Grant awarded to animal welfare group to promote beaver management in Waterbury

Protect Our Wildlife: Promoting Coexistence with Beavers in Vermont

Since its inception in 2015, the Vermont nonprofit Protect Our Wildlife has been dedicated to promoting coexistence with beavers. This commitment has been demonstrated through various initiatives, including public presentations, distributing informational brochures, testifying to the legislature, and funding the installation of high-quality flow devices to protect against beaver damage.

One of the key priorities of Protect Our Wildlife is to educate the public about the importance of beavers as a keystone species. Beavers play a crucial role in creating wetlands that provide habitat for other wildlife and help combat the effects of climate change. By funding non-lethal solutions to human-beaver conflicts, the organization aims to ensure that beavers can continue their vital work for the benefit of all.

In recognition of their efforts, Protect Our Wildlife has recently been awarded a two-year $40,000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation to expand their work in Vermont. This grant will enable the organization to further support measures that protect beavers, wetlands, and infrastructure across the state.

The impact of beavers on the landscape and their role in mitigating the effects of climate change have been widely documented in scientific literature and the media. Beavers can help regulate stream flows, which is particularly important in a state like Vermont that is not immune to the impacts of climate change. By promoting coexistence with beavers, Protect Our Wildlife is contributing to the resilience of Vermont’s ecosystems.

Moving forward, Protect Our Wildlife will focus on identifying locations where non-lethal measures can be implemented to address beaver activity. This may involve the installation of flow devices, wrapping trees, and other coexistence practices. By working with conservation biologist Jennifer Lovett, author of „Beavers Away!“ and Skip Lisle from the Beaver Deceivers manufacturer, the organization aims to collaborate with private landowners and municipalities who are committed to finding humane solutions to human-beaver conflicts.

For those interested in learning more about Protect Our Wildlife and their work, inquiries can be directed to info@protectourwildlifevt.org. With Brenna Galdenzi at the helm as president, Protect Our Wildlife continues to lead the way in promoting coexistence with beavers in Vermont.