Water is typically regarded as life, but for those in the genus Castor, otherwise known as beavers, it can mean death. Water diversion, damage to the land, and conflict with landowners means that many people find expedient – and deadly – solutions in their conflicts.

The specialization in beaver-human conflict mitigation came about quite by accident, as the best paths in life sometimes do. Marc’s initial introduction to the plight of beavers and landowners was spurred when actions of beavers on his property required professional intervention. While some landowners might be tempted to simply remove and/or exterminate the creatures, Marc was inspired to find a creative solution with his own property and beaver mitigation efforts. This pursuit ultimately propelled him down this riveting career path.

To be able to generate effective measures for property owners while minimizing the loss of life to beavers and maximizing the health of lakes, rivers and streams is something he finds tremendously rewarding.

When Marc becomes a Beaver Institute graduate and joins the Beaver Corps, he will be prepared to do site visits and assessments and introduce creative solutions to landowner issues, including the use of exclusion fencing, flow devices and removal. In addition to an understanding of conflict mitigation methods, he is also gaining an in-depth insight into beaver behavior and habitat, and their roles in nature.