Mitigating infrastructure loss from beaver flooding: A cost–benefit analysis

ABSTRACT

We installed 12 pond levelers to counter flooding by beavers and developed a cost–benefit analysis for these sites in Alberta, Canada. We also documented beaver management approaches throughout Alberta. Over 3 years, one site required regular maintenance until we designed a modified pond leveler; another required minor modifications. Others required almost no maintenance. Based on a “willingness-to-pay” (WTP) of $0 and discount rate of 3%, installing pond levelers resulted in a present value net benefit of $81,519 over 3 years and $179,440 over 7 years. Scenarios incorporating discount rates of 3% and 7%, horizons of either 3 or 7 years, and varying WTPs resulted in significant net benefits. Provincially, municipalities employed up to seven methods to control beavers: most commonly lethal control and dam removal. Total annual costs provided by 48 municipalities and 4 provincial parks districts were $3,139,223; however, cost-accounting was sometimes incomplete, which makes this a conservative estimate.

KEYWORDS:

• beaver
• cost–benefit analysis
• environmental economics
• wetland loss

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Alberta Conservation Association; Alberta Trail Riders Association; Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Beaver Hills Initiative.