In certain situations WLCDs can be used in conjunction with fencing to exclude beavers from a culvert and also regulate the water level. If breaching is done as an interim measure to relieve flooding until the beavers are harvested during the trapping season, it will need to be done on a regular basis because the beavers will rebuild the dam each night. The breaching of dams should only be undertaken when a more effective solution is not currently possible, as there can be negative environmental consequences, including the alteration of wildlife habitat, downstream siltation and erosion. Breaching should be done with extreme caution due to the possibility of downstream flooding and damage. The installation of any water level control device at a culvert or modification of a beaver dam in any way, including breaching or removal, are considered regulated wetland activities and must be approved by the local inland wetlands commission.
All installations require regular maintenance.
Licensed trappers will often voluntarily assist landowners by harvesting beaver during the trapping season. The results of the trapping season are monitored by a mandatory pelt-tagging program. The season dates are established to harvest beavers at a time of the year when the fur is of greatest value, thus managing the population as a renewable natural resource. Special authorizations to trap beaver outside of the regulated season may be issued by the DEP Wildlife Division when beaver activity threatens public health and safety or causes damage to agricultural crops. Population Management Removing nuisance beavers by live-trapping is not considered a viable option for alleviating beaver problems in Connecticut.