Sammuttijänkä - Vaijoenjänkä Mires. 02/02/04; Lapland; 51,749 ha; 69°25'N 027°30'E. Natura 2000 SPA and SCI, Wilderness Area, Mire Protection Area. Finland's largest continuous mire area in natural state, formed by northern aapa mires. The palsa mires are extensive and well developed, changing gradually into aapa mires. Wide areas of rounded hummocks, riverbank willow growths, wet flark fens and rich fens are characteristic of these mires. Areas of rounded hummocks are divided by kilometer-long stretches of mesotrophic sedge fens or by rich fens without ridges. The area is rich in pools, ponds and lakes, of which the largest cover about 170 ha. It is among the most valuable breeding areas of waterfowl and waders in Fjeld Lapland. Reindeer husbandry with up to 10,000 reindeer is an important livelihood in the area. Hunting is permitted to local residents, as are fishing and picking of mushrooms and berries. Acid deposition has weakened the buffering capacity of lakes and ponds, and hunting has negative effects on the site, but a management and land use plan will be established in the near future. Ramsar site no. 1531. Most recent RIS information: 2005.