MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
held Wednesday, May 27, 1998,
for the purpose of providing information on beaver management at Attick Park.

The meeting began at 8:05 p.m. It was held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Council members Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull Thomas X. White and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; David E. Moran, City Clerk Bill Phelan, City Horticulturist and William Bridgeland, Wildlife Consultant.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Al Geiger, News Review; Kerana Todorov, Gazette; Jim Giese, Tom Moran, Joanne Tucker and Carl Katz

Mayor Davis stated the objectives for the meeting. Mr. Bridgeland began by providing general information on beavers and their biology. Mr. Bridgeland presented a slide show about beaver habitat and options for dealing with beavers.

Mr. Putens asked about relocation to Pennsylvania. Mr. Bridgeland stated that it was illegal to relocate beavers and transport them across State lines. Mr. Turnbull asked what would happen to the beavers if fences were constructed and most preferred trees were wrapped. Mr. Bridgeland indicated it was hard to say. He stated that the life span in captivity is 18-20 and lifespan in the wild is likely 10 to 12.

In response to a question from Mr. Roberts, Mr. Bridgeland indicated that relocation violated Department of Natural Resources regulations. Mr. Roberts was not in favor of killing the beavers. Mr. Phelan suggested lowering the water level every year. Mr. Roberts was concerned about the effects on other wildlife especially fish. Mr. White asked if there were any benefits to beavers. Mr. Bridgeland indicated that there was a water quality benefit from the dams.

In response to a question from Jim Giese, Mr. Bridgeland indicated that they do most of their feeding 50-100 yards from shore, but have been known to go further for a preferred species of trees. He also noted that other animals such as turtles, snakes and muskrats may benefit from the beaver lodge.

Mr. Bridgeland stressed that the shoreline would not become denuded. He believed that brush and growth would grow up. Mr. Roberts indicated that the appearance may change, but he believed the area would benefit in the long run.

Mr. Katz asked how many beavers were there. He believed they would cut twice as many trees. Joanne Tucker reported that there was extensive damage at the lake. She asked about the effectiveness of the exclusion gate. Mr. Bridgeland responded that the gate was untested.

Mr. Putens suggested lowering the water level and constructing the exclusionary gate. Mr. Giese asked if there were other methods to protect trees. Mr. Bridgeland responded that there had been some experimentation with repellants, but he suggested fencing as a sure method.

Mr. Roberts favored fencing areas where there were homes. He believed the exclusionary gate would work. Mr. White favored lowering the water level and suggested homeowners protect their own properties. Mayor Davis asked when was the appropriate time to lower the lake. Mr. Bridgeland suggested lowering the lake at the end of August. Mr. Roberts expressed concern about lowering the water level in the lake and wanted to study the effects of lowering the water level.

Council decided to schedule a work session to decide which management options would be used.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

 David E. Moran
City Clerk

City of Greenbelt, Maryland
City Offices, 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 301-474-8000 FAX: 301-441-8248