The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued General Permit GP-0-26-001 (PDF) - Breaching/Removal of Beaver Dams and Installation of Water Level Control Devices. This reissued permit replaces GP-0-16-004, Breaching/Removal of Beaver Dams No More Than 2 Years Old.
GP-0-26-001 is only valid when issued concurrently with an Environmental Conservation Law Article 11-0521 Nuisance Beaver Permit, which will specify authorization to breach or remove the beaver dam , and/or install the water level control device. This permit has been issued for a new ten-year term and expires concurrently with the Nuisance Beaver Permit.
GP-0-26-001 includes authorizations pursuant to ECL Article 24 Freshwater Wetlands; ECL Article 15 Stream Disturbance; and ECL Article 15 Excavation & Fill in Navigable Waters throughout New York State, excluding New York City, and Long Island.
How to apply for permits to remove beaver, their dams and/or lodges:
Contact your nearest Regional Wildlife Office.
Permits to remove beaver can only be issued to the landowner of the property on which the beaver control activities will take place.
Permits to remove beaver dams can be issued to anyone but do not authorize trespass and require permission from the landowner on which the dam is located. Depending on the location, you may be required to obtain other permits as well. Wildlife staff will advise you on what additional permits, if any, are necessary.
When contacting the Department, you will need to provide:
Name
Address
Phone number(s)
E-mail address (if available)
Location of the beaver problem(s)
