It’s time for some more good news on Ben Goldfarb sprinkling his book over the countryside, don’t you think? This time in Wyoming because WY the heck not?
‘Eager’ author coming to talk beavers
Today most Americans never see a beaver. If they do it will be the stump of an expensive ornamental tree in their yard that alerts them. They’ll call a professional trapper — it falls into the category of pest control — and consider the problem solved. For many beavers being trapped is the same as being killed. Those who receive more humane treatment find themselves dumped someplace where it’s thought they will build a new life, or at least a life out of suburban neighborhood.
This happens around here. Goldfarb’s book begins with a segment about Drew Reed, a trapper who transplants his caught beavers up the Gros Ventre River drainage. Goldfarb compares the reaction of the two beavers being trapped, held in a horse trailer and then tossed out in a strange place to a science fiction abduction, “like being snatched by aliens from your bed in Sacramento, spending a day in isolation aboard a mysterious mothership and then being dumped unceremoniously into a cornfield in Topeka.”
Isn’t it wonderful to see local heroes featured around the nation? Much needed beaver wisdom in Wyoming from one of their own! You would think the SF chronicle would get around to doing a snippet on our Martinez story wouldn’t you? But apparently beavers and their solutions to drought and climate change are beneath them.
No, I’m not bitter. it’s my birthday so I’m trying out a new gallery toy. Isn’t it cool?
Today the Western states are the focus of “beaver believers,” people who hope to see the populations restored. It’s an area where water is often scarce and damming beavers restore and expand fertile land and wildlife habitat. It’s also a place where there’s enough public land and large ranches to accommodate the rodents without bothering neighbors.
Goldfarb’s book is a fine introduction to the creatures, to the reasons they nearly disappeared and why their return should be encouraged. He’ll be at Teton County Library next week to talk and sign books. 
Hurray for Jackson Hole! And hurray for Ben Goldfarb spreading the beaver gospel all across this thirsty nation. I hope you can see the huge difference you are making to the beaver conversation at every venue.
