Volunteers and authorities join forces to tackle invasive aquatic plants in Weerribben-Wieden
Invasive plants like fanwort and parrot feather are threatening Weerribben-Wieden National Park, choking waterways and harming local wildlife. Residents can help by removing these plants from boats and disposing of them properly to prevent further spread.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Invasive Species | Fanwort, Parrot Feather |
| Origin | America |
| Location | Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Overijssel |
| Impact | Overgrowth of waterways, loss of native species, navigation issues |
| Project Duration | 5 years |
| Collaborators | Province of Overijssel, Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Authority, Municipality of Steenwijkerland, Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer |
| Funding | European LIFE programme |
| Public Involvement | Removal of plants from boats, proper disposal, prevention of spread |
The province of Overijssel and local water authorities are responsible for managing and protecting natural areas like Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Their role includes maintaining biodiversity and ensuring waterways remain navigable and ecologically balanced.
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Exotic plants out of the ditches
Government and nature organizations are combating invasive exotic aquatic plants in Weerribben–Wieden National Park. We could use your help with this! Fanwort and parrot feather are spreading rapidly through Weerribben-Wieden. These aquatic plants do not naturally belong in the Netherlands. They originate from America and are often sold in the Netherlands as aquarium plants.
In Weerribben-Wieden, these plants have ended up in the water and are growing rapidly. The water is becoming overgrown, causing native plants and animals to disappear. Boat propellers also get stuck, and waterways become more difficult to navigate.
Working together
To effectively combat the invasive aquatic plants, five years of additional management with specialized equipment is required. The province of Overijssel, the Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Authority, the municipality of Steenwijkerland, Natuurmonumenten, and Staatsbosbeheer are collaborating on this project. With support from the European LIFE programme, various actions will be carried out in the coming years. The goal is to keep the waterways as free as possible of these species.
You can help combat the aquatic plants
- Do you see these invasive aquatic plants clinging to your boat or paddle? Carefully remove them (preferably with the roots) and take them ashore. Dispose of them in the green container or in the bins within the National Park.
- Check your boat before heading to other waters. Aquatic plants often hitchhike as stowaways. Rinse your boat, propeller, and trailer thoroughly. Check for plant fragments. This prevents aquatic plants from traveling to new waters and spreading there.
- Do not dispose of aquarium plants or other garden waste in the water.