Riisitunturi National Park. 02/02/04; Lapland; 12,461 ha; 66°12'N 028°27'E. Natura 2000 SCI, National Park, Finnish Mire Conservation Programme, Protected Old-Growth Forest. Steep and diverse blanket mires representing the mire vegetation region of Main aapa mires of sloping type. The site is located on the watershed of Maanselkä and the humid climate affects the vegetation, which is exceptionally "maritime" and rich. On the banks of numerous brooks and small rivers, and in the lower parts of hill slopes with springs, there are luxuriant grass-, hay- and fern-rich spruce swamps. The most peculiar mire types are the locally very steep and open blanket mires and hanging bogs, which form the special value of the area. Most of the Park is covered by spruce forests with nearly a hundred small ponds. Threatened species hosted at the site are from both flora, such as the buttercup species Ranunculus lapponicus, and fauna, such as the Golden Eagle, and about 13 species of the EU Bird Directive are breeding on the site. Significant values include environmental education, outdoor recreation, reindeer husbandry and scientific research, for which it is among the most important study areas for research on blanket mires. Ramsar site no. 1528. Most recent RIS information: 2005.