Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources may trap and relocate or even kill some beavers that are affecting safe operation of 21 state-owned dams due to their lodges or other debris.

Dam-safety rules passed in 2018 require the state to remove beaver materials, modify the dam, or remove the beavers if dam operations have been impacted, such as allowing quick passage of flood waters. Excess water collected behind the dams also stresses the structure, leaving them more susceptible to failure.