The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1928-03-16

nVe years ago the depart
,, ment issued bulletin, Beaver Habits,
Beaver Control and Possibilities in
Beaver Farming" which went into the
subject very thoroughly and, from the
study of biological survey experts,
presented the following conclusions:
Importance of Beavers.-Beavers are
or primary Importance as fur bearers
and conservators of water and soil;
because of their unique habits they are
also animals of general interest. In GER
tain types of forest country, on farms,
In irrigation bitches and along trails,
roads and railroads, they are capable
of doing serious damage; in such stu
atoms 1t becomes necessary either to
remove them or to control them intel
ligently. Their control, however, is
not difficult and where they are doing
damage on private lands they can be
quickly removed either by trapping
alive for shipment or in the ordinary
way for their fur.
Attitude Toward Beavers.-If bea-
vers are to be treated as public prop
erty, it is as Objectionable to place
them on private land where they will
destroy crops and timber as it would
be to turn herds of hogs and cattle into
cultivated grain fields to fatten on
what they like best. thorough
knowledge of their nature and habits
is necessary for their control as also
for their successful culture.
Beaver Farming.-The practicability
of beaver farming has not been fully
demonstrated, but from present knowl-
edge it seems reasonable that the bust
ness of raising beavers for their fur
will develop into a profitable branch of
fur farming. Many problems must
later be worked out, such as family
and sex relations, extent of sociability
and enmity, effects of large numbers on
the health and increase of the stock,
possible diseases, protection from nat
ural enemies and poachers, and actual
values and proper prices. However,
the more immediate problems of cap
ture, feeding, breeding, fencing, con-
troll and shipping have been partially
solved. To start beaver farming on a
large scale at present would probably
be unwise, but with a small beginning
the enterprise seems to promise good
returns and even great possibilities.
When fully established it should great
~ increase the value of large area
of north country and, by insuring a
permanent supply of excellent fur,
open up a new industry where greatly
needed. Only such areas as are de-
termined to be suitable should be
stocked with beavers; the animals
uncontrolled
into places where their activities may
menace irrigation or power bitches or
important road or railroad grades.
Sites selected for them should contain
a suitable food supply and permanent
water.
Utilizing Forest Areas.-Over large
part of our millions of acres of ma
tional forests beavers are capable of
far more good than harm in conserving
in har Of
little value, making the silent places
TEEN with interest, and yielding sub
stantial returns in an annual fur harv-
est With intelligent control to avoid
local damage to valuable timber and
other property and with wise restraint
to prevent the dispersal of beavers
over surrounding country, the usual
complaints of damage can be eltmi-
mated On some of the national forests
beavers are already present and in
places increasing in numbers, but most
of the animals are the western, pale,
native varieties, worth less than the
choice, dark, prime fur bearers which
might be introduced from other sec
tons Improving the system of stock
ing, management and control will
place beavers among our valuable for
est products.
Cleared Observation-Disclosures fertile
field for beaver culture could be found
in connection with projects for the re-
forestation with conifers of burned and
cut-over timberlands. Many of these
areas, cleared by ak or fire, and later
covered with second growth of as
pen. willow and pin cherry, are consid-
cred almost worthless. Over much of
the northern border of the United
States and still larger areas in Canada
such land is generally unsuited for
agriculture and would not pay taxes
until again covered with valuable for
est timber, but would supply ideal food
for beavers, and if stocked with these
animals could be made to yield an in