Vermont is getting a very deep beaver bench. And honestly it should be that way since Vermont is the home of Skip Lisle and Patti Smith and a host of other powerful beaver voices. I am glad to see things are spreading.

Vermont installs beaver-saving, flood-preventing deviceI

Beaver close-up side view, building a beaver dam for protection, carrying mud with its mouth and fore-paws in its habitat and environment, displaying wet brown fur coat and beaver tail.

In an effort to further protect beavers in Vermont, a coalition of animal and environmental advocates installed a flow device on land stewarded by Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary in Orange to protect against future flooding, which devastated communities and wildlife across the state in 2023. “Beaver deceivers” are known to be “humane infrastructure designed to regulate water levels while allowing beavers to remain in place,” according to a press release.

The beaver deceiver was installed by Beaver Deceivers LLC with the backing of In Defense of Animals.

“This beaver family has survived a lot,” Katie Nolan, Wild Animals campaigner at In Defense of Animals, said. “Thanks to this flow device, they now have a real chance to thrive—and to show other towns across Vermont what’s possible when we choose coexistence.”

While beavers are known to help maintain vital wetlands, this helps to “improve water quality, recharge groundwater, support biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change,” according to a press release.

That is the best kind of press release! Good job!

Beavers are powerful ecosystem protectors—not pests,” Nolan said. “Instead of destroying their dams and killing them, we now have the opportunity to protect human infrastructure and beaver lives at the same time.”

The device took the place of underwater traps previously used for wildlife control, which caused beavers to drown with prolonged suffering for up to nine minutes, according to a press release. The device also prevents damaged roads and culverts due to dam-related flooding.

In Defense of Animals said the project serves as a model for other towns and landowners across Vermont and beyond.

“This is about more than saving one beaver family,” Nolan said. “It’s about showing that compassionate, cost-effective, long-term solutions are not only possible—they’re working. We hope this inspires other communities to follow suit.”

Great summary. Let me know when you’d like to brainstorm about beaver festival ideas. You know that’s next.