Nature conservation
The vast majority of nature reserves in the Maas valley are managed by Limburgs Landschap vzw [1], Natuurpunt [2], Natuurmonumenten [3] and Staatsbosbeheer [4]. They work towards the same natural image, in which river dynamics and year-round grazing are important processes.
Important nature centres on the Flemish bank are Hochterbampd-Herbricht, Oude Weerd and Biesweerd, Maaswinkel-Maesbempder Greend, Mazenhoven, Negenoord-Kerkeweerd, Boyen-Veurzen (stream valley grasslands) and Bichterweerd, Koningssteen-Kollegreend and the Vijverbroek. The unique Kraaienbosje in Maasmechelen, 1 ha in size, is managed by ANB and is the only hardwood riparian forest(s) in Flanders, known for its spring blooms.
On the Dutch shoreline, the area includes the 'struinnatuur' around Borgharen-Itteren and 'Aan de Maas' between Geulle and Elsloo, Meers-Maasband (gravel islands, grassland, ooibos), Nattenhoven, Trierveld, Roosteren-Visserweert, the Molenplas a number of other smaller gravel lakes. To the north is the cross-border area Koningssteen-Kollegreend which is jointly managed by Limburgs Landschap and Natuurmonumenten. In specific cases, there is close cooperation with local farmers, such as in Eiland in de Maas or Boyen-Veurzen.
Via stream valleys, green stepping stones and open space connections, the nature cores have a connection with areas such as the Bunderbos, the Hoge Kempen National Park [5] and the GrensPark Kempen~Broek [6].
Through a number of pilot projects of ARK from the 1990s onwards, choices were made in many management plans for a form of process nature in which river dynamics and natural grazing are leading and minimal, but as much as necessary for the variation in species and layout, is adjusted.