June 2017 Newsletter: From our Mailbox

Dear BLIA,

For the first time in my 35 plus years here, I am plagued by beavers and their destruction of the trees on and surrounding my property. They recently took down a large birch adjacent to my house, which could have done terrible damage had I not seen it in time. They did this in one single, night. This is not their first tree, but it is the closest to the building so far. I went out two evenings at dusk this week and saw not one very large beaver, but 5 all circling my frontage. How can I discourage them before they take down the tree that the eagles regularly sit in? And take away my erosion prevention roots? Erosion is a huge problem for me as it is. I am desperate for advice. Five to six real big beavers all enjoying my willows now. I live on the west side of the lake in the “wide waters” section. Can you help me at all?

Sincerely,
Bonnie O'Rourke

Dear Bonnie,

We commiserate with you on your beaver situation. You are not alone. BLIA has been aware of the beaver problem which, unfortunately, persists despite our best efforts. We have collaborated with the Town of Ballston on a trapping program and volunteers have ventured into the Ballston Creek (north of the Outlet Road bridge) to break up beaver dams and lodges (three times already so far this spring). Some of our members wrap their trees with welded wire fencing. Some people hire their own licensed wild life trapper. Further information may be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6992.html. The BLIA trapping budget has been exhausted for 2017. Individual residents may contact and contract with the trapper that we have hired in the past. His name is Jim Comstock and he can be reached at 518 792-2371. Thank you for your letter. Please keep us informed as to your progress with this challenge.

Sincerely,Peter Herman, President BLIA