Rijkswaterstaat has developed a plan to enhance the ecological quality of the northern Grensmaas and southern Zandmaas at seven sites. This draft project decision is now open for public consultation, allowing everyone to give feedback.
On February 11 and 12, 2025, information evenings will be held in Stevensweert and Beesel about these measures.
Human activities have significantly altered river landscapes, affecting aquatic life. We have been working on the ecological restoration of the Meuse for some time. The measures aim to create more natural habitats for the flora and fauna native to the river.
A key foundation is the European Water Framework Directive, which aims to protect and improve the quality of our surface waters.
Northern Grensmaas
Near Ohé en Laak and Stevensweert, the plan includes reconnecting four gravel pits to the Meuse via new channels, offering better habitats for aquatic species like barbel and river lamprey. The water quality in these pits will also improve. New crossings will be built with earthen dams and culverts.
Some sections of the Maas bank will be de-stoned to allow for a natural transition from water to land. This involves removing hard stone defenses below the waterline.
Specifically, five measures are involved: Bank Brandt fishpond , Channel Brandt , Channel Molensteen , Bank Laak and Channel Laakerweerd .
Southern Zandmaas
In the southern Zandmaas, part of the Terrassenmaas, plans include restoring seepage channels, which are isolated channels at the base of terrace edges, important for specific plants and animals that prefer still, pure, mineral-rich water.
This will take place at measures Channel De Weerd-Reuver and Channel Hansummerweerd-Oude Maasarm . The latter will also see a new mouth for the Swalm directly into the Meuse, improving fish migration.
Additionally, small-scale interventions will boost the ecology of the Maas arm.
Where to Find the Plan?
The draft project decision outlines the planned activities. You can find this document and a summary on the Platform Participation website. Responses, known as viewpoints, can be submitted digitally, in writing, or verbally until Monday, March 10, 2025.
More information about the procedure is available on the website. Documents can also be viewed by appointment at the Rijkswaterstaat office in Den Bosch.
Information Evenings
We organize two information evenings about the seven measures: on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at restaurant Int Brookx in Stevensweert and on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Hoeve de Bongerd in Beesel. Rijkswaterstaat staff will be present to answer questions. Registration is not required.
Interested parties are welcome to drop by between 18:30 and 21:00, with no central presentation.
More Information or Questions?
For procedural questions, call the Directorate Participation of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management at 070-456 96 07.
For questions about the measures, contact us or visit the Meuse page on the Collaboration on River Nature website for more information.