If you were very lucky growing up, somewhere in your busy life you’ve had a grandma. great aunt. or former scout leader that was so supportive of you she or he just glowed when you lit up the room. They bragged to everyone they knew about you. They might not have been too sharp with the details of your accomplishment, whether it was graduating eighth grade or  coming in second at the science fair, but they were just so gosh darn proud of you for doing it.

This article feels a little like that. Good for Mike.

Watershed Guardians annual Beaver Dam Jam at Mink Creek

The Beavers Dam Jam at the Mink Creek Pavilion on Aug. 24 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. will be terrific, especially when you get into the particulars of this yearly event: live music by Better Than Nothing, food from El Caporal, a silent auction, a raffle for a boat and boating gear plus games and demonstrations, plus lots of people who, along with you, appreciate the beauty of living in the Pocatello area. Even better, this event will take place in the forest up in Mink Creek with the sound of water flowing by, the fragrance of trees and time away from the hum-drum of everyday life in town.

Mike Settell, founder of Watershed Guardians, has sponsored this event since he started it six years ago. Each year, there are different items to raffle and more fun to have. Besides, it is entertaining and held in a beautiful area. Tickets are $30 per car and the food is free (if you get there early enough to take advantage of the wonderful spread prepared). To obtain a ticket, all you need to do is call Mike Settell at 208 220 3336. It will help if you share your transportation with others to avoid a surplus of cars in the parking area at the pavilion. So, drive beyond the turn off to Scout Mountain and then watch for the pavilion on the right side of Mink Creek.

What a great job he’s doing!  Remember, this is the Idaho State Journal not the Pocatello gazette. Honestly, could she be any prouder?

Wait a minute! What is the purpose of this event? Well, it’s all about beavers and the fun you can have while acquiring more information about them. To begin, long ago, over 60 million of these rodents met explorers as they crossed this country. Now, there are fewer than 20 million. Why? Well, there was a time when explorers and or trappers saw beautiful beaver fur as ways to make elegant hats. Later, beavers were also prized as having odors to be used for making terrific perfume. Now, people are beginning to understand the true value of these animals as they change an area by cutting down trees and building ponds which are vastly helpful for diminishing storm overflow. At one time, Native Americans appreciated beavers because they provided a rich watery habitat including other mammals and birds.

In this area, there are spots along Mink creek where trapping is allowed. However, several years ago, Mr. Settell pointed out to Forest Service employees that it would be wise to change the site of these trapping spots. His suggestion was heard. But, why should beavers be appreciated? If you have noticed storm water diminishing or destroying communities, roads, agricultural lands and more as a component of climate change, beavers can be seen as natural helpers in diminishing unbridled rivers and streams in geographically suitable areas.

Yeah Mike! Yeah beavers! Yeah Kay Merriam!

It has been said on TV that “if you do nothing, you can’t be blamed.” However, when a powerful response to a large problem is presented by a citizen such as Mike Settell when he started Watershed Guardians, it is clear that doing something is far more important than doing nothing. Watershed Guardians is the only beaver conservation organization in Idaho and it is having a positive effect. While some people perhaps think of beavers at all as being cute but malicious tree choppers and or hard workers, the most credit these rodents have been given in the U.S. (beavers are the official emblem of Canada) is in quotes such as “leave it to beaver” or “busy as a beaver”. Enough is enough. Come to the Mink Creek pavilion to have fun, learn more and meet others for whom learning about and seeing the value of beavers is important.

Oh goodness. Reading Kay’s bio I’m thinking maybe the two knew each other from their years in the classroom? I think Mike used to teach science. I’m so glad that this vote of confidence came from such a visible source. I hope a thousand people carpool to your event and learn about beavers!

(I’m still marveling that apparently having a Ph.D. in Idaho  goes such a long way. Because I can’t remember the last time a reporter wrote that something had “Been said on television”. (!) Aren’t quotes usually more specifically sourced?)

Yesterday I stumbled across this moment using my own Ph.D. Yet another example of beaver nativity in california.  And yes, that Yount became the founder of Yountville you’ve all visited in the wine country.

Boy I bet he was surprised to find out CDFW once said there were no beaver in California!

Finally, here’s some wonderful underwater footage taken by Jak Wonderly (The gentleman friend of Suzi Eszterhas and an amazing photographer) of the rescued beaver in Sonoma. Look at how easy life is underwater for these swimmers.