Nearly 300 local residents and farmers file objections against the flooding of De Vennen in Balen: "Fear of water damage"

Nearly 300 residents from Balen and surrounding areas have signed a petition against a new nature management plan for De Vennen, which aims to increase wetland areas. Critics express concerns about potential water damage to homes and agricultural land, as the plan does not assess these impacts. Natuurpunt Beheer seeks to expand the area from 152 to 188 hectares, involving the filling of ditches and ponds to raise groundwater levels for wet forest development. Residents demand a thorough investigation of the plan's effects, monitoring points, and compensation arrangements for any damage before proceeding with the project.