Greetings from White Lake Natural Resource Area! The busy season is beginning here at White Lake.
(A Snapping Turtle is seen walking near a wetland area, possibly on its way to lay eggs.)
With nice weather, comes visitors; hikers, anglers, kayakers, dog-walkers, birders, and... beavers?!?
A beaver dam blocks the only outlet to the Paulinskill River
That’s right! Beavers have been spotted at White Lake before, whether it is evidence of them, (beaver lodge within reeds or fallen trees with shavings near it) or actually seeing them!
There are pros and cons when it comes to beaver dams, in some cases they can improve the ecosystem by creating wetlands and acting as a filter for toxins. In other cases, they can negatively impact the surrounding environment by slowing the flow of water, building up silt, or flooding the surrounding area. For White Lake, there is only one outlet, so it is important to keep it clear to prevent flooding.
Same outlet but with the beaver dam dismantled.
a side by side comparison.
If you are visiting, keep an eye out for the beavers. They are often seen at dusk! Be safe and hope to see you soon!
-Aaron