Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations removing beaver hut

We have a success- after reading way too many articles and postings I have achieved a healthy pond habitat with a balanced amount of vegetation. Now I want to work on the eye appeal. The biggest concern are 2 VW Bug size beaver huts. One hut is about 30 feet from the dam in about 6 feet of water and the other right on the shore. It appears the beaver worked on these huts for years (no worries he won’t be working on anything again... or his friends). I have scheduled a couple contractors with large track hoes to provide estimates. What types of questions should I ask these contactors? Any concern with disturbing these mounds (bottom leaks). Neither is attached to the dam and both will be reachable without any stress on the dam. One contractor discussed drawing the water level down- I have never done that and worried about disturbing to fish habitat or the integrity of the dam (basically it all works so why mess with it?). The pond is in eastern VA, all clay dam and bottom, about 2/3 acre surface, and depth to 10 feet. Any advice is appreciated? Cost estimates? The contractor will be able to dispose of the waste on my property.

What about the Beaver family....

You might want to make sure that the contractor you choose has an excavator with a thumb. He will be able to grab much of the material and transfer it out of the pond. Often the beaver huts provide great fish habitat, so think about how much you want removed. Maybe just remove enough material so that the huts are a foot or so below the water line. We have had a lot of rain in the Richmond area, so you might think of the water line during dryer times!

Thank you JohnB- I am struggling with the loss of habitat also. I am amazed at how large this hut is and how they ever built it up in 6 feet of water. I purchased the property about a year ago and have little to no background on the pond. The bass fishing is simple with most between 10-15 inches. I am looking for about a 70% "clean" look along the shore and about 30% "natural" look. Trying to balance the aesthetics and the habitat is tough. The beaver hut is right where I want the fountain.... Glad to see there are other locals in VA that are interested in ponds. Any insight on local companies that are a good resource for pond information? Seems like the folks in the mid/south-west have their pickings

I know of two contractors east of Richmond that do pond work. One used to be in the sand & gravel business. He has good knowledge of area soils and water flow. The other is a dozer guy that does a lot of remediation work. He charges $75/hr and will accomplish a lot in a short period of time. Email me and I will give you their names and numbers.

Just thinking outside the box here. what about lighting them on fire? Not with an acceralant but just a fire. If properly started and allowed to set wouldn't it at least burn to the water line. Even wood packed with mud will burn.
Toby

sorry hit send too soon....meant to add that if it worked it certainly would be cost effective, realitively safe, and certainly would leave the structure/habit below the water line

Thank you for the response Toby- I will definitely not make it as an arson. Unfortunately, I tried that last winter (figured would be safest with snow on the ground) and the brush pile on top would never get going. I tried at least 4 times in one day and all that happened were my friends finished their case of beer and still no fire. loose brush is piled on top about 5 feet high and it doesn't get enough coals and heat to get rolling. I tried 2x4's plywood and everything else..... I could only imagine how stupid I looked, camo waders, john boat, and a bic lighter ...... If I do take it to the water line with a fire, do you think I would have a continuous problem with surface weeds growing at that spot?

bag of self lighting charcoal maybe two. Will stay lit and give a bank of coals strong enough to last until everything else can start to burn

Just saw the suggestion about burning a beaver den. I have a family of beavers living on the bank of my pond. They are making a mess of things. Do you really think burning the den will work? Has anyone done it successfully?