Beaver bill makes dam good progress in California Assembly

The California Assembly unanimously approved Assembly Bill (AB) 2196, introduced by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael). This legislation secures the future of the state’s beaver restoration program, which revitalizes ecosystems and addresses climate challenges.

Initiated under the FY2022-23 Budget Act, the beaver restoration program focuses on the crucial role beavers play in maintaining healthy watersheds and ecosystems. These industrious creatures are keystone species that contribute to restoring areas most affected by environmental degradation.

Unanimous support for beavers? That almost never happens. It passed by something like 72-0. Seems to me if they are so powerful in their persuasion they should have tried this earlier.

“Beavers are an instrumental keystone species to our ecosystems,” says Assemblymember Connolly. “They play a vital role in maintaining and engineering habitats that have widespread environmental and climate benefits. AB 2196 codifies the beaver restoration program in statute and ensures this important species continues to play a role in meeting our climate goals. I’m proud that this bill is supported by nearly fifty environmental protection, conservation, wildlife advocacy, sustainable agriculture, and other science-based organizations.”

I’m glad its moving forward but I seem to remember there was a passage in the Talmud that said a unanimous decision was invalid because “There was no one to argue the other side”.

I guess no one wants to be on the wrong side of beavers.

Ashley Eagle-Gibbs, executive director of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, emphasizes the broader impact: “Beavers have long been recognized as fundamental to creating and preserving healthy habitat. AB 2196 opens the door for the science-based management of this species. This is consistent with our state’s 30×30 goals, helps contribute to wildfire mitigation strategies, and preserves water-rich ecosystems for the benefit of wildlife and humans alike. We are excited to see beaver reintroduction moving forward in California, and we thank Assemblymember Connolly for his leadership on this important issue.”

What’s next for AB 2196?

The next step for AB 2196 is to be reviewed by the California State Senate. It is scheduled for a policy committee hearing in June. If it passes the Senate, it will then proceed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature to become law.

It’s on its way. Obviously the hard part was getting it passed in the first place. Lets see what comes next.

Once upon a time the eel river was so full of beavers they were like mile markers in the water. That was pretty much over when Hudson Bay trappers came down from Oregon and  used the rivers like highways for their pillaging around the states.

Since those dark days the eel river has been pining to get its beavers back, And its long wait may be ending.

Rodents of Unusual Size: Beavers Are Back in Humboldt County

In recent years a few folks who pay attention to the wild critters have been whispering of sighting beavers in the Eel River of Humboldt County and even dams in a few tributaries. In 2015 we even posted about a local wildlife tracker finding beaver footprints. But, much like those other mythical Rodents of Unusual Size (ROUS) from “The Princess Bride,” the existence of these industrious creatures here has been doubted ever since they apparently went extinct in the region due to over-trapping and habitat loss during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

There is nothing I like better than a  nice story about how folks are appreciative of getting their beavers back.

However, as naturalists and river lovers shared recent sightings more and more frequently, local folks are learning that the beavers are back in Humboldt County. A popular local wildlife photographer, Ann Constantino, last week spotted beavers in Southern Humboldt and took a series of captivating images. (See more on Flickr)

Those who love the waterways around here are hoping these beavers make a splashy comeback as they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by building dams that create wetlands, which in turn support a diverse range of plant and animal species.

We are happy you’re happy! You have a golden moment here, use it to fill the halls and land owners with education and tools for when they are feeling less happy.

Your beavers are going to need it.

Yesterday the city’s web connection went down so I couldn’t present remotely and Jon stepped up to the plate again and got permission for the festival in person.

Well done, sir!