Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - Town of Orchard Park leaders are putting the brakes on plans to trap and kill beavers at Birdsong Nature Trails Park.
"I've noticed over the past three years the deterioration of boardwalk, flooded trails and damaged trees," said Orchard Park Parks and Recreation Director Ed Leak. "And I've known all along that we have a beaver colony over there."
Leak said he reached out to the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. They offered two approaches. One was to relocate the beavers
from one location in Birdsong Park to another location in Birdsong Park.
"That didn't make sense because it was just shifting the problem," he said.
The other option was translocation which would involve moving the beaver from Birdsong to another location elsewhere. But he was informed that translocation is not permitted by the DEC.
Leak said the only choice he had at the time was to hire a trapper. But when the town was about to move forward with the program, which would involve trapping and killing the beaver, the public started pushing back.
"About 30 people showed up for last night's Town Board meeting," said Leak. "About a dozen town residents spoke passionately and smartly and suggested other opportunities to address the issue."
Leak said it made a lot of sense. "This is new information that I was not aware of. It was very positive."
Volunteers offered to get involved. A dozen people signed up to meet him on October 28 to look at other opportunities. "I feel good that we're listening to everybody and taking care of a beautiful asset.
Asked how many beaver have taken up residence at Birdsong Park, Leak said they don't know exactly but a best guess is between 10 and 15.
Was it the word kill that set off the controversy? "No question," said Leak. "That word then turned into slaughter and murder. Kill is a sensitive word. No one likes to kill animals but it was based on the directions that I got from the DEC."
Non-lethal strategies that could potentially be used at Birdsong Park include piping for water drainage. Also baffles that can be used to prevent clogging of drains. Both would benefit the ecosystem. "We're going to look at it collectively with this group."
Overall, Leak said he's pleased with the outcome. "It's going to be a good collaboration between government and residents and will have a positive result for all."