Cvecich and friends build contraptions in D4 to stop beavers

Beaver activity can hinder water flow in almost any body of water, and can be especially problematic when the pond or stream narrows down to enter a culvert or pipe running under a state highway. So, D4 Stanley Maintenance worker Gary Cvecich created a solution.
The “Beaver Stop” prototype for larger culverts is made from channel iron and rebar, and features a 4-foot by 3-foot panel that bolts together. The rebar is removable so the beaver stop can be cleaned to remove grass and small debris.

The beaver stop for small culverts with less than a 24-inch diameter is also Cvecich’s design. It consists of two chains with bars welded across every fifth link and a long chain on the bottom end. The long chain can be hooked to a backhoe or loader bucket and pulled up to facilitate cleaning if needed.

“The device can easily be attached to a trailer hitch or loader bucket to remove beaver dams easily, instantly saving time and labor,” said Cvecich. “Dimensions can be adapted to fit any size culvert.”

Both designs are in use on Idaho Highway 21 at Banner Summit west of Stanley. The large version is also in use on ID-75 at milepost 183 (south of Stanley) and 128 (north of Ketchum). Cvecich reports they have worked fairly well.

Cvecich said the beaver stop culvert application could be adapted and used statewide, multiplying the anticipated time and cost savings.

While the recent “Beaver Deceiver” application in D5 is aimed primarily at preventing the beavers from building, this “Beaver Stop” innovation is designed to prevent dams with an easy-cleanout option if the critters do attempt to build a dam.

“We’ve only had one incident where a beaver has tried to build after we installed these devices,” Cvecich said.

 

Published 07-05-19