The river Vecht by Junne: development of an active river-system
1. The river De Vecht lies centrally in the province of Overijssel.
The river system is strongly regulated however and therefore limited in it's functioning as an ecological linkage zone. On the north side of De Vecht, between the Junner Koeland and the weir at Junne, the forelands have been designated as a future nature area.

The resolving of ecological problems at particular points can be combined with the restoration of the river system. Investigation will be necessary into how the processes that are related to natural rivers, e.g. flooding, sedimentary deposition and erosion, can once more play a role. Within the framework of the TEN project a study will be carried out into possibilities to restore, organise and manage a once active river system.

2. Problems in the river system
The following problems present themselves in the river system:
a. Drainage
Drainage at De Vecht is too fast. The river is canalised and has a deep profile with many shallower meanders which are cut off. The banks have been stoned for the most part and the river is therefore not ideal for spawning fish.
b. Fragmented nature areas
In the winter bed of De Vecht the nature areas are fairly isolated from each other and relatively small. Due to the lack of wide, natural banks the river cannot function as an ecological linkage area. c. Agricultural land with low natural values
There is still a lot of farmland in the Vecht valley alternated with various nature reserves. Due to intensive farming, nature can not function well in the area. For many animals dependant on a river system with more natural banks De Vecht system is not ideal, although it functions reasonably well for fish.

3. Aims and expected results
This TEN sub-project is partly planning and partly construction. Communication with all parties involved is of great importance. a. Planning Development of a design that shows how the wet biotopes function as an ecological linkage area and will encourage natural development and processes in the small river system of De Vecht. Attention is also paid to the future lay out and management.
b.A small test area as example A small part of the constructionplan will be carried out e.g. the removal of sheet piling amongst other things so that the riverwater kan stream more easily in and out of the winter bed.
c. Communication between the authorities involved. The aim is to achieve support for the implementationplan and to discuss the future management of the area. Participants include the Dept. of Waterways and Public Works, the district waterboard, State Forestry, local authorities, farmers and local tourist operators.

4. The next phase When the strategy has been decided the actual construction can begin. Subsequently, management should be such that natural processes, necessary for the realisation of the objectives, are activated. Grazing, as in the olden days, combined with the river system, will determine the natural variety and richness of the area.