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Commission reviews beaver dams and Hagar Bridge flooding; contractor advises no immediate threat to well
Summary
Members reviewed drone photos of beaver dams on Hill Road and Hagar Pond, discussed a 10‑day emergency permit to breach a downstream dam, and heard from Skip Lyall (Beaver Deceivers) that the inundation does not appear to threaten the Paddock well; commissioners asked staff to follow up with DPW and consider long‑term fixes such as raised boardwalks or beaver flow devices.
Commissioners were briefed on beaver‑related flooding at multiple dams on the Hill Road/Hagar Pond system and reviewed drone photos showing elevated upstream water levels.
Staff reported that a 10‑day emergency permit had been filed to breach the most downstream dam to relieve inundation and assist a downstream fire‑suppression pond, though staff had not yet confirmed whether that breach had been completed. The commission invited Skip Lyall of Beaver Deceivers to the meeting; Skip visited the site with staff and Owen and told the commission he did not think the flooding was close enough to the newly drilled Paddock well to pose an immediate threat. He said a beaver flow‑control device could be feasible at parts of the system and that he would be willing to help relieve inundation if necessary.
Commissioners expressed concern about the Hagar Bridge area where beaver work has raised water levels to the point the adjacent boardwalk and trail segment is effectively unusable. Members discussed possible responses including monitoring through the late dry season, coordination with DPW on mechanical relief, and pursuing grant funding (MassTrails) or a raised boardwalk for a long‑term solution. Staff agreed to flag Hagar Bridge for DPW review and to follow up with the volunteer coordinator and conservation partners.
No formal vote or expenditure was taken on beaver work at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to track water levels and provide updates at the next meeting.
