Adopt-A-Stream Program :: Beaver Dam Management

Several of the sloughs (e.g., Noyes, Chena, Twenty-three Mile, and Piledriver) that flow through the Fairbanks North Star Borough are littered with beaver dams. Some of these structures are obviously old, remnant beaver dams that are grown over with vegetation and no longer used or maintained by beavers. Others are active and have beaver lodges and/or food stashes associated with them and are actively maintained by the beavers near by. Whether abandoned or active, these dams block stream flow in these sloughs and in some locations, create unhealthy static ponding conditions and inhibit fish passage, especially during low water events. The beaver populations on these sloughs have been on the increase, with new dams popping up every year. In order to maintain a continuous flow of water and to provide for successful fish passage, some of these beaver dams need to be removed while others can be “maintained” with a water leveling device. In addition, beaver populations need to be managed to control the number of beaver families that live on each slough. The TVWA realizes this is a very controversial issue, but is determined to achieve a happy medium between maintaining water flow and fish passage and appropriate beaver populations (i.e., number of beavers per stream mile) for the size and available habitat in the stream system. The beaver management aspect of this program will be closely coordinated with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Conservation Division. If you want to be involved in the Adopt-A-Stream, Beaver and/or Beaver Dam Management program, here's what to do: Choose a section of stream close to your home or business or a section that you have an interest in and one you know has one or more in-active or active beaver dam(s). You will register this section as “your” section on the Adopt-A-Stream, Beaver and/or Beaver Dam Management agreement form. While making your decision on an appropriate section to adopt, consider access to the site. For In-active (Abandoned) Beaver Dam Sites: Only hand tools are allowed to be used. As much as possible, the materials that are removed from the dam should be carried away from the site and disposed of properly (i.e., transfer station or local landfill). For Active Beaver Dam Sites: If a beaver lodge is found close to a dam, some decisions need to be made. It would not make sense to simply remove the dam, as more than likely, the beavers will rebuild it soon after you leave. It must be decided if the beavers in the lodge will be permanently removed or if a water leveling device will be installed and maintained. This will be a group (you, TVWA beaver committee, and ADF&G) decision based on biological and aesthetic (beaver watching opportunities) objectives. For Beaver Removal: Each year, it will be decided how many beavers need to be removed from each slough system, based on habitat availability data. For this aspect of the program you would not “adopt” a section of waterway, but sign up to be a trapper available and interested in trapping the designated lodges. You must be an experienced trapper or working with one to qualify. Permits issued by the ADF&G-DWC are required for any beaver trapping conducted within the city limits. Beaver lodges shall not be disturbed. Beaver hides can be kept by the trapper or donated to a native or community arts program. Read over the CONTRACT AGREEMENT and SAFETY GUIDELINES. If you agree to all conditions of the agreement and safety guidelines please download and fill out the agreement form.  We will need a signed copy of the form so please print the form, sign it and mail it to TVWA, P.O. Box 84104, Fairbanks, AK 99708