Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildlife Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jericho explores 'no‑kill' beaver coexistence policy and mapping known sites
Summary
The commission proposed identifying and mapping known beaver activity sites in Jericho and developing a 'no-kill' coexistence policy that could include deceivers and baffles; the commission will research devices and map sites with partners such as the Vermont River Conservancy.
Sabina Ernst proposed the Conservation Commission begin identifying potential or known sites of beaver activity in Jericho and to help create a town policy promoting a "no-kill" coexistence approach that uses devices such as deceivers and baffles. The commission discussed mapping known sites as a first step and reaching out to Highway Department contacts for known locations.
Barry Driscoll said the beaver activity on the Browns River along Raceway Road had altered the watercourse and that a dam "had gotten blown out" during the past winter, highlighting the potential infrastructure interactions. Alison Spasyk said she has been working with the Vermont River Conservancy on research into beaver deceivers; Sabina also noted that expert Skip Lisle has online materials about streams that attract beavers. Commissioners suggested adding the cost of deceivers into culvert replacement cost estimates where appropriate.
The commission did not adopt a formal policy at this meeting but agreed to start mapping sites and gather technical guidance on deceiver and baffle installations for future recommendations.
