Beaver Removal Grant

Valley Branch Watershed District Beaver-Removal Cost-Share Program


In 2016, the Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD) Board of Managers authorized the creation of a beaver-removal cost-share program to assist property owners in removing beavers from their property. The purpose of the program is to protect property and reduce the risk of flooding from beaver dams.

The program allows full reimbursement for hiring a trapper to remove beavers, up to $500. Eligible applicants must be private property owners; municipalities are not eligible for this program. If interested, the following steps are required:

  1. Contact the VBWD Engineer, John Hanson (jhanson@barr.com, 952-832-2622), to indicate your interest in participating in the cost-share program and discuss eligibility. The Engineer will take the request to the next VBWD Board meeting. The Board typically meets twice a month.
  2. AFTER the VBWD Managers authorize participation in the cost-share program, hire a trapper to perform the work. While VBWD does not endorse any trapper, it has worked successfully with Tom Christ (tomzonefour@gmail.com, 651-263-4327).
  3. Submit receipts to the VBWD Engineer for reimbursement. Assuming the request is eligible for reimbursement, VBWD typically provides reimbursement within 60 days.
The trapper must follow all applicable state and local rules related to trapping and beaver removal.

If you have any questions, please contact Josh Phillips (jphillips@barr.com, 952-832-2723).