Jon Griggs and working dog Jiggs, Maggie Creek Ranch, NV, featured in the film Rethinking Beaver: old nuisance or new partner? Note the beaver ponds in the background.

Ranching and Beaver - A Crazy Idea?

Not Anymore

To make the documentary “Rethinking Beaver: old nuisance or new partner?” the Institute staff interviewed cattle and sheep ranchers in New Mexico, Idaho and Nevada, plus a yak rancher and a Natural Resources Conservation Service pioneer in the use of beaver as a stream restoration tool. We asked each of them about how they discovered the benefits of having beaver on their land and how they are managing beaver. Real ranchers, real experiences. Other land owners and managers will also benefit from this frank discussion of the pros and cons of beaver.

The full film is 55 minutes long and is not available online. We do personal screenings only. There are two reasons. First the Institute is targeting this film to quality, not quantity, of viewers - in other words, managers of land and water. This quality-not-quantity approach would not be served by YouTube and the like. Second, we strongly believe that the film is best understood when the audience has a chance to ask Institute staff questions about live-trapping, relocating, beaver behaviors, raise concerns and get honest answers. Using beaver successfully requires significant knowledge, but can be worth the investment in new knowledge -- depending on the circumstances. Making the decision to remove beaver is also best supported by objective information.

In the meantime, you can view the film trailer below and donate here to help put this film in front of as many ranchers and other land managers as possible.

The film is also included in the Co-existing with Beaver workshops, at no charge.

Cost and Contact Info

Contact us to arrange a screening.

Cost is $350 per screening plus costs for one Institute staff member, which typically include mileage, time and a one night of accomodations. Specifics depend on the location.

Free or Reduced Cost Screenings

Free or reduced cost screenings are sometimes available to small nonprofit organizations or agencies in remote areas with limited budgets. Availability of these screenings depends on donations and the circumstances of the organization or agency. If your organization or agency is interested, please contact us to discuss this possibility.

The film has been shown at a number of venues around the West. A few are shown below.

2017 Quivira Coalition Conference

This screening featured a panel discussion by ranchers and the audience after the screening. Panelists were Julia Davis-Stafford of the CS Ranch, New Mexico, Terry Mitchell of the Tequesquite Ranch, New Mexico, Michael Bain of the Twin Willows Ranch New Mexico and James Rogers of the Winecup-Gamble Ranch, Nevada. Estimated over 100 attendees.

All photos courtesy of Tanner Mitchell.

The Community Library Ketchum ID

This screening featured a panel discussion by ranchers and questions from the audience after the screening. Panelists were Lew Pence retired, NRCS, Idaho, Terry Mitchell of the Tequesquite Ranch, New Mexico, James Rogers of the Winecup-Gamble Ranch, Nevada. We had a great turnout of over 100 people.

Cimarron Watershed Alliance

No panel discussion, but the audience more than made up for it with the lively discussion.