When news spread beavers had returned to Belle Isle in 2012, after almost 100 years away, people were excited!
An indicator species for successful wildlife management and habitat restoration, beavers returning to Belle Isle was positive news for Detroit River water quality.
Unfortunately, recently, the beavers’ hard work on the island has resulted in many trees being damaged and felled.
Over the past few years, I’ve seen multiple willow trees gnawed down by beavers along the outer perimeter drive.
This weekend I saw the damage done to two willows on the inner bank of Lake Okonoka, in the newly restored area.
Willows have soft bark, which is preferred by beavers.
While I’ve seen wire mesh around the base of some willows on the island, not all are protected from the beavers.
According to what I learned from a February 2022 Detroit Metro Times story about the beavers on Belle Isle, it’s a bit of a dilemma on how to manage the beavers and keep the population in check.
The beaver population on Belle Isle may be too big.
