OAR 629-660-0050: Beaver Dams or Other Natural Obstructions

(1) Except as needed for road maintenance, operators must submit a written plan to the State Forester prior to the removal of beaver dams and other natural obstructions from waters of the state during forest operations. Removal of any beaver dam that is within 25 feet of a culvert shall be considered to be needed for road maintenance. (2) A written plan for removal of a beaver dam or obstruction must demonstrate: (a) A beaver dam or obstruction threatens existing forests or plantations; (b) Beaver dam removal is part of a beaver population control program approved by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; or (c) Retaining the beaver dam or obstruction would result in greater environmental harm than benefit. (3) Sediment releases and downstream channel scouring can occur when beaver dams are removed. Operators are encouraged to use techniques that result in a gradual release of water when a dam is removed.