Leusden business owners want compensation after wolf warning scares away customers

Business owners in the municipality of Leusden have had to deal with cancellations and a sharp decrease in customers since the Den Treek estate was closed. A part of the extensive nature area has been closed since Thursday after two recent incidents involving a wolf. "Now we are missing the passers-by, the walkers, and cyclists who then spontaneously sit down on a terrace," said Kees Haalboom, owner of the pancake restaurant Bergzicht. He has already contacted the municipality and province of Utrecht regarding possible compensation for missed income.

The restaurant is just outside the area, which has been closed to the public, with fences, ribbons, and signs. "We are reachable. However, the province has advised people to avoid the whole area. This has led to fewer people coming to the area," said Haalboom, who has already reduced the number of staff he will use in the future. "There are also cancellations, especially for large groups and families. They wanted to combine a walk through the woods with a visit to the pancake restaurant, but they are now too afraid to go into the woods."

At Veld en Bosch, a fenced B&B (Bed and Breakfast) just inside the closed-off area, guests are also canceling their appointments. "Within two, three days, we had four cancellations," the owner of the guesthouses said. "First Corona and now this. We are missing out on a lot of money."

The affected entrepreneurs think that the closed-off area has been chosen at random. "You are allowed to go into the woods 300 meters further on. But it is all there same woods," said the owner of Veld en Bosch.

"There is a sense of false security," said Haalboom. "The wolf will not limit itself to one area, and the problem will not be solved when the emergency order is over in a month. The last few weeks have shown that the wolf does not belong in this area. We need clarity; a decision has to be made. What is happening now is symbolic politics in the middle of the high season. The effects of this lies with recreationists, tourists, and entrepreneurs."

A spokesperson said that the camping De ReCreatie is still busy despite the wolf's presence. "But, of course, you do not know if you are missing something or what you are missing." He said there have been good discussions with the municipality and province. "We are confident that we will soon be able to make good agreements with the authorities on dealing with the wolf in the medium and long term. And also on possible compensation measures for affected entrepreneurs."