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Politics & Government

Beaver Pond Update with Mosquito Information

The following is a blog posted by Selectman Osler "Pete" "Peterson regarding the beaver dam trouble on the Stop River. Norfolk County Mosquito Control addresses issue of mosquitos.

Editor's Note: This appeared on Peterson's blog on Friday, Aug. 17.

Mosquitoes and Beaver Ponds

Emails from Stagecoach Road resident to Norfolk County Mosquito Control, their reply, and Mike Sullivan's cover email to selectmen re same, all about the different types of mosquitoes at the beaver's pond.  There is really detailed information available at the state website link provided.

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  • 8/16/2012  7:49PM
  • fw: RE: Mosquitoes that inhabit beaver ponds
  • Sullivan, Michael J.

Below is a response from Caroline Haviland regarding species of mosquitos and habitats. Norfolk County started breeching the dam today and will continue for as long as it takes. Hope no one misses Lake Beaver. On the other hand, if they're really "eager beavers" they may put the lake back next week. Mike Sullivan

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  • From: "Caroline E. Haviland"
  • Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 2:05 PM
  • To:
  • Subject: RE: Mosquitoes that inhabit beaver ponds

I apologize for the delay in responding to your e-mail..  My comments during the site visit revolved around habitat changes.  Different species of mosquitoes have certain habitat preferences, i.e. temporary pools, flood plains, plastic containers, permanent water, etc.  In past seasons we've treated the flood plains of the Stop River that now seem to be effected by the beaver activity.  Our target species during those applications would be Aedes vexans & other "temporary" or "flood" water species of mosquitoes.  The area upstream of the dam has been converted to "permanent" water habitat and over time, could support permanent water vegetation (ex. Cattails) and attract permanent water species of mosquitoes such as Coquillettidia perturbans.  I've included a link below that may better explain this.

http://www.mass.gov/agr/mosquito/geir_docs/GEIR_MOSQUITO_SPECIES.pdf

I apologize for such a short response and am happy to try to provide you with additional information if you wish, mid week next week.  We are working with the Town of Medfield to attempt to lower the water level through a controlled breach of the dam.  We are unsure how active the beaver are and will soon find out how quickly they may rebuild the dam.  We currently do not install water level control devices through dams, but are very interested in learning more about that and may be able to in the future.  Trapping may be employed during the official trapping season.

Sincerely,

Caroline E. Haviland
Field Operations Manager
Norfolk County Mosquito Control District
phone: (781) 762-3681
fax: (781) 769-6436
www.norfolkcountymosquito.org

=====================

  • From:
  • Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 10:16 AM
  • To:
  • Subject: Mosquitoes that inhabit beaver ponds

I was out of town last week when the Medfield board of selectman had a meeting about beaver dams in Medfield.  I heard that Caroline Haviland from the Norfolk Country Mosquito Control made a comment about a different species of mosquito inhabiting the beaver pond now that the water level has risen.

I'd like to inquire about document or information about this mosquito, or at least its scientific name so that I may research and learn more about it.

Would you be able to send me any information or at least the name of the species.

For the full post, visit medfield02052.wordpress.com

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