1992-3
2000-4
Increase of growth places of Parnassia palustris between 1992 and 2000.
Due to drinking water extraction, road construction and building in the dunes was stopped or prohibited. The regeneration project is leading to an increase of characteristic dune vegetation and associated fauna. Besides their conservation efforts in the dunes, the water companies also create opportunities for nature-oriented recreation in the areas they manage. This results in a unique situation of well protected, but open-to-the-public natural areas close to the urban and densely populated Randstad area. Every year millions of people enjoy visiting these areas. Due in part to their geographical location the water extraction areas are important links in the western part of the Ecological Main Structure in the Netherlands. The water supply companies are well aware of their responsibilities. These include taking specific mowing or grazing measures to combat the effects of nutritious precipitation. The areas have also been designated now as Habitat Guideline Area and Natura2000-area, which adds another important responsibility to those the water companies already had with regard to the management of a major part of the Dutch sand dunes. The importance of the drinking water supply function provides a healthy basis for this management. Sjakel van Wesemael, PWN manager Nature and Recreation
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