Let’s hope this is the first of a string of Gazette stories that will be offered for reprint on the beaver blog. This appeared in today’s Martinez News Gazette 05/06/08. Until the 100+ year-old paper goes www this method will have to suffice.
By: Irene Park
Beaver nonprofit Worth A Dam will pay for any additional flow device needed in the Martinez beavers’ secondary dam, Worth A Dam President and Founder Heidi Perryman announced on Tuesday.
Wildlife biologist Skip Lisle, who installed the beaver deceiver currently functioning in the main dam, has since agreed to assisting with the potential second device.
“If the dam remains a concern, we are committed to taking care of it and making sure it is not the city’s burden,” Perryman said.
Experts have explained that secondary dams are usually supplementary to the main dam and generally not much cause for concern. But in Martinez’ case, addressing the secondary dam as a viable flooding threat should both appease the beaver-wary city and further ensure the secondary dam is a non-threat, said Worth A Dam’s Vice President of Public Relations Linda Meza.
“We believe there’s no flooding potential whatsoever, but we want to address problems should they arise. We’re looking to be proactive.”
Most beaver experts agree that beavers often build smaller dams, usually downstream from the lodge, to facilitate access to additional food sources. Mike Callahan of Beaver Solutions in Massachusetts even speculated that the beavers may be attempting to raise water levels.
But both Callahan and Lisle explained that secondary dams are a “backup mechanism” to the primary dam and that beavers do not rebuild them as vigorously or as high as the main device.
“Generally, beaver dams are the most threatening the narrower the site, such as in road culverts. But the valley is broader down there where that dam is. So even if you do get a big flood, it’s less likely for the water to rise up to the point where it’ll cause any damage,” Lisle said.
Nonetheless, Worth A Dam said its funding a second beaver deceiver will hopefully appease the city’s concerns about beaver maintenance and especially costs, Perryman emphasized.
“Worth A Dam’s purpose is to assume beaver-related costs, and I consider any flow device or tree planting part of that. I would like the city to decide how it wants to address the hydrology aspects, but feel assured that we will take care of the beaver costs,” Perryman said.
Fundraising efforts for the nonprofit seem to have been hugely successful, with $2000 collected since the April 16 beaver public hearing, according to Perryman. Both Meza and Perryman are already prepared with additional fundraising efforts, particularly that which utilizes the media. Those plans included a beaver festival and sales of children’s beaver art merchandise. Worth A Dam collects part of the proceeds from beaver T-shirt sales throughout Martinez as well.
Perryman also mentioned a possible book interest in the beavers, although she did not specify the publishing company.
“There has been a six-month news cycle for the beavers so far, and there is no reason to think we can’t capitalize on this broad public support to raise funds as well,” Perryman said.
Thanks Irene and the Gazette for being sensitive to community interest in this story from the beginning! Also thanks to our brave beaver investors who have put money behind their support and lead efforts to help with costs. Your tax deductible donations of any size are welcome, and can be made through the website here, by contacting mtzbeavers@gmail.com or in person at the dam! We’ll make sure your donation helps our beavers.
