Southeastern Beaver Working Group seeks to attract beavers back to Blue Heron Preserve

During a recent government meeting in Milton, Fulton County, discussions centered around the challenges and opportunities related to beaver populations in the area. The meeting highlighted the impact of environmental changes on local beaver habitats, particularly following severe weather events.

Victoria, a participant in the meeting, shared insights about a local beaver colony that had been affected by storm Helene. The storm breached their dam, leading to the departure of the beavers from a small creek in the area. This raised the question of whether these beavers could be encouraged to return with assistance from experts in constructing beaver analogs—structures that mimic natural beaver dams.

The conversation also referenced the Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead, which previously hosted a beaver colony. Similar to the situation in Milton, a storm had washed away their dams, prompting concerns about the fate of the beavers. Victoria expressed a fear that the beavers may not have simply left but could have been harmed by vehicles, as many of their habitats are near roads.

The Southeastern Beaver Working Group, a coalition of local scientists, has been actively working to promote beaver conservation in the metro area. They secured funding to install Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) in the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. However, without the presence of beavers to maintain these structures, the BDAs have deteriorated and failed to function effectively. Additionally, the installation of BDAs altered the creek's course, causing concerns among nearby residents about changes to their property.

Despite these challenges, there is hope as beavers have begun to return to the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. The meeting concluded with a discussion on strategies to entice beavers back to their natural habitats, emphasizing the need for adherence to regulations regarding wildlife relocation.

This meeting underscored the importance of understanding and supporting local wildlife populations, particularly beavers, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. As the community navigates these environmental challenges, collaboration between scientists, local officials, and residents will be essential in fostering a sustainable coexistence with nature.