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Ben Hollerbach

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When a golf course and a beaver habitat overlap
« on: March 05, 2018, 12:53:57 PM »
10-12 years ago a family of beavers began damming up a creek that bisects the small 9 hole executive course in Candler Park, just east of downtown Atlanta. Since that time the beavers has converted the creek into ponds and wetlands occupying nearly 10% of the course. Each year the ponds and wetlands continues to grown, encroaching on nearby tee boxes and potentially 2 greens.


Since the first sighting of the beavers on the property, there has been a public debate as to what to do with them and the resulting land. Which has lead to the current stalemate. Candler Park is a quirky little 9 hole course that has played a role of introducing countless generations of Atlantans to the game. Following the lead of other high profile small community courses across the country, Candler Park could become Atlanta's version of Goat Hill, but before that could be accomplished, the growth of these wetlands will have to be brought under control.


When it comes to the arena of public debate between the city, golfers, and non golfers; the plight of wildlife is always a tricky one. Have there been any situations where the advancement of a beaver population has been successfully held in check or reversed over public golfing grounds?

Dave McCollum

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: When a golf course and a beaver habitat overlap
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2018, 03:37:25 AM »
I regret our course is in the Northern Rockies where beaver can be legally trapped today.  We've employed several types of mitigation from shooting them (difficult) to leg traps that more than likely cripple the animal to live traps that don't damage the animal.  Our in-house crews try to use the live traps and relocate the beaver to wild areas that can accommodate the considerable nightly damage.  Not sure we've used much dynamite to blow the dams, but one still has to capture the animal or they will just rebuild.  Pro trappers want the pelts, so find the lethal methods more efficient and less bother.  Whatever method is used, most beavers are difficult to catch and it often takes days, weeks, or even months to get it done.  We have water delivery systems for aquaculture of fish, so we have to control the beaver to protect the fish.  We do this with state fish and game regulatory approval, however quite quietly with little public awareness.   We've never encouraged members to be involved in any way, although I'm certain we have a couple of dozen that like to shoot almost anything that's available.   

Our supers and crew have dogs to run the geese off to more appropriate nesting and feeding areas.  The coyotes are quite effective too.  We do have one nesting pair that's been here for 4 or 5 years.  They were clever enough to figure out that if they put their nests up on the vertical rock cliffs, the coyotes couldn't get at them.  They come down during the day occupy one pond on the course without doing much damage.  When the goslings hatch, they commute from their nests to the pond with their parents for training.  Seems to work well as I have seen as many as 12 little goslings following mom around for a swim.  In a month or so, they're gone until next year.  I guess we've accepted them as good neighbors so long as they don't encourage others join in and create a population problem so many other courses have to deal with.   Control is essential and making sure our friends from Canada understand they have an exclusive deal, no parties allowed.     
         

Wayne_Kozun

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: When a golf course and a beaver habitat overlap
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2018, 11:20:44 PM »
Do y'all need us to send down some of our traditional trappeurs from Canada?

Ben Hollerbach

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: When a golf course and a beaver habitat overlap
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2018, 11:45:36 AM »
Do y'all need us to send down some of our traditional trappeurs from Canada?


That would be great, but they'd need to charm the local neighborhood folk after seeing a group of trappers set up camp on the 6th fairway.

Steve Lang

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: When a golf course and a beaver habitat overlap
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2018, 04:57:09 PM »
 8)  Why did the tree cross the road?  ask the beaver!


Better watch out for any new wetland delineations!
Inverness (Toledo, OH) cathedral clock inscription: "God measures men by what they are. Not what they in wealth possess.  That vibrant message chimes afar.
The voice of Inverness"

Dave McCollum

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: When a golf course and a beaver habitat overlap
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2018, 01:13:53 AM »
Said hello to our pair of nesting geese today.  May be a sign that Spring has arrived.  Too bad the weather isn't paying attention.  On another hole lots of feathers, probably from not figuring out to head for the cliffs at night.
« Last Edit: March 10, 2018, 01:40:00 AM by Dave McCollum »

Wayne_Kozun

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: When a golf course and a beaver habitat overlap
« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2018, 07:58:27 PM »
You got a problem with Canada Gooses, you got a problem with me!


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