2019

Vidzeme University Students Mark the Starting Point of the River Pērse

Students of Vidzeme University within the framework of the Integrated Terrain Practice have marked the starting points of the Rivers Gauja, Amata and Aiviekste by setting up informative plaques at the river source sites. The tradition was continued also this year, and on 19 May, students marked the starting point of the Pērse River in JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) Koknese Forest District by installing a sign saying “This is where the Pērse River begins” (Šeit sākas Pērse).

The students started the work of marking the source of the river with thorough exploration and research work. In the course of the exploration, a military testimony of World War II was found in the upper reaches of the river – an ammunition charge, which was removed and neutralised with the support of the State Police and the Latvian National Armed Forces.

Further river basin marking works were organised in cooperation with Maija Ārente, LVM Senior Environmental Planning Specialist, and Jānis Zvaigzne, Koknese Forest District Forester.

The Pērse Waterfall and the canyon-like downstream part of the river up to 1965, when Plaviņas HPP was built, was considered one of the most beautiful places in Latvia to be visited by tourists. On 18 May, an image of Pērse Waterfall was set up in the Koknese Park. The River Pērse is considered an equivalent symbol to Staburags Waterfall on the River Daugava. Its geographic coordinates: N56°51'02.4" E 25°40'51.3".