Conservation Director Briai Goodlander and DPW’s Derek Adams briefed the Franklin Conservation Commission on beaver ecology, ecological benefits, and non-lethal management (flow devices, keystone fences). Staff asked the commission for continued support as they juggle maintenance, permitting and limited trained personnel.

The commission finalized a no-wake designation for Iron Creek Lake; during open forum dozens of speakers from conservation groups, humane organizations and citizens urged the commission to defund or end the Nest Predator Bounty Program and to prioritize nonlethal wildlife-damage solutions.

Staff described expanded conflict-response capacity including annual conflict training, improved data tracking via Spillman/Wildcom, outreach materials, and a pilot to provide nonlethal fencing and equipment to small livestock owners; staff emphasized behavior-based Policy 5401 updates.