How to control the water level behind a beaver dam in Vermont | Beaver

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How to control the water level behind a beaver dam

Photo accompanying step 1

Water Level Control Device after beavers have rebuild the dam.

Water control structures or beaver deceivers offer an opportunity to reduce conflicts by lowering or maintaining the water levels in a pond, while sustaining the structure and function of the wetland habitat as well as an active beaver population.

A beaver deceiver pipe runs under or through a beaver dam, allowing the beavers to dam the stream while maintaining the depth of the beaver “pond” at an acceptable level. Water level control devices require maintenance to remove debris. State and local laws restrict work in wetlands and permits may be required.

State specific info - Vermont - Beaver

Because beaver create such valuable wildlife habitat, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has a long-standing program to provide technical assistance to landowners and municipalities to help resolve beaver/human conflicts.  This assistance might include the installation of water control structures, protective fences, and advice on beaver population control if necessary.  Other organizations and individuals may offer the same types of assistance.  For more information see the VFWD publication "Best Management Practices for Resolving Human/Beaver Conflicts".   

 

Best Management Practices for Resolving Human-Beaver Conflicts in Vermont6.89 MB

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Vermont

Furbearing animals doing damage

In Vermont, landowners can legally protect their property from damage caused by rabbits and furbearing animals through lethal means. Anyone receiving compensation for trapping furbearers doing damage must hold a valid Vermont trapping license.

Removing Beaver Dams

There are many rules and regulations surrounding wetlands, including beaver created wetlands. Landowners should contact VT Fish and Wildlife or the Department of Environmental Conservation before removing beaver dams older than two years. Beaver dams less than two years can be removed but should be removed slowly, lowering the water level no more than one foot per day. This work should be done by hand rather than machinery to better control the release of water. This helps reduce downstream erosion, sediment deposition and the potential for downstream property damage.
While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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