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Kent set to receive another beaver deceiver
Alec Linden
Jun 10, 2026
A beaver deceiver device is planned to be installed to the east of a driveway at 463 Segar Mountain Road to avoid future flooding. A similar system has been operational on the opposite side since 2014.
Provided
KENT – Northwest Corner land managers are once again turning to a device known as a “beaver deceiver” to prevent flooding around North Spectacle Pond while allowing the area’s beavers to remain in place.
The Inland Wetlands Commission approved the project on an emergency basis after hearing concerns that persistent beaver dam-building could cause water to back up and flood nearby homes and a private driveway.
During a meeting with the IWC on May 18, Maria Grace, director of stewardship at the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, said that flooding damage had impacted properties around the pond before, and recent beaver activity had put the driveway particularly at risk.
The “beaver deceiver” – also known as a pond leveler or beaver baffler – allows water to flow through a beaver dam so that the beavers can remain in their habitat without impacting nearby properties. It’s a method of addressing conflicts between beavers and property owners that doesn’t involve trapping the animals, which in Connecticut often results in their deaths.
“This is truly the most humane and ecological way to coexist with beavers,” Grace said.
Grace presented the application on behalf of a partnership between the NCLC, Kent Land Trust and the North Spectacle Pond Association, as the land where the device will be placed is owned by both the NCLC and the KLT with the North Spectacle Pond Association representing the residents’ interests. She explained that a complex wetland system downstream of the pond, bisected by a driveway off of Segar Mountain Road, has long been a hotspot for beaver activity.
In 2014, a pond leveler was installed by Massachusetts-based Beaver Solutions on the west side of the driveway to address the flooding concerns. The system has been successful, Grace said, but beavers have since realized that if they dam the channels on the other side of the driveway, which are connected by a series of culverts, the water will back up anyway.
“They’ve essentially learned that the systems are connected and that they can build dams on the east side of the driveway and create a better habitat for themselves,” Grace said. “They’re really smart creatures.”
She explained that beavers have repeatedly dammed the outlet stream from North Spectacle Pond, causing water levels to rise. The resulting flooding has threatened a vulnerable driveway leading to a private residence and has already damaged properties around the pond.
“It’s fascinating to watch and to see it out there but we have to do something about it because the pond can’t get above a certain level, or people’s houses will flood,” she said.
The proposal calls for Beaver Solutions to install a similar system on the east side. The pond leveler essentially pushes a low-profile pipe through the dam with fencing that prevents the beavers from plugging it back up, as they are instinctually motivated to do. The pipe regulates flow through the dam while keeping it largely intact, and ensuring that water level remains suitable for beavers and humans alike.
Beaver Solutions’ John Egan said that pond levelers are more effective than trapping in the long term. While they don’t work for every location, such as fast flowing rivers, Egan said they work well in wetland systems like North Spectacle Pond.
“Just because you remove the animals from that habitat one year, it doesn’t mean new animals won’t move in the next,” he said.
Commissioners ultimately approved the project on an emergency basis, allowing them to act without waiting a full meeting cycle.
“It’s been shown to us that it has worked since 2014,” said IWC member Paul Yagid of the pond leveler solution. “By acting on it sooner we may prevent what could be an emergency.”
Other commissioners agreed that heavy spring rains combined with continued dam-building could quickly create flooding problems.
“If the water gets elevated,” Grace said, “people on North Spectacle Pond will have a real mess to deal with.”
Commissioner Marge Smith agreed. “We know how fast beavers work when they put their canny little minds to it,” she said.
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Canaan residents among earliest to challenge British rule
Ruth Epstein
Jun 10, 2026
Historian Peter Vermilyea says Canaan residents were ‘radicalized, principled and constitutional’ in earliest days during a talk on June 2.
Ruth Epstein
FALLS VILLAGE – Residents of Canaan were among the earliest in the nation to publicly challenge British rule, according to local historian and author Peter Vermilyea.
Vermilyea shared that perspective during the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society’s first “First Tuesday at 7” lecture of the season June 2 at the South Canaan Meetinghouse. His presentation, “Liberty and Property: Canaan in the Revolutionary War,” explored the town’s surprisingly vocal role in the fight for American independence.
Displaying a Connecticut map from 1776, Vermilyea – who is also the social studies department chairman at Housatonic Valley Regional High School – noted that Litchfield County was once considered an undesirable place to settle because of its rugged terrain and poor roads.
“But that was seen as positive because it made the county inaccessible to the British,” he said. “So Litchfield County became a hotbed of the patriotic movement.”
He also pointed to the region’s large Congregationalist population as a factor in its strong support for the Patriot cause, noting that Loyalists were more commonly affiliated with the Anglican Church.
“Few towns embraced the war more than Canaan,” he said.
He then turned to the subject of the Boston Tea Party and Britain’s response, which included threats to close Boston Harbor.
“There were rallies held in Litchfield County, with citizens believing if they can do it in Boston, they can do it here,” Vermilyea said.
One of Canaan’s most significant acts came on June 21, 1774, when residents raised a 78-foot liberty pole to symbolize the resistance to British authority and support for colonial rights. While such poles existed in other towns, one that tall was uncommon, Vermilyea said.
Following the raising, residents gathered at the Lawrence Tavern, which still stands, and imbibed and offered a series of toasts. “They called it an act of defiance in honor of liberty,” he said.
The pole was called “Liberty and Property,” reflecting the belief that the protection of property rights was essential to preserving freedom. The townspeople also adopted a resolution when it protested stating that the illegal and cruel proceedings by the British parliament would lead to the colonists having no liberty or property.
Such a resolution was incredible, said Vemilyea, in that very few towns – only Fairfax, Va., and Farmington, Conn. – adopted statements earlier than Canaan.
“That showed a remarkable show of support from the people of Canaan,” he said. “They were radicalized, principled and constitutional in their efforts. And they were early.”
As the news of Lexington and Concord reached the Northwest Corner, muskets from Hartford were sent to local towns. Canaan received seven.
The war came to Canaan in 1778 when thousands of British and Hessian soldiers were being marched 880 miles from Boston to Charlottesville, Va., coming through Litchfield County. “They came right along there outside those windows,” Vermilyea said excitedly. Lt. Ashel Beebe, for whom Beebe Hill Road is named, opened his home to the soldiers, showing hospitality and humanity between enemies.
“Litchfield County’s isolation shaped its revolutionary experience,” Vermilyea said. “It was the bastion of the American cause. Canaan exemplified this steadfast resolve.”
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North Canaan to raise liberty pole for first time in 252 years
Ruth Epstein
Jun 10, 2026
Canaan First Selectman Jesse Bunce, left, and Geoff Drury conduct a test-run of raising the liberty pole and flag that will be officially raised in a ceremony on Saturday, June 13.
Provided
NORTH CANAAN – For the first time in 252 years, a liberty pole bearing a flag emblazoned with the words “Liberty and Property” will rise over Canaan as part of a community celebration June 13. The event, which will take place in Bunny McGuire Park at 11 a.m., will also include fun, games and food for families and residents.
The pole will be erected on the corner lot at the intersection of Routes 7 and 44, across from St. Martin of Tours Church, where it will remain in place for the rest of the year.
Town historian Kathryn Boughton said the event commemorates the patriotic fervor that swept through Canaan in the years leading up to the American Revolution.
Canaan was an early hotbed of dissent, she said, writing its Canaan Resolves before any of the other towns in the Northwest Corner and actively participating in shutting down the King’s courts in Great Barrington in August 1774 in response to the burdensome Coercive Acts.
Many Canaan men later fought in the Revolutionary War, taking part in some of its most historic battles.
Liberty poles were a common symbol of resistance to British rule and were often predominantly placed in public spaces to intimidate those with opposing views.
Historian Tim Abbott said Canaan’s original liberty pole was raised June 21, 1774. The Connecticut Courant described it as “a Standard for Liberty, 78 Feet high,” and topped by a scarlet flag 15-feet long bearing the words, “Liberty” and “Property” in large Capitals.
The event was peaceful, and the participants later gathered at the Lawrence Tavern, which still stands, for celebration. It is reported a more violent demonstration took place at the same site just a few weeks later.
The words were reportedly chosen to highlight the value of property ownership, which was often considered as a way to secure liberty.
Following this Saturday’s flag raising ceremony, residents are invited to Bunny McGuire Park for a free community picnic titled, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Appleness,” featuring American items like hot dogs and apple pie, provided by Freund’s Farm Market and Bakery.
Kathy Keane, chairman of the town’s USA 250th Committee, said there will be colonial re-enactors, musket demonstrations, cartridge rolling, quill and ink drawing and games for children.
“It should be a lot of fun,” said Keane. “We’re keeping in the spirit of that time.”
The event is being sponsored by the 250th Anniversary Committee, the Canaan History Center, the Canaan Exchange Club and the town of Canaan. Freund’s Farm Market and Bakery will provide hot dogs and apple pie.
Cemetery Tours
The Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society and the North Canaan History Center will host guided tours of Revolutionary War veterans’ graves Sunday, June 14.
In Falls Village, guides in period dress will lead tours at Grassy Hill Cemetery, 68 Point of Rocks Road, sharing the stories of veterans buried there. Self-guided tours will also be available at Haskins Cemetery on Undermountain Road and the Root-Gillette Cemetery on Steap Road.
In Canaan, tours will be offered at Mountain View Cemetery on Sand Road, Forbes Cemetery on Lower Road and Hillside Cemetery on Route 44 in East Canaan.
The free event is part of America’s 250th anniversary commemoration and is funded through a grant from the Canaan Foundation.
For more information, call the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society at 860-824-8226 or the Canaan History Center at 860-453-4435.
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June is turtle breeding season
Lakeville Journal
Jun 10, 2026
Alec Linden
Early June is the heart of the breeding season for turtles in New England, causing many mother turtles, like the painted turtle above, to cross roads in search of places to lay their eggs.
Wildlife experts advise vigilance and slow driving during this critical period, which lasts into July.
Aly Morrissey
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Hazardous household waste day set for June 20 in Falls Village
Alec Linden
Jun 10, 2026
File photo
FALLS VILLAGE – A household hazardous waste collection day will take place rain or shine from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 20 at the Falls Village Public Works Garage at 100 Railroad Street.
Residents of 12 towns are permitted to participate in the event, which is meant to provide a safe and clean way to dispose of harmful household materials that may pollute the environment and risk public safety if handled improperly.
Registration is free but required to participate, and is restricted to residents of Falls Village, Colebrook, Cornwall, Goshen, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon and Torrington. Registration can be made by contacting one’s town hall or by navigating to the associated Eventbrite page by searching “NHCOG” on Eventbrite.com.
Accepted items include paints, cleaners, gasoline, pool chemicals, furniture polishes, household batteries and other toxic, corrosive and flammable materials. A full list of acceptable and unacceptable materials can be found on the Eventbrite page, alongside more information and an FAQ.
Residents will be required to sign up for a one hour time slot to manage visitor volume. Registration closes the Friday evening before the event at 8 p.m.
The event is being co-sponsored by the Northwest Hills Council of Governments and participating towns.
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North Canaan mourns loss of three community leaders
Christian Murray
Jun 10, 2026
Madi Long
NORTH CANAAN – Town officials paid tribute last week to three longtime residents who have died recently, remembering their decades of civic engagement that left a mark on the community.
Over the course of the last month, North Canaan has lost Peter Brown, Bill Hower and Nick Gandolfo, all of whom dedicated years of service to local boards, organizations and community efforts.
“We all in the Town of North Canaan are grieving the loss of many people,” First Selectman Jesse Bunce wrote on the town Facebook page, referring to the three men.
Brown, who died at age 70, served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for nearly 25 years, including more than two decades as vice chairman. Bunce said Brown also operated Lone Oak Campsites with his brother, Barry, and was known for supporting charitable causes, including motorcycle fundraising rides and other community events.
Brown, as a child, grew up on a farm in East Canaan that his parents converted into what became Lone Oak Campsites. In the 1990s, he and Barry purchased the campground from their parents. The campground was sold in 2024.
“Very seldom do you find a person that pretty much everybody in town loved,” Bunce said in an interview. “Peter’s one of those guys.”
Meanwhile, Hower, who was 66-years-old at the time of his death, was involved in North Canaan’s economic development efforts for roughly 25 years. He was a longtime local business person, who worked in the automotive industry, primarily through his family business, Jim’s Garage.
According to Bunce, Hower had recently approached town officials about helping boost the local economy.
“He was a great asset to the town,” Bunce said.
Also remembered was Gandolfo, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War, who was a familiar presence at Memorial Day ceremonies and veterans events. He served in Korea from 1952 to 1953 and participated in several battles and combat operations.
Bunce said Gandolfo, who died at the age of 94, served on multiple town boards and committees, participated in Boy Scout activities and remained active in community affairs throughout his life.
In announcing Gandolfo’s death, Bunce noted that he was among the town’s last remaining veterans from before the Vietnam War era and had become a fixture of North Canaan’s Memorial Day parade.
“There are few, if any, in North Canaan who don’t have a memory of him,” Bunce wrote. “His dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to this town will not be forgotten.”
Bunce said each of the men contributed to North Canaan in different ways, but all shared a commitment to bettering the town.
“As our community continues to face a number of recent losses, now is a time for us to come together — to support one another, to share our memories and to honor the remarkable lives of those who paved the path before us,” he said.
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