After a long slow dry spell spring has produced a glut of good beaver news so bountiful that I’ve been saving this to share on Sunday morning, when everyone has more time for coffee and a good read curled up on the couch.
This is from a place called Verona Wisconsin, just outside of Madison. And the best part is that No one I know knows her and she doesn’t work for any nonprofit I can find associated with water or beavers or conservation. She’s a total civilian writing an amazing letter to the editor.
Celebrate International Beaver Day, Sunday, April 7.
Give a shout out to these ecosystem engineers who do so much to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
This day began in 2008 to raise awareness and appreciation for beavers and the habitats they create, and to encourage protections for these keystone species. By modifying their environment, they create biologically rich wetland habitats for the 75% of Wisconsin’s wildlife species that spend time there during all, or part, of their life cycle, as well as increasing plant biodiversity by 33% in these areas.
I’m serious. No beaver defender in the state knows who she is. She is a total free square on our beaver bingo card.
Beaver created wetland habitats provide valuable, and free, ecosystem services for humans by:
• Holding water on the landscape for slow, gradual release, decreasing damage from floods, reducing bank erosion, mitigating effects of drought and replenishing aquifers.
• Preventing the spread of wildfires through natural fuel breaks and providing a safe haven for wildlife.
• Cleaning and purifying stream water, removing silt and contaminants, including road salt and nitrates.
• Providing recreational activities, from fishing to birdwatching.
• Absorbing and capturing greenhouse gasses.
I just love that this message is finally getting out there. So clearly that people are picking it up and writing the editor of their own accord. Don’t you?
The sensation of moving water triggers beavers to build dams, which can lead to some conflicts with humans. Beavers can cause damage to valuable trees, human infrastructure or cropland, but there are cost-effective, non-lethal measures that can easily be used to mitigate these problems. Beaver exclusion devices, such as wire tree wrap, flow devices to protect culverts, and pond levelers, can be used to effectively manage beaver activity. Thoughtful beaver conflict management allows us to co-exist and benefit from their valuable contributions to our ecosystem.
So remember April 7 as a day to give a dam for beaver!
Dianne Yeske
Who else wants to buy Dianne a beer or a tall glass of Chardonnay? I looked for hours on the internet and couldn’t find her. Your help will be appreciated if you know who she might be.
I think that woman deserves a t-shirt don’t you?
