Month: February 2017

Dam-spotting Drones

heidi08 Beaver Behavior, Beavers, Beavers and water, Beavers elsewhere, History February 28, 2017

Sniff, I’m so proud. Reader Kevin just commented that the ‘beaver’ shirt from Australia isn’t a beaver. Shh, we know. But it’s really cute, and the country doesn’t have beavers so we can’t expect them to recognize one. I’m just so touched that all my beaver suspicion and mockery over the years has made folks attentive to this issue on their own! And they say one person can’t make a difference.

Aw, you guyssssssssss.

I remember, years ago, when I attended my first beaver conference. Afterwards I went to their airport glowing with the warm-haze of beaver believer-ing and met a man from a southern state waiting for the shuttle. (Let’s call him the good ole boy.) When he pressed to inquire what conference I was at, he said smartly, “I work for the railroads and we don’t have any problems with beaver in my state.” (Here he made a gun with his thumb and forefinger and clicked the trigger twice) “Problem solved!”

And I remember thinking to myself, “Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.”

I offer this story to introduce you to this mornings news which is pretty much the opposite of everything I’ve been writing for the past week. I guess it’s natures way of reminding us not to get comfortable and lazy. There’s still plenty of work to do.

Beaver Dam Gone, Roxbury Residents Now Eager for Brook Cleanup

ROXBURY, NJ – Chronic flooding due to beaver dams on Succasunna Brook might have weakened trees, which are now threatening to fall onto some Roxbury residents’ properties, a situation that prompted the residents to complain to Roxbury officials. The residents, primarily on Paul Drive in Succasunna, live adjacent to a flat and low wetland bisected by the brook just upstream from Midland Pond. Concerned about the trees, as well as the overall condition of Succasunna Brook, the residents recently sought help from Roxbury Councilman Dan Kline.

“The beavers were blocking Succasunna Brook last summer,” he said in an interview Monday. “The water rose two to two-and-a-half feet in the area upstream of the dam.”

Blood said the beavers built an impoundment that “extended from the Midland Pond property all the way across to Paul Drive.” He said the structure was a couple hundred feet long and ranged in height from 18 inches to three feet.

“Every night we tore it apart and in the morning it would be back,” he said.

The beavers are now gone, thanks to the efforts of some trappers, and the dam was removed this month by the Morris County Mosquito Commission, Blood said.

Blood and Raths said the township is working with a company that uses drones to conduct aerial videotaping. This will enable township officials to see further beaver dams or other “snags” along the course of the river that need to be removed.

The entire community banding together to kill beavers! It brings a tear to my eye. Why stop with just using drones to spot beaver dams? Why not shoot them directly from the air? It works for terrorists I understand. (And wedding parties.) So the whole community is so grateful that their rights to maintain drought and erosion have been protected by their tax dollars that they came by Councilman Kline’s office just to say ‘thank you”. That’s mighty civic of them. They’ll have even more to thank him for with the reduced nesting habitat this spring because of all that dead tree removal. I’m sure the fish would thank them personally but they’re already washed downstream in New York by now. (That is if the sediment hasn’t clogged their gills completely.)

And seriously, “Blood and Raths“??? You hired a company run that employs men named“Blood and Raths“??? Are you kidding me??? If I made UP those names my publisher would object because they sound too obviously villainous. Is this a Lemony Snicket chapter? Is Count Olaf going to come leaping out from behind one of those dead trees and announce that we shouldn’t worry about our town because he is the mayor and he will protect it with his two special guardians, Mr. Blood and Mr. Raths?

If you’re going to pay to shoot beavers from the air, and pretend this is protecting the community, at the very least you could have the decency to choose some deceptively well-intentioned names. Like “Baby-saver and Hero” or something. Or the Clean Water Act. Sheesh.

There were literally 5 trapping articles on my news feed this morning, but that’s all I can stand for one day. Jon noticed there is a netflix series now loosely following the beaver trade in early North America. I tried dimly to watch it but it is so thick with blood, cliche, testosterone and bad accents that I couldn’t stomach it. The credits, however, have a moment that might interest you. Although I am fairly certain no trapper ever used a musket to catch beaver.

Beavers to the Rescue?

heidi08 Beaver Behavior, Beavers and water, Beavers elsewhere, City Reports, Creative Solutions, Environmental, Who's saving beavers now? February 27, 2017

Right before the glorious beaver conference, this article appeared discussing the benefits that beavers provide to manage flooding. It stars Derek Gow who was one of the headliners in Oregon’s first days. It’s pretty hard to argue with solutions that promise to save you laying sandbags. Even the fisherman hate to clean up after flooding, I bet.

Wild beavers could be brought in to stop flooding in the Forest of Dean

Beavers could make a return to the wilds of Gloucestershire for the first time in hund of years to help environmentalists stop a village flooding. The Forestry Commission are considering releasing the large toothed animals into a brook above Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean as part of efforts to protect the village which was badly flooded in 2012.

Trials have shown that beavers can create dams capable of retaining about 1,000 tonnes of water which would otherwise cascade down to villages like Lydbrook which runs along a natural valley leading down from the Forest of Dean to the River Wye.

As well as holding back water, the beavers are also said to increase biodiversity in woodland areas with some claiming their activities can help many rare species thrive.

Forestry Commission chiefs have invited expert Derek Gow to tell residents in Upper Lydbrook and Lydbrook how experts believe putting beavers into Greathough Brook in the Forest could help halt water gushing down the hillsides.

Mr Gow told the Financial Times: “For years, the whole idea of reintroducing beavers has been bogged down by myth and nonsense. It’s not as though we are looking at reintroducing a Tyrannosaurus rex that eats children. “People have the idea that because beavers have huge teeth they chop their way through forests like furry chainsaws, but they’re a creative, not a destructive, force.

“They open up the river banks to many other species: plants, butterflies, beetles, amphibians and fish. These are the building blocks of life, the species that support others.”

“Beavers have been managing water for millions of years; they’re adapted to do a far better job than us,” he said. “We can no longer pay to maintain flood walls and flood defences so beavers are a rational option when it comes to water management and flood control.”

There has been a proliferation of plants, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs birds and Devon Wildlife Trust say the only wild colony allowed in England has encouraged tourists to flock to the area to see them.

Newly elected Lydbrook councillor Sid Phelps supports the idea of putting beavers in the brook which runs down to Lydbrook and said: “They have not been wild in the UK for hundreds of years but I understand that they can support the ecology and wildlife of an area and are very effective at alleviating the fast flow of water which can lead to flash flooding.

“I’m not an expert on hydrology but I’m very interested to hear what the Forestry Commission have to say about what it would mean for Lydbrook.”

Residents have been invited to a meeting at Lydbrook Memorial Hall on March 9 2017 at 6.30pm. Officials at Forestry Commission declined to comment or give details of the scheme saying they wanted to talk to local residents and parish councillors first.

The paper is already in your favor, Mr. Gow. I suspect the townspeople to be at least open-minded to your suggestions. I, of course, get nervous about promising beavers can slow down floods because, despite what the engineering report told Martinez a decade ago, dams aren’t concrete and they function best when helped by many many other dams dotted along the stream. Which reintroduced beavers won’t have after 500 years. They still washout and need to be rebuilt after the water settles. Which could all take enough time to inconvenience a homeowner.

(In fact one of the talks I eavesdropped on at the conference was by Vanessa Petro from Oregon State University talking about their research on beaver relocations. She observed that “beaver dams were ephemeral” and in dynamic areas like Oregon were shown only to last around 2 years.)

Hmmm 2 years? Alhambra Creek is a pretty flashy stream, and our own primary dam washed out frequently but was rebuilt religiously for 6 years. The secondary dam (which became the primary) was rebuilt for 8 years. I wouldn’t classify either of them as ephemeral. I asked Vanessa whether her study addressed the washout and rebuild of dams, or just classified all washed dams as ‘ephemeral’. She said that their data did not cover the history of the dam or its destruction and rebuild, which is what I suspected.

Beaver dams are ‘ephemeral’ in the same way that mowing lawns is ephemeral. The work done has to be repeated over and over for long term effect.

Which still is no guarantee that rebuilt dams will necessarily prevent flooding. But, (to quote the famous-chicken-soup offering-Jewish-mother) “It can’t hurt“. I wish Derek every luck at his upcoming talk, and am so sorry I had to miss him this year. In the end, it’s kind of like cleaning your room because you are looking for a misplaced 20. There’s no guarantee you’ll find the missing cash, but I really don’t think there’s a bad reason to clean your room or re-introduce beavers.

Animal Spiritual on Sunday

heidi08 Beaver Art, Beaver Behavior, Beaver-themed merchandise, Beavers, Beavers and climate change, Beavers and Forests, Beavers and water, Beavers elsewhere, Creative Solutions, Environmental, Who's saving beavers now? February 26, 2017

I wholeheartedly approve of this new policy enforcing only good beaver news on Sundays. And the universe seems to be catching on and publishing excellent article the night before. Check out this offereing from Larry Hyslop at the Elko Daily News and tell me this man didn’t get serious beaver education from Carol Evans over the years. Connie Lee from the Nevada Department of Wildlife just posted that she attended her first beaver conference and learned a lot. I’m sure Connie and Carol are friends too, and if they aren’t already, they will be soon.

Beaver engineers change streams

We know beavers engineer their environment by creating a dam and upstream pond. Researchers at Rocky Mountain National Park, along with the U.S. Geological Survey, found beavers can strongly affect the hydrologic processes of the Colorado River. They also found beavers produce greater changes to their environment downstream of their dams. Other research also suggests some major problems we see in modern day streams came about from beavers being removed from area streams.

Water flows over beaver dams along the full length of the dams, spreading water across entire valleys. Without these dams, water simply flows down narrow streambeds. This water stays spread out down the valley for hundreds of yards. Beaver dams also force water into the soil, where it moves laterally, toward the sides of the valley. The underground water table rises and widens the riparian area along the stream. More vegetation such as willows grow downstream from dams.
During peak flows, or floods, dams dissipate the flow energy. Water slows as it works its way through the intricate set of branches making up dams. Water also slows as it works its way back to the stream bed, generally flowing through riparian vegetation.

During the dry summers, dams keep water flowing. By holding back water behind the dam and placing more water underground, beaver dams slowly release water, keeping intermittent streams flowing longer and farther downstream. Beavers create wider riparian areas, with more riparian vegetation, and often create more areas for livestock to drink. During dry years, they may provide the only water for livestock.

The presence of beavers may have reduced or prevented headcuts in the past. Their absence may be responsible for today’s incised streams. Beavers are now returning to many streams and land managers are finding their dams and ponds can help heal headcuts. Sediments build up in beaver ponds, raising the streambed. Over time, dams are abandoned and other dams built, raising other areas along streams. Researchers are helping beavers return to streams in the hopes their presence will help streams heal.

Yes they are, Larry. And the very best help researchers can give them is to encourage folks to stop trapping that pesky rodent off their lands before they can get started fixing the system. Articles like yours help slow down that basic impulse that everyone seem to have. Thank you for this excellent review of beaver repairs in streams. It doesn’t even mention the benefits to fish, wildlife and nitrogen removal, but it has a compelling reason to tolerate beavers. I guess because water is what matters most in Nevada.

Another delightful bit of news that caught my eye this week was concerning a protest of HBC in Canada where Ivanka Trumps line of clothing is being offered after being tossed out of Nordstrom’s. Snicker.

Why ‘Peeved Beavers’ are upset by Ivanka Trump’s brand at the Bay

A member of the “Peeved Beavers” group, Amanda Spencer, holds up a sarcastic sign while she’s dressed up as Donald Trump.

Armed with distinctive blonde wigs, pursed lips and red power ties, a group of Ontario women are planning to dress up as U.S. President Donald Trump to protest the Hudson’s Bay Co. for carrying Ivanka Trump’s fashion line during two demonstrations in the Toronto area planned for Saturday.

The women call themselves the “Peeved Beavers,” and they have a bone to pick with HBC. St. Jean estimates that, since their secret Facebook group was created three or four weeks ago, it has grown to include approximately 30 members. Amanda Spencer, another Peeved Beaver, says they’re only expecting 10 to 15 members at the two planned protests on Saturday, so they can control the protest, and stay in character.

What an excellent name! The Peeved Beavers! Can I join? I usually have very little patience for the use of the beaver trademark name to describe the ladies, but I could get behind this. I just like the way it sounds!

Donations to our silent auction arrived all the way from Sydney Australia yesterday. Co-founder Kate McNab was enthusiastic in her generous support. The spirited shop Animalyser will offer beaver supporters a 10% discount on purchased items so go peruse the wonderful selection they have to chose from. Their unusual design placement is my favorite part of these striking products. Go look for yourself. Here’s their story:

We were encouraged by the enthusiasm and fun people had identifying themselves through two animals. We are both truly inspired by all animals and believe that humans are just another kind of animal.

The question ‘which two animals best describe you?’ started as a bit of fun by Kate McNab, Co-Founder, in 2012 at a dinner party. Some of our friends were able to answer the question immediately and others needed some time. That evening was the night when our blended names Mele (Elephant/Monkey) and Fanther (Falcon/ Panther) were created

What delightful dinner parties you throw! Can we come? Obviously in my case the answer would be a “Beaba“. Because I really liked the beavers and I Badgered city council until they let me keep them.

Thanks Kate!

Beaver-Flyer

Talking to the beaver opposition

heidi08 Beaver Behavior, Beavers, Beavers and Birds, Beavers and climate change, Beavers and Forests, Beavers and Frogs, Beavers and Ice, Beavers and salmon, Beavers and trout, Beavers and water, Beavers elsewhere, City Reports, Creative Solutions, Educational, Environmental, What's killing beavers now?, Who's blaming beavers now?, Who's saving beavers now? February 25, 2017

Adrien Nelson of FBD didn’t make it to the conference this year, because he had work to do in Langley. And reading this you can tell he does it so well.

Fur-Bearers weigh in on Gloucester beaver trapping

The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals is urging the Township to use alternative beaver management methods, after a dead beaver was found inside a trap in Gloucester last month.

Rather than trapping beavers — which according to Adrian Nelson, wildlife conflict manager with the Fur-Bearers, has only a 16 per cent success rate — a “long term solution” is using flow devices, such as pond levellers or exclusion fences.

Pond levellers are large pipes that allow water to flow through existing beaver dams, while exclusion fencing prevents beavers from accessing culverts or bridges.

“This is not new technology; they have been around for over 20 years, they are incredibly successful,” Nelson told Township council at its Feb. 20 evening meeting.

“When they are implemented properly we have a success rate of between 90 and 97 per cent, and that is over a 10-year period.”

The devices cost $400 to $600 in materials and take two people about half a day to install. They require maintenance twice per year, which usually consists of removing debris or garbage build-up. Nelson said the devices are much more cost-effective than repeatedly calling in trappers, or taking apart dams.

The Fur-Bearers also offer free training programs to municipal staff on how to implement and build the systems properly, having successfully worked with Mission, Coquitlam, Bowen Island, Surrey, Richmond, and even the Township of Langley.

Coun. David Davis, who has dealt with beavers on his farm many times, said he is concerned that during a rain event, a pipe through a beaver dam may not be able to handle the water coming through, and flooding would result, causing damage and costing the Township a lot of money. He believes in some cases, the beavers have to be removed.

Adrien is working hard in Langley to remind the city to do the right thing. Which they have done before but suddenly think might not work. And of course the council is making it as difficult as possible for obvious reasons. I feel these opponents have been well matched. And when I saw this letter to the editor I went so far as to say OVER matched. You will understand why.

Letter: Many humane options exist for managing beavers

Editor: I read the recent article in the paper (the Times, Jan. 18) about this wetland and the beavers, and thought I would send you this photo of my children Finley, 8, and Ruby, 5, with the beaver lodge in background and their art.

My children have joined Earth Rangers along with 100,000 other children across Canada and one of their missions was to speak with an elder about living with wildlife and do an art project.

We read about how the beaver represents wisdom. The beaver uses the gifts and knowledge it was given by the Creator to build a healthy and strong community.

In that process, it makes wetland habitat so we call them wetland superheroes.

This land was taken out of the ALR with the agreement that this area would be left as green space. With all the money that the government is putting toward wetland conservation, it would be a shame to lose this wetland and the beavers that made it.

I understand that there are many other management options that people could be using other than constantly killing them.

Well, all I can say is between Melissa, Ruby, Finley and Adrien, the stubborn city council doesn’t stand a chance. Keep it up! It takes a huge amount of protest to earn the right to inconvenience city staff, as we learned first hand in Martinez. They just hate being inconvenienced. Never mind, don’t let that stop you. There’s plenty of more child beaver artists where that came from if you need them. We should know.

One of the talks at the conference I wanted to hear the most was Lorne Fitch of Cows and Fish in Alberta. In fact we thought it was important enough that he be there that Worth A Dam paid his travel expenses and the Leonard Houston hosted him at the hotel. Unfortunately my fearless live recorders had to leave early yesterday to get back to Portland, but Journalist and soon-to-be author, Ben Goldfarb was kind enough to film the talk with his phone. This is an imperfect recording, but you can hear most all of what he has to say and see most of his slides, so I’m enormously grateful for the effort. Lorne represents the very best at involving the community and meeting disbelieving ranchers exactly where they are. If you have stubborn folk you want to persuade about beavers, (and who doesn’t?) he is the speaker you need to hear. I will try to get a copy of his ppt slides when he gets safely home. The first moments of the video are bumpy but it gets better so stick with it.

Beaver Appreciation Day

heidi08 Beaver Behavior, Beavers, Beavers and climate change, Beavers and Forests, Beavers and Frogs, Beavers and Ice, Beavers and Insects, Beavers and salmon February 24, 2017

Yesterday turned out to be a wonderful day, even at this distance from the conference. Alexandria Costello was generous enough to FBlive some of the wonderful talks, and I got lots of feedback about my presentation. Plus Sherry Guzzi of Sierra Wildlife Coalition was able to take and send amazing notes of the day, which made me feel like I was part of the action.

One of the exciting presentations Alex covered was by Fran Recht of the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. They just released an amazing film by Freshwater Illustrations that you NEED to see and share with everyone you know. Check it out.

Isn’t that wonderful? I think will be a permanent margin feature for a while. Having ‘regular’ folk talk about the benefits of beavers is a powerful tool, and one that we should always rely on. I guess I’m kind of regular folk, or I was once. Sherry said that Gerhard Schwab’s talk about beavers in Germany emphasized having “local” experts that really make the difference. Apparently my talk had a warm reception and I got some positive feedback yesterday even from folks I’d never met. Our old friend Louise Ramsay said it was “Inspirational”, a stranger wrote and said it was so affecting he got ‘choked up’ about the kits dying, Suzanne Fouty actually quoted me in her talk later in the day, a grad student I didn’t know wrote that they came to the conference to meet me and were so sorry I wasn’t there but glad to hear me anyway, and the author Ken Goldfarb who I talked into attending wrote:

Heidi, that was really a fantastic video… I’m sure you’re very sad at not being able to attend the conference, but you should know that your virtual presentation elicited a lot of laughs, a lot of sympathetic nodding, and a very enthusiastic ovation. Incredible footage!

So I guess that sometimes it’s better to not be there and feel that you contribute than the opposite. Thes talk I’m most anxious about missing this morning is by Lorne Fitch of Cows and Fish in Alberta, I’m trying to see if I can get it streamed by some hardy soul willing to hold their phone up for an hour. I will let you know and share if I can.

Cheryl was no slacker either yesterday, and she went on the release of the beaver recently rescued in Pittsburg that they returned to Dow Wetlands. I know you’d want to see these photos. Click twice on a photo to see it larger.