Beaver management plan adopted

Beavers

Beavers are doing well in the Netherlands. The return of the beaver and a growing populationdemonstrate the success of the provinces' nature conservation policy. Beavers are protected animals that contribute to nature development. In some cases, however, beavers cause nuisance because they dig large, deep holes and tunnels in dykes and build sturdy dams. This makes them a risk (in terms of possible flooding) to low-lying inhabited areas and therefore to the safety of residents. The dams they build can disrupt the water management in agricultural areas, for example.

Experience and advice

A beaver management plan is needed to give beavers a good place in the nature of Groningen and Drenthe, without compromising water safety and the provision of sufficient water. Beavers have been present in the central and southern Netherlands for some time. The provinces and water boards involved have made agreements there about the management and damage caused by beavers. The knowledge and experience of these organizations and the advice of an ecological agency, beaver experts, and the mammal association have been used to develop the beaver management plan for Drenthe and Groningen.

Zones, 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 varied habitat with interconnected streams, lakes, and lowland moors.
• In the orange zone, which consists largely of agricultural land, beavers can settle provided that their behavior does not 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 will be caught here in an animal-friendly manner and relocated to the green zone. This is done on behalf of the province. There are no red zones in Drenthe.