Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper): In Heempark, Genk, beavers are causing rising water levels due to dam construction. Alderman Toon Vandeuren (CD&V) emphasizes its ecological benefits while seeking solutions to manage its impact. The local beaver population is increasing by 10% annually, with around 250 beavers in Limburg.
In Heempark, Genk, beavers have made a dam causing the rising water level. Alderman Toon Vandeuren (CD&V) says the beavers are good for nature and show that it is returning. But there is a problem because Heempark is important to the city. It’s challenging to dismantle the dams because the beavers will build them again. Since they are protected, the city needs permission from the Agency for Nature and Forests to do anything about it.
How is Genk managing the rising beaver population and its impact on local water levels?
According to Vandeuren, the local government is learning to manage the return of beavers, similar to how they handled the increase in wild boars. They are trying to find a balance between allowing the beavers to live in the area and addressing any problems they cause. The focus is on reducing water issues while giving the beavers space. Possible solutions include lowering the dam or relocating the beavers, with help from a local biologist to explore these options.
The number of beavers in Limburg has increased by about 10 percent each year, with around 250 beavers now in the province, according to the Institute for Nature and Forest Research (INBO). The Maas River is a key area for them, as they come from the Netherlands and Wallonia. Researcher Frank Huysentrut says that beavers usually avoid big cities like Liège but can easily enter Limburg from the Netherlands. Beavers are important for nature and water management, so it is necessary to protect them to keep their numbers stable in Flanders.
