The Beaver Solution

Posted by Rick Hosmer on July 20 2009

The Lands Council had an idea: To increase water storage, reduce erosion, increase wildlife habitat, lengthen stream flows, and generate other water benefits for the "dry side" of Washington State... all without building large concrete dams on major tributaries. How? By reintroducing beaver back into their historical watersheds.

But what's the best way to generate land owner and public interest in this program? The timeframe and budget is tight, and the promotion needs to take off in a grassroots fashion.

After talking with me, and hooking up with Michael Pickering from The Hamilton Studio, the Lands Council had their answer.

Together, we developed and produced a 3-minute, cartoon video that introduces the whys and hows of the program, and where to go it you'd like more information. We wrote the script and drew the illustrations. The crew at Hamilton's turned it into a funny black and white video. You can see the video at The Lands Council website or on YouTube. Make sure to pass the video on to your friends. I have already seen it posted to people's Facebook pages, and the program just launched this morning.

In addition to the video, Klündt | Hosmer is producing an 8-page 'zine that will go to land owners and others who are interested in the program.

It's amazing to think that with acceptance and participation in The Beaver Solution, in a decade, there could be thousands of new beaver dams strategically located all over eastern Washington, providing water to a very thirsty landscape. It really is a win-win for everyone involved. Especially landowners and beaver.