"Building with Nature" .. a case for a beaver solution

The Markermeer is a lake with an ecological problem; the water is cloudy, plants and mussels do not grow. In order to alleviate that problem, the Marker Wadden was developed and in order to future proof the Houtribdijk the same "building with nature" concepts are used; the extensive water features will enable the growth of plants and the intended result is not only that the water will be clear again but also that the dyke will better withstand future storms.

With ecology part of the solution, it is relevant to appreciate ecology as part of a solution for open issues. There are two open issues: geese and willows. So far, geese are kept at bay at some areas with fences and young willows are being rooted out by volunteers.

When willows are allowed to grow, they will mature quickly and enable the next ecological succession. The wood and bark provides food and building material for beavers and this makes for an even more robust defense against storm damage. Some trees will mature anyway and this provides natural nesting places for white tailed eagles. Given that the wels catfish is endemic in the Markermeer, it will find its place among the Marker wadden and it may even predate on the over abundant geese.

So given that Natuurmonumenten, the organisation looking after the Marker Wadden is happy about beavers in its terrains, maybe it is the "building with nature" engineers who have to consider succession in their deliberations.
Thanks,
      GerardM