November 13, 2020

https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/oregon-rejects-proposal-ban-beaver-trapping-hunting-federal-lands-2020-11-13/

PORTLAND, Ore.— The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission today rejected a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, scientists, and other conservation groups to permanently close commercial and recreational beaver trapping and hunting on the state’s federally managed public lands. Beavers are Oregon’s official state animal, but they can be legally hunted and trapped with few limits.

After nearly five hours of testimony and deliberation, the commission voted 5-1 to deny the petition and instead directed agency staff to make recommendations on beaver management and continue with a stakeholder work group. The Commission did not establish a timeline for this process or commit to future rulemaking.

“This disappointing decision ignores science and puts Oregon in a worse place to combat threats like climate change, habitat loss and wildfire,” said Quinn Read, Oregon policy director at the Center. “Beavers have an important role to play…