Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ditch Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sherburne County ditch crew uses controlled charges to clear large beaver dams, says blasting saves costs
Summary
County ditch staff removed extensive beaver dams on multiple county ditches using controlled explosives and trapping; staff said blasting saved substantial contractor costs and restored drainage that threatened yards and septic fields.
Sherburne County ditch staff reported to the board on recent cleanup work after large beaver dams blocked county ditches and created standing water and algae blooms.
Mike (ditch inspector) described two major sites where crews and a trapper removed dams that blocked flow and created ponds. At one location near County Road 61 the dam extended about 200–300 feet and held roughly 4 to 4.5 feet of water in places, he said. The county used a remote access “jam boat” to reach the site. Staff set a pattern of charges (ammonium nitrate fuel oil [ANFO] charges and supplemental charges) and used timed fuses to allow crews to clear the site before detonation. Mike said the work required 10 charges, three boosters and detonators; crews trapped five beavers beforehand.
After the blast the water level dropped and flow restored; Mike said blasting is often about one‑third the cost of bringing in large heavy equipment to excavate dams and in many areas machinery cannot reach the site. He also showed photos of algae on stagnant water and explained why timely removal is important to avoid ecological and property damage. Commissioners moved to accept the drainage report and approved related routine items.
Mike said staff will continue maintenance and follow standard safety and permitting practices; the board approved the ditch authority agenda and accepted drainage work as presented.
