One of my favorite sayings about beavers is that they are the “Trickle down economy” that works. Well that’s good news for all wildlife in Vermont because this just happened:
Protect Our Wildlife awarded $40,000 to promote beaver coexistence
STOWE — Ever since Vermont nonprofit Protect Our Wildlife (POW) first began its work in 2015, promoting coexistence with beavers has been a priority. This has involved education through public presentations, distributing informational brochures at outreach events, testifying to the legislature, fielding inquiries from landowners and municipalities, and funding the installation of high quality flow devices to protect against beaver damage.
POW has funded tens of thousands of dollars across the state in an effort to protect beavers, wetlands and infrastructure. A new two-year $40,000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation will allow POW to expand their work. They are looking for the public’s help to identify locations that are committed to non-lethal measures that may benefit from flow devices, wrapping trees, and other coexistence practices.
“Beavers are a keystone species who create wetlands that provide habitat for other wildlife and that also help combat the effects of climate change,” said John Aberth, POW Board member and wildlife rehabilitator who specializes in beavers. “Funding non-lethal solutions to human-beaver conflicts allows beavers to coexist and continue their hard work that benefits all of us.”
Hurray for anyone who recognizes beavers benefit more than just baby beavers! Knowing that you are in Vermont already and close to Skip Lisle means you can make great use of this cash on hand.
Vermont is not immune to the effects of climate change and beavers may assist in mitigating some of the risks, including regulating stream flows. The importance of beavers on our landscapes has been written about extensively in both scientific literature and the media, including the New York Times.
“Protect Our Wildlife is honored to work with Skip Lisle from Beaver Deceivers LLC to address the needs of both private landowners and municipalities who are tired of the trap-kill-repeat loop, which never solves the problem,” said Jennifer Lovett, POW Board member, conservation biologist and author of Beavers Away!.
Another hearty congratulations to folks who know why beavers matter. Both Skip and Jennifer have been part of the Martinez story so I’m eager to see this happen.
If you want wetlands and wildlife, work for beavers!
