Damage caused by beavers is more than just inconvenient. It
also can be costly. A 2000 study in Arkansas estimated that
damage by beavers to woodlands and cropland that year hit
$35 million. And a 1982 study put beaver damage across the
southeastern U.S. at $4 billion over the previous 40 years.
The best way to eliminate damage from beavers is to destroy
their dams and remove the beaver through trapping or
hunting. But for those not wanting to eliminate beavers,
there is another tool� �� ��the Clemson pond leveler.
This device does two things: It suppresses (but does not
eliminate) the flooding of timber and cropland. And it
preserves the pond for waterfowl, plants and other wildlife.
Bo Sloan, who works with the USDA's Wildlife Services in
Mississippi, says, "If you want to manage and manipulate
water behind the beaver dam, this allows it."
Installed through both sides of the beaver dam, the Clemson
leveler simply lets water move through the dam quietly. When
beavers sense water is moving, they work to plug the source,
which they are not able to do.
The Clemson pond leveler should be installed in the spring
or late fall when the water is at its highest. Beavers patch
their dam up to the level of the water, so you need enough
water in the pond to keep the intake device submerged.
The USDA's Wildlife Services studied the Clemson leveler in
Mississippi and found that landowners most satisfied with
the device were those who wanted to control� �� ��not
eliminate� �� ��beaver ponds. The agency estimates the cost of a
pond leveler at about $350 for parts. But if beavers are a
problem in your area, check with your county Extension
agent. There may be some financial assistance available.
Here are a few other points to remember about the pond
leveler and beavers:
The leveler requires some maintenance. You can't just walk away from it and expect it to operate.
The leveler works best in ponds where beaver numbers are controlled.
Beavers may build a new dam upstream or downstream of their existing dam when they find they aren't controlling the level of their pond. That's why population control is important.