Due to human intervention, the Maas landscape has changed significantly over the years. Aquatic life has come under pressure as a result. The restoration measures provide more habitat for the flora and fauna that belong in and along the river.

An important basis for this is the European Water Framework Directive, which aims to improve and protect our surface waters.

Northern Grensmaas

At the height of Ohé and Laak and Stevensweert, the return of flowing water in the floodplains is on the agenda. This will be done by connecting 4 gravel extraction ponds via channels to the Maas. This provides a favorable habitat for plants and animals such as the barbel and river lamprey. It will also improve the water quality in the ponds themselves. Various crossing facilities will be created in the new channels in the form of earthen dams with culverts.

Additionally, in this area, some sections of the Maas bank will be de-stoned for a more natural transition from water to land. This means that the hard stone bank protection will be removed below the waterline.

Specifically, the following 5 measures will be taken: Bank Brandt fish pond , Channel Brandt , Channel Molensteen , Bank Laak and Channel Laakerweerd .

Southern Zandmaas

In the southern part of the Zandmaas, spring channels are being restored. These are isolated channels at the bottom of the higher terraces that are filled with groundwater flowing from the adjacent terrace edge and springing up in low areas. Unique plants and animals that prefer still, pure, and mineral-rich water belong here. Spring environments are characteristic of the Maas between Roermond and Mook, which is also known as the Terrassenmaas.

This will happen with the measures Channel De Weerd-Reuver and Channel Hansummerweerd-Oude Maasarm . At the latter location, the Swalm will also get a new mouth, directly at the Maas. This will improve fish migration. Furthermore, the Maas arm will receive an ecological boost through several small-scale interventions. A change from the previous design is that the plate bridge for maintenance traffic over the new mouth of the Swalm will be removed.

Project Decision Established

Previously, the Draft Project Decision was available for inspection. 12 objections were received in response. The response document outlines how these have been processed. The definitive Project Decision is now available for inspection from Wednesday, May 28, until Tuesday, July 8, 2025, on the website Platform Participation . The response document can also be found there.

During this period, it is possible to appeal to the Council of State. The website provides information on how this works.

The documents can also be viewed at the Rijkswaterstaat office in Den Bosch (Magistratenlaan 82). You can make an appointment via the phone number on the contact page.

Questions or More Information?

• About the appeal process: contact the Participation Directorate of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management via the phone number on this page .
• About the measures: visit the website Collaborating on River Nature (Maas page).