To the editor:
A January 29 piece in VTDigger was headlined “FinalReading: HouseEnvironment heard about the benefits of beavers.” It stated that “we could be rewarded with reduced flooding due to beavers’ ability to build dams, which create wetlands and slow down water.”
The next day Digger published, “Cabot task force ready for flood-protection upgrades,” which The Hardwick Gazette had published January 14.
Beavers should be allowed to bid on flood control projects. Beavers are an untapped labor force. They are industrious, eager and work for shrubs. This cheap labor may dry up the need for new public bonds. Beaver deceiver pipes and regular maintenance can evaporate any obsession with creating big splashy ponds.
A possible drawback is that these rodents are official symbols of Canada. Beavers without U.S. work permits may be excluded from competing for government contracts until Canada becomes the 51st state. Nevertheless, beavers should be allowed to float projects. They’ve been effective, if toothy, engineers for eons.
Peter B. Dannenberg
Cabot
Editor’s note: This letter first appear in VTDigger, February 5.
The secrets of the lodge are enduring;