10/06/22 - CNPA Board Paper3 AABeaverV6

This document contains a paper for the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) board, discussing the Park Authority's role in beaver translocation in Scotland, in line with the Scottish Government's policy to expand the beaver population. The paper recommends that the board considers options to help move beavers into the Cairngorms National Park and to approve the Park Authority taking a lead role in applying for beaver translocation. It highlights that NatureScot is developing a National Beaver Strategy for 2022-2045 to encourage beaver expansion and the Park Authority is expected to be part of the strategy's governance group. Modelling work has identified the Spey catchment as a priority release candidate, with approximately 7,000 hectares of suitable habitat. The paper outlines three potential roles for the Park Authority: observer, facilitator, or leader, recommending that the Park Authority take a leadership role, with an estimated cost of £70,000 per year for two years.