Select beaver dams along the Shell River will be removed on Friday, according to the RM of Buckland. (Image Credit: ID 128891541 © Larry Metayer | Dreamstime.com)

By Logan Lehmann

Flooding risk

Beaver dam removal taking place in Shell River on Friday

Apr 23, 2026 | 10:20 AM

A series of beaver dams clogging the Shell River north of Prince Albert will be removed later this week.

On Friday, the RM of Buckland will be removing dams from the river and according to Lillian Jacobson, the RM’s Division 6 councillor, they’ve contacted a third-party company to safely remove them.

“We have hired a gentleman with Driftwood Wildlife Control to remove the dams, and we’re using his professionalism to see whether or not it can be done because if [the dam] is too close to something or it’s not safe to remove, he will not do it.”

Dynamite will be used to destroy the dams during the removal process. Other explosive materials like Tannerite will not be used since it poses a contamination risk to the river.

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The reason that the dams need to be removed is in anticipation of flooding, as rising water levels are threatening properties and infrastructure next to the river’s banks.

“It would cost us big money,” she added.

Reeve Linda Clavelle said in the RM’s monthly update, Reeve’s Writing, that plans are in place incase flooding does occur from the Shell River.

“Water Security has informed us that the spring run-off for our area will be above normal. We are well positioned to work with both SPSA (Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency) and Water Security if there is an imminent flooding risk or if there is a flooding emergency.”

Anyone with concerns about potential flooding, or who may have concerns or questions about the beaver dams being removed, is asked to contact the RM of Buckland’s office.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

by Logan Lehmann

Beaver dam removal taking place in Shell River on Friday

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