BEAVER CONTROL

Living With Beavers

The temperature is rising, and the snow is melting, which means the perfect weather for ducks and beavers is on the horizon.

With above-average snowfall this past winter the potential for flooding this spring is high. Wherever water is flowing, beavers will be busy building dams.

Beavers are considered a keystone species, meaning they have a strong impact on the environment around them. Although they have many beneficial effects on the environment, human–beaver conflicts occur when beaver dams cause flooding, which in turn can impact land and infrastructure.

Landowners who are affected by beaver activity can apply and receive compensation for beaver control through the M.D.

All parcels of land will be inspected by the M.D. Pest Control Officer before applications will be approved. If the landowner does not wish to carry out the control themselves, the M.D. may employ a local licensed trapper to assist with beaver control measures.

When flooding occurs on private land that affects municipal infrastructure, the M.D. will provide beaver dam removal services.

Blasting is another option available to residents when certain conditions are met. With recent changes to Federal legislation, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has restricted blasting activities to late summer if located on a fish-bearing stream. Blasting may occur if the water body is not a fish-bearing stream and is located one kilometre away in any direction from a fish-bearing stream.

For more information on beaver activity and M.D. programs relating to beaver control, visit bit.ly/ BeaverControl or contact the M.D.’s Agricultural Services Department at 780-826-3951.