Hubbardston Board of Health defers emergency beaver relocation permit, invites homeowner

The Town of Hubbardston Board of Health voted to defer approval of an emergency beaver/muskrat relocation permit for 23 Williamsville Road and to revisit the request in March.

Unidentified Speaker 1 moved "to place a hold on the approval of the beaver permit for 23 Williamsville Road until...March," citing that winter is not the appropriate season to disturb beavers because of denning and potential impacts on juvenile survival. Several members described the animals’ winter behavior and argued relocation now would reduce survival chances.

Unidentified Speaker 4 noted that relocation outside permitted seasons typically requires an emergency permit and licensed trappers; Unidentified Speaker 3 said the permit in the packet was the 10‑day emergency permit form. Board members agreed the situation did not rise to the level of an immediate septic or water threat and therefore did not justify emergency removal at this time.

Unidentified Speaker 1 proposed inviting the homeowner to the next meetings in January to explain the problem and asked staff to compile additional information about licensed trappers. The motion to withhold approval tonight was seconded and the vote was recorded with at least two 'Aye' votes; the board did not approve the permit this evening and will revisit the matter in March if the problem persists.

Action items: staff to contact the homeowner and explore licensed trappers; board to re-evaluate in March and to consider a homeowner presentation at a January meeting.