On Beaver Pond

There are beavers here. All along the creek that traverses the property, south to north on its way to the Kehiwin Lake, the beavers make their dams and homes. They are a problem for farmers some times, because they dam the creeks and flood the fields. The south pond is much larger and shallower than ever due to the beaver activity and there is a new outcropping spilling on to the meadow where the water has over flowed its banks. This is due to the activity of the beavers.
Yesterday, I spoke to a trapper who will come in the spring and trap the beavers for their furs. I will keep the meat for the dogs. Beaver tail is a delicacy that was enjoyed by First Nations people, but I do not think I would like to try it. Last year the dogs came home with a beaver tail though, and they fought over who was going to eat it, so it must be good. After the beavers are gone, their dams and homes must be dynamited to allow the water to return to a more normal state and free the land the beavers have flooded to increase their hunting and fishing grounds. The Game officers here are not interested in the beavers. At one time there were not as many, but they have made a tremendous come back and are no longer protected. I am sorry beavers, but you are going to have to go, before you overtake the whole meadow!

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newly chewed willow outside the latest water development into the meadow