Save the Beavers, Protect the Trees
"Most people only become aware of beavers when they are a nuisance, but biologists classify beavers as a keystone species. The wetlands they create are among the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world. Beaver ponds increase plant, bird and wildlife variety, improve water quality, and raise salmon and trout populations. This one species is the key to supporting hundreds."
The Red River beavers are in danger of being culled by lethal traps if we cannot protect some of the historical trees by the river! The beavers need YOUR help!
We need to raise some money to buy some of the materials needed to paint trees in Trefoil Park.
Senior Advisor of Wildlife Management, Dave Pauli has shown how culling of the beavers would most likely only stimulate the beaver population and bring new beavers into the area who will rebuild dams and take down more trees in the process, thus, continuing the cycle of beavers needing to be removed and potentially upsetting the already established balance to the area in the Red River.
An alternative method has been proposed; Using a paint/grit mixture to coat some of the trees could be the key to keeping the beavers away from certain trees, while leaving other trees to the beavers for their food/building needs. The beavers would find the gritty texture unpleasant for chewing and move on to other trees instead. In order for us to keep this project environmentally safe, we must order a special environmentally friendly paint to avoid any unwanted toxins leaking into the habitat. We have found a brand of paint called, "ECOS " that is a non-toxic, 0 VOC, environmentally safe, paint.
22 gallons of this paint would be enough to cover the estimated 1,300 + trees at $68.95 per gallon. Shipping is a $10 flat rate. The Home Depot offered to supply paint brushes and masonary sand. We are hoping to raise $1,500 to cover any additional or unforseen costs.
When done properly, the non lethal methods would protect trees, beavers, and the Red River ecosystem, while inspiring the desire for peaceful coexistence, and a respect for other life.