[CANUFNET] Looking for examples of beaver management policy/procedures

[Brian Geerts]

Thanks John!  Clever idea; I’m looking forward to hearing how it turns out.  Brian

From: CANUFNET [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Hennessy, John
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 1:27 PM
To: Canadian Urban Forest Network
Subject: Re: [CANUFNET] Looking for examples of beaver management policy/procedures

Hello Brian.

We have been trying a new tool at the City Of Brampton. During some research I stumbled across what seemed to be a  clever solution to our Beaver friends engineering efforts. The posting came from a sierra club member in the U.S..
The trees are painted with a latex paint with sand being mixed into the paint as well as a follow up topical application of the sand on to the wet paint. The paint is applied from ground level to approx.4’ above ground. The most desirable trees in the façade are painted with the smaller trees being the canaries in the coal mine. Ideal specimens having a physical barrier of steel meshing.
Further to this piolet project, I am floating a new idea of maintaining a resident Beaver at the top of our water courses to stop a constant flow of Beavers to its south. In combination with baffelers I believe it is worth a try. It makes the problem more predictable and easier to forecast. The following “resident Beaver” idea has not been tested.
I have had some very positive results regarding the painting of the trees with sand(2 year of the project, approx. 300 trees treated to date).
Relative to other methods (wrapping trees in steel meshing), the resources required are minimal. A group of 6 staff were able to protect 40 trees in 1 hour, the training required was  minimal. The following resources were used: 3 buckets of latex paint, 1 bag of play sand, paint rollers and brush’s and a hand saw.
Not one of the painted trees have been removed to date(initial treatment applied March 2015), however it is still spring!

Willow whips planted to supply food for the beavers at all identified locations is another helpful tool. It also helps reduce geese entry to water course where desired.

Potential issues: The paint will reduce some gas exchange, until new bark fissures separate paint.
Qualification of issues: Many of our resident paint the lower portion of the trees pedestals for a good omen. To my knowledge the practice has not killed trees, it does make them look unsightly though. I have been using a clear coat with low gloss to help them blend in.

Theory being: The Beavers mouth is so integral to its wellbeing, that cutting the inside of the mouth is completely avoided especially when there is another tree in their geography that is not painted?

I am looking forward to further testing and efficacy results, as well as any comments regarding these efforts. My apologies if the notion is offensive to some. I too am interested to see what kind of conversation this stirs?

Hope some of this is helpful. Would appreciate any insights or comments.
Many thanks for the opportunity,
John Hennessy
Forestry Inspector
City Of Brampton
ON1193a.

From: CANUFNET [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Brian Geerts
Sent: 2016/04/26 11:40 AM
To: canufnet at list.web.net<mailto:canufnet at list.web.net>
Subject: [CANUFNET] Looking for examples of beaver management policy/procedures

Happy spring everyone!

I’m sure I’m not the only one dealing with the occasional nuisance beaver-related issues for ponds, parklands, and roads.  We’ve been dealing with the issues on an ad-hoc basis but we’re now looking to develop a policy/procedure.  I’d really appreciate it if you could send me some examples of how you’re handling the issues and any policy or procedures you’re aware of.

Brian

Brian Geerts
Manager of Forestry and Horticulture
City of Cambridge
Dickson Centre
30 Parkhill Road W. ON N1R 5W8

geertsb at cambridge.ca<mailto:geertsb at cambridge.ca>

Tel:519.740.4681 x4558
Fax: 519.624.6975

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