Beavers are a powerful force for a healthier landscape in Park County and beyond. Their dams store water, recharge aquifers, slow floodwaters, reduce erosion, and create vital habitat for fish, birds, amphibians, and mammals. Beaver ponds can also improve water quality and even help slow fast-moving wildfires.
But living with beavers isn’t always easy. Their activity can sometimes cause challenges such as plugged culverts, flooding, or unwanted tree cutting. Traditionally, these conflicts have been managed by lethally removing beavers, but that’s often only a short-term fix. New beavers can quickly move back in. Non-lethal methods like tree fencing, culvert exclusion fences, and pond-levelers can provide landowners with a long-term solution.
On Wednesday, October 15th 2025, Park County Community Council hosted a Community Conversation that shared information about the Montana Beaver Conflict Resolution Program and other ongoing efforts to expand beaver habitat and promote coexistence in Park County.