Over time, human intervention has significantly altered the river landscape, which has not benefited aquatic life. The measures aim to create space for natural values again; more habitat for flora and fauna native to the Maas floodplains and brooks. A key foundation for this is the European Water Framework Directive, which aims to improve and protect the quality of all surface waters in Europe.

Return of seepage channels

The section of the Maas between Roermond and Mook is also known as the Terraced Maas. This refers to the deeply incised valley, with terraces rising on the sides. Here, isolated seepage channels, which were once common, are being restored. These are shallow watercourses formed by groundwater rising at the base of the terraces (called seepage). This water type has largely disappeared, along with its associated flora and fauna.

Channel Leijgraaf Arcen

North of Arcen in the municipality of Venlo, two seepage channels are being constructed. A culvert connects the two channels. The pure seepage water has often been traveling through the soil for years, absorbing minerals along the way, attracting unique plants and animals. The channels run along the Boerenhuizenlossing, which will be partially relocated for this purpose. In addition to seepage nature, there will be space for the development of swamp forest and species-rich river grassland.

Mouth of Vorstermolen brook

Many brooks and drains flow from the high flanks to the Maas. The place where brook and river meet is important for aquatic plants and animals to establish and reproduce. Therefore, the mouth of the Vorstermolen brook at Velden, also in the municipality of Venlo, will be deepened to improve the water connection with the Maas.

Furthermore, the brook will have a varied, slightly meandering course, and packages of dead wood will be placed underwater, acting as a kind of river coral. Southeast of the brook, a seepage channel will be constructed. This consists of two parts, connected by a culvert.

Mouth of Kleefse brook

This brook mouth in the municipality of Gennep will be made more nature-friendly between the N271 and the Old Maas arm Heijen with small-scale interventions. The stones on the bottom and the bank protection will be removed, and the Kleefse brook will receive a slight meander.

Here too, packages of dead wood will be placed in the water. A change from the previous design is that the management path for Waterschap Limburg at de Smele will be on the south side of the brook instead of the north side.

Project decision established

The Draft Project Decision was available for inspection from December 4, 2024, to January 14, 2025. Two views were submitted on this. These have been included in the preparation of the final Project Decision, which is currently available for inspection until May 13, 2025. During this period, it is possible to appeal to the Council of State. You can find the Project Decision on the Platform Participation website, including an explanation of the appeal procedure.

The documents can also be viewed at the Rijkswaterstaat office in Den Bosch (Magistratenlaan 82). An appointment can be made for this via 088-7974300.

Questions or more information?

For questions about the appeal procedure: contact the Directorate Participation of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management via 070-456 96 07.

For substantive questions about the measures, you can contact us or visit the Collaborating on river nature website.