Our own Bob Sallinger, first row, first person from the right, led the legislative changes to the Beaver Bill, signed into legislation on September 28, 2023.
On September 28th Governor Tina Kotek signed HB 3464 into law enacting higher levels of protection for Oregon’s beavers. Beaver (Castor canadensis) are considered a keystone species and have played a huge role in shaping Oregon’s landscape. They have been called “nature's engineers.” Wetlands created by beaver provide a myriad benefits for dozens of other species; including federal listed salmon, waterfowl, state listed sensitive turtles and other mammals such as mink and otter.
There are few things we could do to improve the ecology of our landscape than protecting and restoring beaver.
However, until now, beaver on private lands in Oregon have been managed as a “predator species.” While the term “predator" may seem like a misnomer for the herbivorous beaver, it has significant and problematic legal meaning. Under Oregon’s predator statute, species categorized as predators may be killed on private land without cause, without permits and without any reporting. They are basically treated as pest species.
HB 3464 changes that designation. Beaver will now be managed across the entire Oregon landscape, on both public and private land, as furbearers. This gives them a much higher level of protection. They can still be trapped with a permit for their fur and they can still be killed on private land if they cause damage. However, take of beaver is now regulated, must be reported, and they cannot be killed simply because a landowner wants them gone. HB 3464 ushers in a new era in which beaver will be managed as the important part of the ecosystem that they are.
HB 3464 is part of a much larger effort to protect beaver. Last year, the Private Forest Accord included provisions to increase protections and improve management for beaver on private forest lands in Oregon. Willamette Riverkeeper Urban Conservation Director, Bob Sallinger, served on point for that aspect of the Private Forest Accord’s negotiations. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has been making significant investments in staffing to work with landowners to improve beaver management and to prevent and resolve conflicts. They have hired a statewide beaver coordinator as well as biologist positions to work directly with landowners. ODFW is also advancing a 3-year Action Plan for Beaver Modified Landscapes. Altogether, this represents a remarkable positive shift in how beaver are viewed and managed.
Willamette Riverkeeper was proud to be part of the effort to increase protections for beaver and to be invited to the signing ceremony. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Representative Pam Marsh who is one of the foremost champions for the environment in the legislature. Thanks also to Representative Mark Owens–it was great to see beaver protection move forward on a bipartisan basis. Senator Jeff Golden led the charge on the Senate side. Special shoutout to Sristi Kamal at Western Environmental Law Center (WELC) who spearheaded this legislative effort. Even as the bill was signed, discussions were already underway for additional steps that could be taken to protect beaver.
