Best Management Practices

CMMCP will utilize the Best Management Practices as set forth in the Massachusetts Best Management Practices and Guidelines for Freshwater Mosquito Control (Draft Version Nov. 1, 2007).

CMMCP will consider all options for resolving beaver conflict according to the recommendations of the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (DFW). CMMCP staff such as the Wetlands Project Coordinator and Wetland Project Specialists will keep current with all beaver control laws including hunting and trapping regulations. The following website is MassWildife’s Beaver Management homepage and may be referred to for current rules and regulations.

CMMCP best management practices for beaver control will be guided by the DFW publication: "The Use of Water Flow Devices in Addressing Flooding Problems Caused by Beaver in Massachusetts". This publication is a manual designed as a reference tool for people who are incurring beaver problems. The manual provides the information necessary to determine which technique, if any, is the best option for any particular situation.

The following Options for Resolving Beaver Conflicts is an excerpt from MassWildlife website and shall be considered:

  1. Tolerance: People who learn to tolerate a certain amount of beaver influence on their land generally find that co-existing with beavers provides more benefits than perceived harm. In situations in which beavers are simply an inconvenience to landowners, tolerance is the easiest solution.
  2. Enclosures: Fencing can provide a long-term solution, while preserving the beneficial aspects of beavers. The most effective way to protect specific trees and shrubs is to construct enclosures around them. These enclosures should be constructed of heavy-gauge fencing, be a minimum of 4 feet tall, and be flush with the ground. To protect larger areas, such as orchards or nurseries, standard fencing is usually sufficient since beavers are poor climbers, rarely burrow under fences, and generally don't chew fencing unless it is wrapped around trees or shrubs. CMMCP does not typically offer this service.
  3. Breaching & Removing the Dam: Dam breaching is an immediate, but short-term solution to flooding problems caused by beaver. Cued by the sound of escaping water, beavers will usually rebuild the damaged dam quickly, sometimes overnight. If the afflicted landowner does not want beaver lethally removed, it is recommended that a water level control device (WLCD) be installed to prevent beaver from rebuilding the dam. Permits are needed to disturb or tear open a beaver dam or beaver lodge for any reason. Dismantling or breaching a dam can result in severe flooding for property adjacent and downstream of the dam. Dam breaching and removal affects wetlands; such activities are regulated by Massachusetts' wetland protection laws. To find out how to obtain a permit, please read our "Beavers and the Law: A Citizen's Guide to Addressing Beaver Complaints"
  4. Water Level Control Devices (WLCD): In situations in which increased water levels threaten property, crops, or public health and safety, water level control devices (WLCD) may be an appropriate way to control the flooding. Sometime referred to as "beaver pipes" or water flow devices, WLCDs can be successful at regulating water levels at desirable levels behind dams. By successfully installing an effective WLCD, the life of a desirable beaver wetland, and its associated benefits, can be prolonged. An assortment of WLCDs are available and all have advantages and disadvantages associated with their use. Two factors are key to the success of these devices: they must be designed to reduce the cues used by beavers to detect escaping water, and they must be difficult for beavers to plug. Water flow devices should be used only where appropriate conditions exist and will likely require regular maintenance. Do not try to install a water level control device on your own. In Massachusetts, it is illegal to disturb beaver dams or lodges without a permit.
  5. Lethal Removal: Beavers can be trapped during the open season (November 1-April 15) by a licensed trapper using permissible traps (i.e. box or cage-type traps). An Emergency Permit is not needed during the regulated season if permissible traps are used by a licensed trapper. By removing beaver during the regulated trapping season, they can be used as a natural resource because its pelt, meat, and castor oil are highly valued and can be used. Trapping is highly regulated in Massachusetts. An Emergency Permit is needed to trap beavers with restricted traps (i.e. body-gripping traps, "conibear" traps) and to trap beaver outside the regulated trapping season. Removal of problem beaver can be a quick way to alleviate beaver problems when done by an experienced trapper. New beaver may move into the area, but this depends on several factors, such as the habitat features and the density of beavers in the area.

It is against state law to capture and release beaver into another area. Often people want to capture problem animals and release them someplace else. However, moving wildlife is detrimental to both people and wildlife populations and is against the law. This law has been in effect for many years, protecting both people and wildlife.