Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Genk reduced wild boar nuisance with ANB’s plan, but beavers now cause flooding risks in the Stiemer Valley. Alderman Karel Kriekemans says daily dam removal is the city’s only option.
As VRT News reported, as the wild boar threat declined, a new issue appeared in Genk. Beavers have increased in number across the city’s waterways and wetlands. Experts estimate that 10 to 15 families of Beavers now live in Genk. In many places, they cause no harm and contribute to local biodiversity. In certain areas, however, their activity creates difficulties.
They mentioned that Beavers cut down trees and build dams that change the flow of water. These actions block culverts, raise water levels, and create a risk of flooding. Infrastructure and green areas are also at risk of damage.
“We do indeed feel that we have the nuisance under control, although it remains difficult to predict how the wild boar population will evolve,”
Genk’s Alderman for Sustainability Karel Kriekemans (CD&V) remains cautiously positive.
What new flooding risks are beavers creating in Genk after wild boar control?
According to officials, most of the problems are found in the Stiemerbeek valley. The same issue is also seen at the Kaatsbeek. Beavers are blocking overflows from buffer basins used by companies on Taunusweg. As the basins remain underwater, drainage is no longer possible.
“The sewer systems and collectors that are damaged are also very expensive. So we have to keep an eye on them,”
says Kriekemans.
The city’s response is limited because the beaver is a protected species.
“We can really only dismantle the dams the beavers build,”
explains Kriekemans.
“That means a lot of work and costs for us as a city. A beaver works on its dam every night, so we have to dismantle it every day, together with the province, to prevent nuisance.”
He mentioned that strict rules apply, and only a few measures can be taken. Relocation or removal is rarely approved. Officials said that, still, the animals are not only causing problems. Their presence also benefits the environment.
By building dams, beavers create ponds and wetlands that increase biodiversity. They stated that the rewetting of the soil helps keep water in place. This water seeps into the ground and restores the groundwater supply.
Karel Kriekemans:
“We’ve invested heavily in the Stiemer Valley in recent years, which forms a green corridor through our city and connects various nature reserves. On the one hand, we’re happy that the beavers are finding a home here, because we welcome more fauna and flora in this valley. But we must be vigilant about increasing nuisance. With the wild boars, we’ve managed to solve this problem, and we hope to control the beaver nuisance in an equally effective way.”
In 2023, Genk faced a sharp rise in wild boar problems. At the height of the nuisance, the city registered up to 40 reports every week. Residents complained about torn-up gardens, damaged lawns, and animals wandering close to homes. The city council responded with support from the Agency for Nature and Forests. An action plan was introduced to bring the situation under control.
In February 2023, Genk launched a training program to manage wild boar in residential areas. Staff and partners were trained to respond quickly and effectively. The plan combined 3 measures. Information campaigns were used to alert and guide residents. Preventive steps were taken to block access for the animals. Targeted control followed through traps and regulated hunting. Reports dropped from around 30 a week to 16 a week in the spring of 2024.
