Where are we going? … What should we do?

At the May Park Board meeting we were told that the park will continue to lethally trap beavers until the “population is under control.” When questioned “what will be the standard for the population being under control,” other than a comment about activity, there was not an explanation of what the standard and or measure of population will be.

When further pressed about the consensus of the board considering wildlife or wildlife habitat in decisions for the park, the response from the chairman was: It will be considered, but will not invest to improve wildlife habitat and did not comment about adjustment of current practices to recognize or value wildlife or habitat.

The patent we have for our Beaver Creek Park specifically stipulates it is “to be used for Park and Recreational purposes.” We have a preliminary mission statement of: “Beaver Creek Park creates an outdoor experience that is satisfying, educational and enlightening in terms of natural elements while preserving and sustaining itself for future generations.”

    Our Montana Constitution codified that all persons have inalienable rights including “… right to a clean and healthful environment … .” So what happened and where are we headed in terms of managing our Beaver Creek Park? There is a balancing process involved in any decision process. What is happening to balancing overall values, uses, environment and economic circumstances?

The park board has not allowed establishment of a natural resources committee for our park that would be tasked with investigating, analyzing and making recommendations concerning natural resources and their use in the context of our park ecological and economic health. A natural resources committee can take a workload off the park board, Park management and commissioners. It would provide a means to a more transparent, inclusive, comprehensive, investigative analysis, scientific and evidence based decision process. Currently the Rules and Regulations Committee has unfairly being tasked with taking on investigating and developing a policy for our beaver situation, which requires some detailed knowledge and understanding of natural resource processes and management.

Though we do elect commissioners, not all citizens have the opportunity to participate in who will be on the park board, committees, chain of decision making or chain of command for the park.

So where do the citizens that own the park go from here? 

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Lou Hagener is a certified professional in rangeland management by the Society for Range Management, a home-grown resident of Havre and frequent user of and advocate for Beaver Creek Park.