Staatsbosbeheer, founded in 1899, is a Dutch government organization for

forestry Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests, woodlands, and associated resources for human and environmental benefits. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands. ...

and the management of

nature reserve A nature reserve (also known as a wildlife refuge, wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserve or bioreserve, natural or nature preserve, or nature conservation area) is a protected area of importance for flora, fauna, or features of geological o ...

s. Staatsbosbeheer currently oversees over 250,000

hectares The hectare (; SI symbol: ha) is a non-SI metric unit of area equal to a square with 100- metre sides (1 hm2), or 10,000 m2, and is primarily used in the measurement of land. There are 100 hectares in one square kilometre. An acre is ...

of land in the

Netherlands ) , anthem = ( en, "William of Nassau") , image_map = , map_caption = , subdivision_type = Sovereign state , subdivision_name = Kingdom of the Netherlands , established_title = Before independence , established_date = Spanish Netherl ...

. Usually this land is open to the public for recreational purposes, but restrictions often apply. Examples are the compulsory use of a leash when bringing a dog, or daytime access only. The organization has been criticized for not taking close enough care of its lands, or for interfering with political decisions, but news reports are generally positive or simply report public service announcements from the organization. Example:
De ruigpootuil broedt weer in Nederland
. (July 28, 2008). ''NOS''. Retrieved July 31, 2008. While the literal translation of the name would be 'State Forest Management', forests only make up 900 square kilometres of the total land under supervision. The remaining land consists of varying landscapes such as

dune A dune is a landform composed of wind- or water-driven sand. It typically takes the form of a mound, ridge, or hill. An area with dunes is called a dune system or a dune complex. A large dune complex is called a dune field, while broad, f ...

polder A polder () is a low-lying tract of land that forms an artificial hydrological entity, enclosed by embankments known as dikes. The three types of polder are: # Land reclaimed from a body of water, such as a lake or the seabed # Flood plains ...

s and

wetland A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded or saturated by water, either permanently (for years or decades) or seasonally (for weeks or months). Flooding results in oxygen-free (Anoxic waters, anoxic) processes prevailing, especially in t ...

Chairpersons

Notable areas under supervision by Staatsbosbeheer

* Bargerveen * De Biesbosch * Donkse Laagten * Oostvaardersplassen * Strubben-Kniphorstbos * Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park * Wierickerschans

References

External links

Staatsbosbeheer
official website Environment of the Netherlands Organizations established in 1899 {{org-stub