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Why beavers matter
Jan 07, 2026
The unmistakable V-shape of a beaver-hewn tree trunk.
Dee Salomon
Long before we moved to Litchfield County, there had been a flood on the property caused by the breakup of a beaver dam miles away from the house, near the top of the state forest on Sharon Mountain. There, beavers have a pond whose dam usually slows the run of a stream that journeys down the mountain, under Route 7, through our property and empties into the Housatonic River. Who knows what other damage the water did on its way down from the broken dam, but the resulting flooding left a watermark about knee-high on the inside of our old cottage, now painted over.
What do beavers have to do with ungardening? At its core, ungardening is about restoring native habitats and increasing the diversity of native plants and animals in an ecosystem — aka biodiversity — which we must accomplish because, frankly, our lives depend on it.
For all their practical nuisance to humans, beavers are central to maintaining ecosystems across a large portion of the U.S. They are considered a keystone species: As with the keystone in an arch, an ecosystem will fall apart without its support. In the 18th and 19th centuries, beavers were killed nearly to extinction by trappers who sold their fur. Their return is helping to repair the areas surrounding their habitats. The homes they cleverly engineer filter pollutants, boost plant and animal biodiversity and create resilience to climate change — and they do this quickly.
Most negative human experiences with beavers result from blocked culverts and dammed streams that create the beavers’ ideal pool-like environment. This causes flooding upstream of the blockage and drought downstream.
“We need to find ways to live with beavers,” said Sandy Carlson, a teacher and poet who recently completed the Beaver Institute’s BeaverCorps Wetland Professional training in Southampton, Massachusetts.
“When beavers hear the trickle of water flowing out from a pond or stream, it triggers their instinct to block this release by building a dam. This insight led to a rather low-tech innovation that has allowed beavers and humans to more happily coexist. Cleverly called the Beaver Deceiver, the device lowers the water level of the pond without triggering the beavers’ water-trickle instinct.”
The Beaver Deceiver is a 6-foot-diameter wire mesh cage protecting one open side of a PVC pipe. It is installed in the deepest part of the pond, with the pipe running over the beaver dam — where it can be camouflaged — and into the water on the other side. Water is drawn out of the pond, lowering the water level upstream while maintaining flow downstream.
Carlson has apprenticed with Diane Honer of Beaver & Wildlife Solutions, based in Chester, Connecticut, performing site assessments and installing pond-leveler devices so beavers and humans can coexist. “People are happy because the water level is low, and the beaver thinks the water level is fine,” she said.
Last year, a family of beavers moved in nearby, building a low-profile home against the side of a large tree trunk that had fallen into a relatively deep part of the Housatonic. This created a small, pond-like area on the downriver side of the trunk.
I wasn’t aware of these creatures until one day, while walking along the river, I stopped in my tracks. Like one of those puzzles where you’re meant to spot the differences between two images, something was missing. A weeping willow we had planted a decade earlier, flourishing on the riverbank, had disappeared from view. Up close, the unmistakable V-shape of a beaver-hewn trunk was almost cartoonlike — yet not at all funny. That tree was one of the few nonnative species we planted, and I had imagined it fulfilling the romantic “leaf cascade over the water” look willows do so well.
My son told me beavers seek out willow for its salicylic acid content — the active ingredient in aspirin. I imagine they had a drug-addled willow fest at our expense.
The solution to this particular beaver problem is even more low-tech than the Beaver Deceiver: installing wire mesh or a plastic cage around trees you want to protect from beaver teeth. It also helps to know which woods beavers prefer. Their favorites include aspen, poplar, willow, alder, birch and maple. Protect those first, before hardwoods and conifers.
Let’s welcome the beaver and its ecosystem-restoration superpowers.
Dee Salomon ‘ungardens’ in Litchfield County.
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Ambulance contract termination bad decision
What a rotten decision to terminate the contract with Northern Dutchess Paramedic (NDP) and to replace it with a single paramedic assisted by an EMT.
When I was an EMT with Salisbury, beginning in 1985, we were an advanced life support (ALS) service, and we had an ALS member on each team who could start IVs, use MAST trousers and, I believe, intubate.
These members were available on each shift but did not come out for calls where they were not needed.However, the state of Connecticut, not understanding the needs and abilities of our area, sent down a decree that we had to have an ALS person respond to every call even if it was a simple injury with no need for advanced life support.
So, due to a shortage of people who wanted to take the advanced EMT-I training, we were forced to give up our EMT-I service and just be a basic life support service with NDP coming out for an increasing number of calls.
The current plan is risible for its inadequacy, a patently obvious cost-shaving ploy, that will strain volunteer services and endanger patients. I have no idea if it is even a possibility for local volunteer services to resume ALS even if they can staff the calls adequately.
With the growing number of talented, smart people coming into the area, many of whom actually want to do something good around here, I wonder if the local volunteer services couldn’t train enough ALS personnel so that we could once again be more than just BLS services. Otherwise, I foresee a lot of needless morbidity and mortality arising from this ill-considered decision.
Marietta Whittlesey
Gallatin
Hospital addresses ambulance services
Recent public discussion regarding paramedic services in the Sharon community has understandably raised concerns. As such, we welcome the opportunity to clarify the facts and, more importantly, to reassure residents that emergency medical services in Sharon are not only continuing but strengthening.
Sharon Hospital is now part of Northwell Health, the largest health system in the Northeast, with extensive emergency transport and EMS capabilities across western Connecticut and the Hudson Valley. As part of this system, Sharon Hospital is supported by a licensed and experienced paramedic program already operating in the Danbury and New Milford region, with the ability to extend those services to appropriately support the Sharon community.
Effective January 1, 2026, Sharon Hospital will ensure 24/7 emergency medical coverage for the community. This includes support for emergency response, interfacility transport and critical care needs, backed by the depth, redundancy, and clinical oversight of a larger health system. These capabilities are not theoretical – they are already in place and functioning successfully across our region.
Some commentary has focused on the hospital’s decision not to continue sponsoring Northern Dutchess Paramedics (NDP). It is important to note that NDP was acquired in October by Empress Ambulance Service, a private, for-profit, out-of-state organization. We recognize that the change in sponsorship may disrupt NDP’s business interests in the Sharon community, yet it does not represent a loss of emergency medical services for residents who rely on us for care.We want to be clear: no EMS services are being eliminated, and no gaps in coverage are anticipated. Our responsibility is to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant emergency care for our patients and our community, and our current plan does exactly that.
Change can bring uncertainty, and we recognize the importance of open communication. Sharon Hospital remains committed to transparency, collaboration with local EMS partners, and continued engagement with community leaders and residents. We invite you to a Town Hall on Thursday, January 8th at 5-6pm in the Cafeteria at Sharon Hospital to answer any questions you may have. Please RSVP to Griffin.Cooper@nuvancehealth.org.
Our focus remains where it belongs: on delivering high-quality, dependable emergency medical care to the people of Sharon and surrounding towns, today and into the future.
Christina McCulloch
President,
Sharon Hospital
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The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.
January 3, 1935
Bixby Favors Rebuilding Of State Route 22
The movement launched several weeks ago by Harlem Valley residents for reconstruction of the portion of State Route 22 which lies in Dutchess County has been endorsed by James S. Bixby, divisional superintendent of the State Highway Department.
January 10, 1935
Grange Hall To Be Started This Spring
Construction of the proposed new Grange hall will be started in the spring as soon as weather conditions permit, it was revealed at the regular meeting of the Millerton Grange held Monday night when plans for the building were discussed. About forty members were present.
Government Seeks Sites For Colonies
The Harlem Valley section may be selected by the Federal Government as the site of one or more colonization subsistence settlements, it became known last week when it was disclosed that Government representatives have been making surveys and inquiries in the Towns of North East, Amenia,
January 1, 1976
Hospital Deficit Up Sharply This Year
Sharon Hospital ended its 1974-75 fiscal year with a net deficit of $64,940, up from $23,927 the previous year. The Hospital’s annual report, mailed this week, showed continuation of other recent trends.
The numer[sic] of days of in-patient care declined by 1,662 for the year ended Sept. 30, 1975. But the number of visits to the emergency room at Sharon continued its climb in recent years. The past year saw 7412 patients treated in the emergency room. In 1973-74 emergency room visits totalled[sic] 7200. Emergency room use has more than tripled in the past 5 years.
Once again more New York State residents than Connecticut people were Sharon Hospital patients. The number of New Yorkers treated in 1974- 75 was 1966. Connecticut residents served were 1,289. The previous year’s figures were 2009 from New York and 1236 from Connecticut.
The number of children born at Sharon declined from 305 to 288 this past year.
The cost of providing patient care was $4,420,173 in 1974-75 up from $4,064,844 in 1973-74.
The 13c Letter Has Arrived
The 13-cent letter is here after all, just in time to make you remember the Old Year. The new postage rate of 13 cents an ounce instead of 10 went into effect Wednesday. Letters without full postage at the new rate may be returned to the sender.
The change resulted from a decision by the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to lift the injunction against the postage increases granted earlier by a Federal District Court. The U.S. Postal Service has contended without the increases it could not meet its February payrolls. The Court of Appeals still must hear the rate case on its merits.
Photo caption:
YES. SKATING — Leonard Foley, caretaker of the Taconic State Park at Rudd Pond, covers over the “No” on the sign to invite skaters to enjoy their sport last Sunday afternoon. The ice on the pond must be at least 3 inches thick, said Foley, for safe skating. He tests the ice daily.
Telephone Books To Be Delivered
Telephone directories for 1976 will be delivered this week to about 4750 customers of Taconic Telephone in Hillsdale, Copake, Millerton and Pine Plains, John B. Ackley, company president reported.
The new directory cover commemorates the 100th anniversary of the invention of the telephone with a painting by John Schreck of Rochester of Alexander Graham Bell and depicts major events in the development of the telephone in the past 100 years.
January 4, 2001
Millerton Business Climate Improves
Everyone agrees the Millerton business climate has improved dramatically in the past year.
“We’re not the county’s poor cousin anymore. We can’t be ignored any longer,” said John Gilmor, co-president of the Greater Millerton Chamber of Commerce.
New businesses have been piling up all around Millerton, taking advantage of the influx of out-of-towners who are attracted by the village’s scenic and commercial offerings, as well. Established merchants have been making efforts to fill visible spaces, particularly those on Main Street.
Snipits, owned by Michelle Powers, has recently moved into the location between Oblong Books and the Millerton Card & Coin that was left open after the closing of the Plain Clothesman. Millerton’s health food store and café, Manna Dew, owned by Gina Trivelli, also moved to Main Street, which created the opportunity for Maria Tamburino to open Jump Start Café at Railroad Plaza.
Another eatery has entered the business world in Millerton. W.D. McArthur and Co. restaurant dropped anchor on the corner of North Center and Main streets at the site of the old smokehouse. McArthur’s is thought to be a welcome addition to the community, not only by diners, but also by merchants, who believe they will profit from the additional exposure and clientele.
Despite the relatively improved appearance of the village, there are still many empty storefronts that need to be filled. In particular, the building left empty by Riley’s Furniture remains so.
Residents and merchants should not feel discouraged by the vacant spaces. McDonald’s has recently opened at the site that formerly housed Burger King; the restaurant was closed for more than a year before McDonald’s took over. Also, the Village Diner was closed for about a month, yet the stoves are once again fired up.
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Lana Audrey Anguin
Jan 07, 2026
AMENIA — Lana Audrey Anguin, 80, a lifelong area resident, died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. Lana dedicated nearly twenty-five years of her life to the Town of Amenia where she was the secretary and administrative assistant to the Amenia Town Supervisor from 1988 to 2012. She also worked closely with the Town of Amenia Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals overseeing project administration for many years. Lana also worked at the Wassaic Developmental Center in the late 60’s and early 70’s in the recreation department and she worked part time for the Red Hen Sign Co. in Amenia.
Born Nov. 16, 1945, in Sharon, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Edith (Brothers)Anguin. Lana was a graduate of Webutuck High School and attended Dutchess Community College. On Dec. 1, 1973, in Sharon, she married Heyward “Woody” Cary Cohen. Mr. Cohen died on Aug. 1, 2014.
For many years Lana was a Girl Scout Leader for Troop 19 in Amenia and taught arts and crafts during summer recess. She was a devoted caregiver to her mother and father for many years and was an avid animal lover. She adored cats and dogs and was a proud supporter of the Pet & Wildlife Fund. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling abroad, theater performances, cooking and baking and watching television, a good cup of coffee, going out to restaurants and watching movies at The Moviehouse in Millerton with her daughter. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and many friends.
Lana is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Anguin-Cohen and her companion George Kormendi of New York, New York and her sister, Donna Bavis of Rhinebeck, New York. Lana will be lovingly remembered by her niece, Jennifer Segelken and her husband Michael of Millerton, New York, her nieces Elaine Whalen and Audrey Bavis and her nephew, Peter Bavis and her great nephews, Christopher and Tyler Segelken, and great nieces, Kirsten Mitchell and Emily Whalen. In addition to her parents and husband, Lana was also predeceased by her sister, Elaide Gahn of East Corinth, Vermont.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546. A time of sharing memories and reflections of Lana’s life will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor William Mayhew will officiate. Burial will take place privately on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Evergreen Cemetery in Pine Plains, NY. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Ave., Hyde Park, NY, 12538. To send a condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Lana’s memory, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com
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