Message from Parks Superintendent about Beavers in Warner Park

Greetings All –

As a part of our responsibility to manage the public park system, we are challenged with achieving a balanced natural environment for all flora and fauna (and humans) in conditions that are greatly impacted by the presence of humanity in large numbers.   Parks uses a variety of methods to manage the wildlife within the system.  Our wildlife management practices are rooted in years of knowledge and experience from professional staff of the specific locations and issues involved.  Trapping is a very limited method that is only authorized in specific situations and within Wisconsin DNR guidelines and regulations.  We do not pursue this as an option without consideration of alternatives.   Parks is willing to have any or all of our wildlife management practices reviewed should that be the desire of our policymakers.

Effective this morning, April 1st, all beaver traps have been removed from Warner Park.   Over the last 24 hours two active traps were removed from the park without authorization.  This type of action presents significant safety risks to the person removing the traps.  As always, we consider the totality of the circumstances in our decision-making related to wild life management in our parks, and in this case the potential safety risks outweigh the benefit.

Parks staff will be monitoring the situation in Warner Park and evaluating next steps.  This will include close evaluation of damming and tree destruction activities.    

Thanks,

Eric M. Knepp
Madison Parks Superintendent
608.266.4711
www.cityofmadison.com/parks