Flow Devices – A step toward co-existence
Beavers are triggered to work on the dam by the sound of running water. Flow devices are used to trick or prevent the beaver from building it up.
Beaver management expert Skip Lisle (shown here) installed a flow regulating device on the primary dam. He refers to this device as a “Castor Master”.
Basically, it is double walled, 10-inch flexible tubing that extends on both sides of the dam to allow water to flow through based on gravity. (There is no suction or mechanical parts).
The entrance to the tubing is protected by wire mesh Skip calls the “filter”. This is wide enough to prevent the beavers from feeling the suction and blocking theflow. A schematic drawing (below) of the similar “Flexible Leveler” is shown from Beaver management expert Mike Callahan, and outlines what is involved.
The beavers are prevented from obstructing the pipe, and the pipe is installed to keep the water at the desired height. Although there has been some confusion about the filter’s purpose it is not a cage for the beavers,but more like a cage for the pipe. The exit from the pipe is securely anchored with rebar because of the heavy tides.
Skip Lisle installed this device in early January 08 and the height of the dam has been safely maintained since that time. This is one of the many efforts that have been made toward co-existing. It goes to show you what a little creative problem solving can accomplish.
