What should be done about the state beaver population

Qualified stakeholders applicants are sought to serve on the Beaver Management Plan Committee (BMPC). Applications will be accepted until June 20.

Organizations, with an interest in beaver management, are invited to visit dnr.wisconsin.gov, to learn about the required qualifications, read the committee’s charter, find application materials and apply for a seat on the committee.

The purpose of the BMPC is to provide input to the DNR, while it develops an updated Beaver Management Plan. There are 10 committee seats that will be made available by application, to interested stakeholder organizations, which will represent a variety of interests, regarding beavers in Wisconsin.

Representation on the committee will include organizations that represent the following areas of interest: trapping; fishing and cold-water; wetlands and habitat; environmental; conservation and education; and agricultural.

One additional stakeholder seat is available for a qualified organization or individual, with a unique perspective on beaver management, that does not belong to the broad interest groups mentioned above.

Additional seats on the BMPC will be reserved for staff from the DNR, the federal government, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and Wisconsin’s tribal nations.

Updating the Beaver Management Plan will occur through 2026, to ensure enough time for public participation and incorporation of the most recent scientific data. Forming the BMPC is the first step in this process.

In the coming months, the DNR will hold a public input opportunity, to gather feedback on the future direction of beaver management in Wisconsin. Later in the process, the DNR will release an initial draft of the Beaver Management Plan, for public review and comment.

Staff will digest the collected input and make necessary edits, to create a final draft. The DNR will then take the final draft of the plan to the Natural Resources Board, for approval.