Gnaw on This: Why Should Beavers be Relocated in Montana?

Imagine a world where beavers are not just critters of the creek, but key players in our ecosystem’s resilience.

The Refresh button is being pressed, as Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is considering a new program that would provide guidance on how beavers can be transplanted in appropriate areas and ecosystems across the state.

WIN-WIN IS THE GOAL

In Montana, beavers can help improve riparian and wetland habitats that can create ecosystems that are more resilient to floods, wildfire and drought. In some areas, beavers can also cause problems for landowners and agriculture operations. Transplanting beavers can be one of many strategies to address problems for landowners in one location while improving habitat and natural water storage in another.

A DAM FINE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT

Montana FWP has developed a Draft Environmental Assessment that evaluates its proposal to establish a Montana Beaver Transplant Program. The Environmental Assessment is open for public review and comment through October 27. People can comment on this Montana FWP page.

READ MORE: Where's the Bears? Montana FWP's New Relocation Dashboard Maps

SUITABLE HABITATS IN HISTORIC RANGES

The primary goal of a Montana Beaver Transplant Program would be to provide guidance for how beavers could be transplanted into suitable habitats in their historical range in Montana. The program also outlines direction for how beaver transplants could be used to help address human-beaver conflicts. It emphasizes the continued use of non-lethal conflict solutions that allow beavers to remain in place, as well as lethal trapping techniques when a non-lethal solution is not feasible.

If you prefer, you can also request further information by mail to FWP, Attn: Torrey Ritter; 3201 Spurgin Road., Missoula MT, 59804, by phoning 406-381-2339; or by emailing torrey.ritter@mt.gov.