Beaver management plan adopted

Provincial Executive the provinces of Drenthe and Groningen have adopted a beaver management plan developed in close collaboration with the Hunze en Aa's and Noorderzijlvest water boards. With the Groningen-Drenthe Beaver Management Plan 2021–2025, the parties ensure a balance between the protection of beavers on the one hand and the protection of dykes flood embankments water safety) and sufficient water (water management) on the other. The plan sets out established working agreements that will be implemented in practice. The plan was developed with input from various nature and land management organizations.

Beavers

Beavers are thriving in the Netherlands. Their return and growing populationdemonstrate the success of the provinces’ nature conservation policies. Beavers are protected animals that contribute to the development of natural habitats. In some cases, however, beavers cause disturbances because they dykes large, deep holes and tunnels in dykes and build sturdy dams. As a result, they pose a risk (due to potential flooding) to low-lying inhabited areas and thus to the safety of residents. The dams they build can disrupt water management in areas such as agricultural regions.

Experience and advice

A beaver management plan is needed to ensure that beavers have a suitable place in the natural environment of Groningen and Drenthe, without compromising water safety or the supply of sufficient water. Beavers have been present in the central and southern Netherlands for some time now. The relevant provinces and water boards have already reached agreements regarding their management and the damage caused by beavers. The knowledge and experience of these organizations, along with advice from an ecological consultancy, beaver experts, and the Mammal Society, were used to develop the beaver management plan for Drenthe and Groningen.

Zones, guiding principles, and measures

The area managed by the Hunze en Aa's and Noorderzijlvest water boards is divided into three zones:

  • In the green zone, beavers in Drenthe and Groningen have access to a diverse habitat featuring interconnected streams, lakes, and lowland peat bogs.
  • In the orange zone, which consists largely of agricultural land, beavers may settle provided their behaviour have a negative impact on the environment. Compensation for crop damage and customized solutions are available.
  • The red zone is a low-lying area where beavers pose a risk to water safety. Beavers in this area will be captured using humane methods and relocated to the green zone. This is being done at the request of the province. There are no red zones in Drenthe.

Work arrangements

If a beaver causes a nuisance or damage, the least intrusive measure will be implemented first. In all cases, the water boards and staff of wildlife management units and land management organizations act in accordance with established protocols.

Experiences

The plan has been adopted for a period of five years. During this time, the parties will focus on research, monitoring, and reporting so that lessons can be learned from their experiences.

Documents (Dutch only)