Beaver damage discussed at Grand Marais City Council

Beaver are an iconic Northland species. They are industrious and interesting to watch. However, they can cause problems in urban areas – such as scenic downtown Grand Marais.

After a large maple tree along the entrance to the Grand Marais Recreation Area was taken down by the local beaver population in October, WTIP talked to Grand Marais Parks Manager Dave Tersteeg.

 Apparently, because the trees that the beaver prefer have been caged to protect them from knawing, the beaver are now going after trees like that maple, as well as an apple tree and other trees across Highway 61.

Although the Grand Marais Parks Department recognizes this problem, it is reluctant to have the beaver trapped and killed. At the latest Grand Marais City Council meeting, Councilor Kelly Swearingen said something needs to be done.

City Administrator Mike Roth said the city doesn’t know where to turn. That led to an in-depth council conversation, with Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux and Councilor Anton Moody also weighing in.

No one wants to kill the beavers, but there seemed to be consensus that something must be done. City councilors asked Administrator Roth to research options for non-lethal removal of the beaver in the Grand Marais harbor area.

Rhonda Silence shares this report of the city council’s discussion.