Poaching violation report

[Styled after the “how to report a poaching violation” from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.]

What was the violation?
Unapproved harvest of willow and red alder trees

When and where did it occur?
Occurred April 6, 2016, at the Port’s Upper Clear Creek Mitigation Site. However, it appears the timber poaching is ongoing.

What weapons or equipment were used?
A very large set of sharp teeth.

What vehicles or crafts were used (registration numbers are important)?
Rudder-like, broad, flat tail that doubles as device for slapping the water when distressed. Unregistered.

How many people were involved?
One for sure, maybe a pair.

Describe the people, including their physical description and clothing.
Not human but certainly mammalian. Approximately 45 pounds, although could be as heavy as 60 pounds. Very shiny, luxurious brown fur coat covering entire body, with the exception of the aforementioned tail. Huge front teeth, hand-like front paws and large webbed hind paws. Looks like a big rodent.

What evidence is still at the scene?
Most trees are still present at the scene. They appear to have been chewed through and left toppled over.

Did the violator(s) take evidence of the crime with them?
Some evidence of branches being gnawed off and removed from the scene. Unknown whether the branches were consumed at the location or taken to the suspected poacher’s lodge.

Which way or where did they go and how?
Unknown at this time. We suspect the violators may be building a dam, so habitat site’s contractor is on high alert.

Environmental connection

Nature’s little engineer has a different design in mind for our Upper Clear Creek Mitigation Site.

In a stand of red alders and willows, a beaver is diligently chewing through the trees. North America’s largest rodent makes modifications to its surrounding environment by busily felling trees to build dams across streams and then constructing a lodge in the artificial pond the dam creates.

Unfortunately for this particular engineer, the Upper Clear Creek Mitigation Site’s design includes ponds located throughout the site. These ponds create refuge for fish migrating through the meandering channel, which was constructed to re-establish the historic hydrologic function of the area. Read more about the Upper Clear Creek Mitigation Site in The News Tribune article.

As for our timber poacher, the plan is to relocate it to a new location where it can harvest trees to its little heart’s content.

Photographic evidence

Back-cutting suggests poacher of advanced skill.