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Posted: Saturday, 03 November 2007 4:15PM
Dam-Building Beavers a Flood Threat to Martinez
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MARTINEZ (KCBS) -- A family of beavers that have built a dam in Alhambra Creek in downtown Martinez may be euthanized according to city officials.
The two adult and two young beavers set up camp on Alhambra Creek and have built a dam that's now an approximately six feet high. City officials said the dam could clog the creek during winter storms and flood portions of the downtown area.
A Department of Fish and Game report recommended euthanizing the beavers to reduce the threat of flooding this winter. Martinez city councilman Mark Ross is seeking an alternative solution, and has suggested relocating the beavers.
The Alhambra Creek Channel Improvement Project widened the creek and created marshland to prevent floods, but the dam is defeating that purpose.
A recent study found that the benefit of the improvements could be adversely affected if the dam keeps growing. In addition to the beavers, otters, fish and birds are commonly spotted in the creek.
(KAT)
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Copyright 2007, KCBS. All Rights Reserved.
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