Beaver Days II: The Leveler

Several PATH members braved the mud and cold water November 13, 1999 in a continued effort to ensure peaceful coexistence with the beavers on on our section.

The tasks for the day included installing a Clemson Pond Leveler, a device that allows us some control over the level of the beaver pond; building 75 feet of puncheon; and cutting back the Locust and Hawthorn that was encroaching on the trail in the area.

Those who participated in the effort were: Walt Davis, Bill Boudman, Jeff Tysinger, David Hicks, John Firebaugh, David John, David Faucette, Doc Branham, Vaughn Thomas, Richard Bostic and his son - Webb, Herb Mcdonald, Paul Clayton, and Parthena Martin. Bill Medlin, though not present, gets credit for building the leveler device.

Within a few days, the beavers had restored the damage that the installation of the leveler had done to their dam. According to reports, the water level is now holding steady, just below the lowest part of the trail.

John Firebaugh and Dave Hicks with the business end of the pond leveler. Below, Jeff Tysinger, Bill Boudman, Dave Hicks, Walt Davis, and John Firebaugh work on installing the leveler.