Finland, running through the municipality of Keuruu within the region of Central Finland. The canal connects the lake system of Hyyryvesi to the larger lake of Keitele, creating a waterway that has historically facilitated both local transport and regional trade. The main engineering works of the canal were completed in 1958, with a total length of approximately 2.4 kilometres and a depth that allows vessels up to 20 metres in length to transit safely. Its construction involved a series of levees, lock gates, and a sedimentation basin designed to manage the water flow and preserve the surrounding landscape.

Historically, the area surrounding the canal has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with archaeological finds indicating continued settlement into the early medieval era. The canal significantly increased the efficiency of moving timber and other goods from the interior of Finland to broader markets, thereby contributing to the economic development of the Late Middle Ages and the early industrial period. The structure also served as a strategic position during conflicts, notably during the Winter War, when local populations used the waterborne route for both evacuation and supply logistics.

Ecologically, the canal has had both positive and negative impacts. The improved access has led to increased recreational fishing and boating tourism, boosting local income. However, the construction disrupted the natural flow of several fish species, prompting the installation of fish ladders in 2003 to mitigate the barrier effect for migratory fish such as Atlantic salmon. Environmental monitoring continues, and measures are now in place to balance continued use with the preservation of water quality and native biodiversity.