Stephen Landry

Dear members of the Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee, I am submitting to you my full support for this bill, which would require that abutters are provided notification of non-emergency beaver dam intervention. Abutting landowners, particularly those with affected waterfront frontage relative to beaver activity upstream or downstream of their location, can attribute their property values and quiet enjoyment of ponds or lakes to the benefits of beaver impoundments. When humans intervene and remove beaver dams or relocate a population, the surface water and private well and fire hydrant access aquifer levels may drop or be non-existent. Docks installed at water levels maintained by beaver dams can become inaccessible and recreational opportunities are lost. In these prolonged periods of drought, beaver impoundments provide positive solutions. In other parts of the country, beavers are sought after by property owners to re-green and re-vitalize arid land, support agricultural activities and wells. Everyone should be able to have the freedom to enjoy benefits on which they rely. I ask respectfully that you vote ought-to-pass on this important personal property rights bill and assure that landowners can have a voice in their own properties, wells, and land values. Thank you. Sincerely, Stephen C. Landry Resident, Webster, NH