Because the beaver isn't just an animal; it's an ecosystem!

Day: October 14, 2008


So the crane was erected today, with weighty purpose. You can see how it towers above the county recorder’s building. Tomorrow the first pilings will be driven, from the lodge to the bridge. Dave Scola told reporters tonight the work will start at nine, but that means we’ll be there at seven, to observe where the beavers hole up for the day.

Tonight there were three kits in residence, and Jon and Skip on hand to watch them. Everyone noticed they seemed a little more disoriented and on edge (many passes necessary to find the apple and more squabbles than usual).

While this was happening staff was busy amusing themselves with the “discovery” of the 11 foot hole (although why this would be relevant now, I can’t imagine.) Through skillful maneuver no one was sucked into the vortex and drained away.

Dramatic eh? While this grim investigation was occuring, Hess laid a plank of sheet metal across the stream for the hydrolics to pass through. With no one to supervise they picked the cleanest easiest place to install it: atop the old lodge. Skip and beaver supporters were alarmed and made it clear there needed to be more communication before such decisions were made. Fortunately the lodge had already been punctured earlier in the day and any yearlings sleeping therein had swam in search of greater protection. These pictures are of Skip checking out the lodge interior.

I had contact with the Lindsay museum and they will have a vet on staff tomorrow, animal control has been notified in case we need to transport any unlucky beaver. Hopefully none of that will be necessary, but things aren’t hopeful.

Tomorrow will be difficult. Please come help and bring your binoculars and your prayers.


Well, actually just the one. And a team of men and forklifts to set it up. It is now housed on the block of Castro street between Marina Vista and Escobar, to the displeasure of many a county worker. Skip Lisle arrived today and was shown the space where our yearlings (?) are likely sleeping in the old lodge. There was much excitement when staff thought they found the 11 foot tunnel alleged by the city. Skip’s eyebrows knit in confusion as he considered the likelihood of beavers digging straight up. He also had a forthright conversation with the (female) project manager, who reportedly told him, “I can’t see any way that these beavers are going to stay through this work.”

Cheryl and I took Skip down to tunnel at the second lodge, to see if it could be expanded into shelter. Then Cheryl walked him down to the fourth dam. He felt strongly that the habitat offered many hiding places for the beavers that would be more attractive than any manmade shelter. The initial work, from the lodge to the bridge, begins tomorrow. Be there if you can.

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