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Beaver pond management

Background:

• Beaver ponds provide one of the most important sources of wetland habitat for waterfowl and other wild life in Ontario
  
• Forest fire suppression and commercial cutting practices select against poplar adjacent to wetlands. Poplar is an important food source for beaver and is critical to such habitat

Beaver Pond Cycling:

• New beaver floods provide productive wildlife habitat.
  
• Old ponds stagnate, food and cover declines and wildlife values drop.
  
• Beaver abandon stagnant ponds and unmaintained dams wash out..
  
• Dewatering promotes oxidation of basin soils, release of nutrients, germination of aquatic vegetation and regrowth of poplar. Over time beaver will recolonize these areas.
  

1. Where abandoned ponds lack poplar, small plots are clear cut to encourage regrowth of a beaver food supply.
   
2. Abandoned, stagnant ponds are dewatered through dam removal and the wetland habitat is rejuvenated when beaver recolonize.
   
3. Simple water management structures are used to prolong wetland vigor.
   
4. Many species of waterfowl (wood ducks, buffleheads, goldeneye and hooded mergansers) nest in tree cavities. Where there are insufficient natural cavities, nesting structures are erected to provide safe habitat.
   

For more information, please contact:

Ducks Unlimited
566 Welham Rd,
Barrie, ON, L4M 6E7.