AN INVESTIGATION OF TECHNIQUES USED TO DISCOURAGE REBUILDING OF BEAVER DAMS DEMOLISHED BY EXPLOSIVES

Authors

James M. Dyer, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA
Charles E. Rowell, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA

Date of this Version

September 1985

Abstract

One hundred seventeen beaver dams were partially or wholly demolished with explosives from April through August between 1982 and 1984. These dams were of two types; shallow water dams found in areas of flat terrain, and deep water dams found in major creek channels or in areas of hilly terrain. Following demolition, various treatments were applied to the dam sites to try to retard rebuilding. Our conclusions are that deep water dams can be removed more effectively than shallow water dams and that late summer removals were rebuilt less frequently than early and midsummer removals. Also, certain types of repellents may be effective at reducing the frequency of rebuilding.