Noorderzijlvest largely agrees with new code of conduct for Management and Maintenance

Good conversations lead to improved texts

Until just before Christmas, the water boards, united in the Union of Water Boards, held productive discussions with the ministry. During these discussions, many of our water board's concerns were alleviated. For example, it was decided that the flail mower may be used when it comes to the safety of employees or the environment, such as road traffic. 

Official text of the code of conduct available for inspection until April 1

The improved texts and agreements between the ministry and the water boards have resulted in an official text for the code of conduct. Various parties can submit their views on this text. An approved code of conduct is expected to be available in April. As mentioned, this text also includes exceptions for flailing. When it comes to working safely in our work area, we are allowed to use the flailing machine. When it comes to the use of the flailing machine in extensive management, there is no exception yet.

Research should provide clarity on flailing in extensive management

In previous statements, we have indicated that we, as a water board, want to use flail mowers for the so-called extensive management of our mowing paths and waterways. We are convinced that mowing less often, but using a flail mower, will benefit biodiversity. 
The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency do not agree with including this exception, but are insisting on further research into this method.  

Research leads to new insights

In the coming years, we will conduct research in collaboration with several parties to further substantiate the use of flailing for extensive management. This research will have to demonstrate whether there are indeed ecological benefits to flailing in extensive management. The substantiated greening of our management area fits in well with our water board's vision. We therefore look forward to the research results.

Provisional code of conduct does not immediately lead to bottlenecks

At present, the lack of an approved code of conduct does not pose a direct problem for us. We do not mow at this time of year. When we do start mowing, there will most likely be an approved code of conduct that we can use for a large part of our management area. 

As a water authority, we are currently identifying where the new code of conduct could result in potential bottlenecks with regard to the implementation of management. For these locations/areas, we will then examine whether appropriate area-specific solutions are possible. We are currently in consultation with the provinces about this.

Want to know more about the code of conduct?

The attached infographic answers your questions:
CODE OF CONDUCTSustainable management and maintenance – species protection