Dams can be spotted across the Upper Connecticut River Watershed. Whether the engineer is a beaver or person, these structures have an incredible impact on our human and natural ecosystems – water quality, animal and plant diversity, flood control. Beavers, a keystone species, can build them to people’s annoyance or celebration. The beaver deceiver is a system where the two engineering species work together for a mutually beneficial dam. Old human-made dams on the Connecticut River tributaries have become a symbol of past industries and community. When is it time to commit these structures to the history books? How can we live better with beavers? Join us to learn more from Tyler Brown, Wildlife Specialist with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, & Ron Rhodes, Director of Restoration Programs with the Connecticut River Conservancy.

SPEAKERS

Ron Rhodes, Director of Restoration Programs, Connecticut River Conservancy

Ron joined CRC in 2011 as a NH/VT River Steward, spending most of his time removing old dams, planting trees, and working with landowners and partners to implement river restoration projects. Now, Ron is the Director of Restoration Programs where he leads CRC’s aquatic and riparian habitat restoration programs throughout the watershed in NH, VT, MA and CT, and determines short and long-range restoration program opportunities. Ron is a graduate of Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH where he majored in Political Science and Economics. Prior to moving to the Upper Valley, where he lives with his wife Betsy, Ron worked in politics and government in Washington D.C. and Ohio.

Tyler Brown, Wildlife Specialist, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources

Tyler started working as a seasonal with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department in 2012 and was hired full-time in 2022. He has BS in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont. Tyler is responsible for the department’s Beaver Baffle Program as well as assisting with the furbearer program. He also provides technical assistance to private landowners in Windham and Windsor Counties as part of NRCS’ EQIP program. Tyler is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying time spent hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging, and beekeeping. He can often be found exploring the beautiful public lands of Vermont.

REGISTER HERE 

 This event is part of the Riverwide Connecticut River Speaker Series. To learn more about the Connecticut River Joint Commissions visit https://www.crjc.org/