Staatsbosbeheer, the Dutch forestry organization, announced on July 5, 2026, that it will close all seven of its outdoor visitor centers across the Netherlands.
The decision stems from structural financial losses, with the organization aiming to redirect funds toward core nature conservation tasks.
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The affected centers include De Pelen, Almeerderhout, Oostvaardersplassen, Schoorlse Duinen, Sallandse Heuvelrug, Drents-Friese Wold, and Boomkroonpad. Together, they attract approximately 1.3 million visitors annually.
Since national subsidy cuts in 2014, Staatsbosbeheer has funded these centers internally, leading to ongoing deficits. Rising staff and building maintenance costs have exacerbated the financial strain.
Timeline and Impact
The final closures are projected for January 1, 2027.
However, the Almeerderhout center will shut down earlier, on July 26, 2026, due to low visitor numbers after its catering services departed.
The works council must review the proposal and deliver advice by October 1, 2026, before a definitive decision is made.
A total of 23 employees and 350 volunteers are affected, though Staatsbosbeheer stated that no forced redundancies will occur.
Alternative roles and future scenarios for each building are being assessed.
Public information services will transition to localized, digital formats integrated into daily field operations, replacing traditional desks.
“As long as the costs we incur for nature management are higher than the subsidy we receive for it, our priority is to manage those nature areas as optimally as possible,” Staatsbosbeheer stated on its website.
The organization emphasized that resource allocation must align with pressing ecological challenges and national sustainability targets.
