Muggebeet: link between two nature areas.
Introduction.
For centuries Northwest Overijssel has been an extensive bog and grassland area at the foothills of the Drents Plateau. Seepage water from the Plateau, supplied by several rivers (e.g. the Linde and Steenwijker), came to a standstill in a large delta. Here, over the centuries, a thick peat layer could develop. Due to turf-cutting in the period between 1500 and 1800, a system of open water (petgaten) was created. An alternation of water and land. An area of turf-cutters, fishermen, and reed growers. An area with many age-old towns and villages.
Connecting two nature areas!
The nature area (9000 ha.) consists of two separate centres, namely De Wieden and the Weerribben. Both have comparable qualities. An expansion of 1500 ha is foreseen in the near future. Although one can speak of a large nature area there is hardly any connection and natural exchange possible. That is why the bordering areas are indicated as nature development areas with the objective to create an optimal connection between the Wieden and De Weerribben. Both the Wieden and De Weerribben are appointed Bird- and Habitat- Directive areas.
Northwest Overijssel can form an important link in the international network van nature areas in West Europe, not only because of it's own valuable nature qualities but also in the exchange between the different nature areas in Europe.
Bottlenecks.
The location where the two areas have to be connected is called Muggebeet. This is a bottleneck because the link is too narrow and a natural exchange between the two areas cannot take place.
Another barrier is the provincial road from Blokzijl to Steenwijk.. Animals crossing this road are in great danger of being run over by traffic. A safe passageway between the Wieden and the Weerribben is of great importance especially for the otter.
Possible solutions
The best solution for the situation at Muggebeet is to lift the road above ground level (road on legs of about ……m.). By doing so both nature areas can be linked and animals can move safely from one area to the other.
However this is a very expensive solution!
Another option involves the construction of small game tunnels of various sizes under the road. But because of a high groundwater level, this option would also mean the road has to be lifted above ground level on several places. For traffic-safety reasons it is not an optimal situation. The simplest solution is to create just a number of small tunnels under the road. However these small tunnels can only be used by small game and amphibians. This variant only offers a solution for the road forming a barrier and does not satisfy the wish to create a linked nature area.
Aim and expected results.
The main aim for this TEN sub-project is to:
Draw up an implementation plan that includes:
The elaboration of three possible options to connect De Weerribben and Wieden.
An advice on the best option (costs-gains analysis).
Specifications of the implementation and cost estimates.
Draw up and implement a communication plan resulting in:
informing local inhabitants, politicians and managers.
obtaining support for realisation and financing of the plan.
Introduction.
For centuries Northwest Overijssel has been an extensive bog and grassland area at the foothills of the Drents Plateau. Seepage water from the Plateau, supplied by several rivers (e.g. the Linde and Steenwijker), came to a standstill in a large delta. Here, over the centuries, a thick peat layer could develop. Due to turf-cutting in the period between 1500 and 1800, a system of open water (petgaten) was created. An alternation of water and land. An area of turf-cutters, fishermen, and reed growers. An area with many age-old towns and villages.
Connecting two nature areas!
The nature area (9000 ha.) consists of two separate centres, namely De Wieden and the Weerribben. Both have comparable qualities. An expansion of 1500 ha is foreseen in the near future. Although one can speak of a large nature area there is hardly any connection and natural exchange possible. That is why the bordering areas are indicated as nature development areas with the objective to create an optimal connection between the Wieden and De Weerribben. Both the Wieden and De Weerribben are appointed Bird- and Habitat- Directive areas.
Northwest Overijssel can form an important link in the international network van nature areas in West Europe, not only because of it's own valuable nature qualities but also in the exchange between the different nature areas in Europe.
Bottlenecks.
The location where the two areas have to be connected is called Muggebeet. This is a bottleneck because the link is too narrow and a natural exchange between the two areas cannot take place.
Another barrier is the provincial road from Blokzijl to Steenwijk.. Animals crossing this road are in great danger of being run over by traffic. A safe passageway between the Wieden and the Weerribben is of great importance especially for the otter.
Possible solutions
The best solution for the situation at Muggebeet is to lift the road above ground level (road on legs of about ……m.). By doing so both nature areas can be linked and animals can move safely from one area to the other.
However this is a very expensive solution!
Another option involves the construction of small game tunnels of various sizes under the road. But because of a high groundwater level, this option would also mean the road has to be lifted above ground level on several places. For traffic-safety reasons it is not an optimal situation. The simplest solution is to create just a number of small tunnels under the road. However these small tunnels can only be used by small game and amphibians. This variant only offers a solution for the road forming a barrier and does not satisfy the wish to create a linked nature area.
Aim and expected results.
The main aim for this TEN sub-project is to:
Draw up an implementation plan that includes:
Draw up and implement a communication plan resulting in:
The Netherlands
Overijssel
