Beaver Dam Removal

Beaver Dam Removal

This application is for an exemption to allow for destruction of a beaver or muskrat den, house or beaver dam. This permit is generally issued ONLY to protect against property damage. See section 3(1)(a) of the Wildlife Act - Permit Regulation.

NOTE: Permit Holder MUST submit a Notification of Authorized Changes in and About a Stream prior to the removal of any dam.

Contents:

About this Activity Guide

This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only.
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Permit under Wildlife Act, Permit Regulation (Section 3(1)(a)) Authorization Guidance Apply Now
Water Sustainability Act authorization – Notification of Authorized Changes in and About a Stream Authorization Guidance Apply Now

Costs

Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.

Cost Type Cost Description Cost Link to Details
General Wildlife Permit - Permit Fee Fee paid for a permit issued generally or for the wildlife, purpose or method specified (if any) plus the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) surcharge (if any). Permit fee $50 + $5 HCTF = $55.00 Wildlife Act Permit Regulation - Schedule 3
Notification of Authorized Changes in and About a Stream - Application Fee There is no fee associated with this application. No fee

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Wildlife Must be wildlife as defined under the Wildlife Act.
Age Applicant must be at least 19 years old, unless a parent or guardian has given written consent to the application. A permit must NOT be issued to an applicant under age 10.

Information Requirements

Authorization Requirement Description Link to Details
Permit 3(1)(a) Information to be provided on General Wildlife Application
  • Description of the problems being caused by the dams or lodges
  • Removal method to be used
  • Location of dam (civic location)
  • Previous permit number (authorization number) if applicable.
Permit 3(1)(a)
Map of location Provide map showing location of den or dam
Reporting Requirements The permit holder must maintain an accurate up to date record of the wildlife hunted, trapped or killed under the permit, which includes the following information:
  • Common name of the wildlife (see BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer)
  • Removal method to be used
  • Location of dam (civic location)
  • Previous permit number (authorization number) if applicable.
The permit holder must submit the original copy of this record to FrontCounter BC within 21 days of the permit’s expiry.
Notification of Authorized Changes in and About a Stream Landowner consent There are no limitations on who may apply, however, landowner consent must be provided for any lands where work is being done for this authorization Notification of Authorized Changes in and About a Stream
Link Description
Wildlife Act, Permit Regulation
Notification of Authorized Changes in and About a Stream
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Other Things You Should Know

Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.

BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:

  • Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
  • Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
  • Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID

Consulting with First Nations

  • The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
  • The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Proponents are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes. To get more information about the guidelines and procedure manuals that are designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations, please visit the Consulting with First Nations web page.

Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.

Last Updated: July 14, 2023