2025 Candidate Responses - Question 6
How should we balance coexistence with other species in urban green spaces, even when doing so might causes challenges for humans? For example, beavers are native to the area and restore degraded streams, but can inconvenience us when they cut down trees.
Jump to: At Large | District 1 | District 2 | District 3 | District 4 | District 5 | District 6
At Large
Meg Forney (At Large):
“the balance of Mother Nature should always be delicate. The protocol used throughout the park system should be followed but also adapt as we navigate this redesigned asset”
Tom Olsen (At Large):
“Generally, I think humans could stand to face a great deal more inconvenience. Our climate crisis is rooted in humanities’ need for more and more convenience. I think we can make a lot more “sacrifices” to benefit these species. The benefits of a more equal relationship with nature are often far greater than these inconveniences. For instance, while beavers may cut down trees, the local micro-climates they create are a huge boon to drought resistance, species diversity, and carbon sequestration. I think where we have to step in as a government institution is when critical infrastructure or people’s direct quality of life is impacted. Ultimately we have a fiduciary responsibility to the residents of Minneapolis that must be maintained. I also subscribe to the logic that it’s critical for Minneapolis to develop and grow so that we can limit suburban sprawl as much as possible. Sprawl causes immense amounts of environmental harm, and it’s our duty to limit that with our urban polcies.”
Michael Wilson (At Large):
“Coexistence with other species in urban green spaces isn’t a nuisance, it’s part of repairing our relationship with the natural world. Beavers, birds, pollinators, and countless other species are not just “visitors” to our parks – they are residents, and in many cases, ecosystem engineers. I support the MPRB’s halting of trapping and killing/removing beavers in 2015. As commissioner, I will advocate for an approach to urban ecology that centers coexistence and reciprocity with nature, even when it challenges perceived human convenience in the short-term. In the case of beavers, their tree-felling may be outside of our current plan for the urban tree canopy, but it is also something to be celebrated as a successful moment in reconnecting urban settings with native inhabitants. From an educational standpoint, MPRB youth programs should be able to see, wonder, and discuss what the beaver is up to, and why. And I envision an urban management plan that factors in a beaver population that helps restore wetlands, improve water quality, and increase biodiversity.”
Amber Frederick (At Large):
“Coexistence requires humility—recognizing that parks are shared ecosystems, not just human spaces. When species like beavers create challenges, we should lead with adaptation and coexistence rather than removal. That means planning landscapes that can accommodate wildlife activity, using tree protection where needed, and working with ecological experts to find balanced solutions. A resilient park system is one where all species, human and non-human, can thrive together.”
Mary McKelvey (At Large):
“Wildlife, including ducks, muskrats, turtles, coyotes, foxes, turkeys, and beavers, should live in outdoor urban green spaces, and we should increase our education and efforts to let them thrive. As long as wildlife is not threatening the health of humans or other species, they should be left to live their way. We can modify or respond to wildlife’s impact without having to remove or kill them. This will involve an occasional chewed tree, or humans avoiding a nesting area. We can and should share with and celebrate wildlife, even if sometimes inconvenient.”
Averi M. Turner (At Large):
No response provided
Adam Schneider (At Large):
“I believe that we need to introduce native flora and fauna to urban green spaces like the Hiawatha Golf Course to restore eco-systems and make them resilient. Although there may be inconveniences that can be corrected if they become burdensome, habitat restoration can help reduce the frequency of events like flooding and offer other benefits.“
Matthew Dowgwillo (At Large):
“I honestly haven’t thought much about this issue as I feel urban spaces unfortunately are already pretty hostile to native wildlife that has not already adapted to coexist with humans in urban environments.
I look forward to working with researchers and scientists who specialize in maximizing the opportunities for species to succeed in these areas and what we can do to help them. I believe Maintaining healthy ecosystems Is cost-effective and essential to preserving green spaces for all.”
District 1
Dan Engelhart (District 1):
“I learned that MPRB has at least curtailed the awful trapping that is basically drowning of Beavers around Bde Psin- this is good. I don’t believe we have to curtail the beaver population in this area- I would trust a deep and broad opinion and study of the needs yet am vehemently against killing Beavers to ‘benefit’ humans. I believe we have to let some of the ecological restoration happen, this may mean relocating some Beavers, but also I sure hope not.“
Dan Miller (District 1):
No response provided
District 3
Kedar Deshpande (District 3):
“Wildlife is a central part of my campaign, and protecting animals is in the first sentence of the MPRB mission statement. As a longtime advocate for animals (and a former board member of Compassionate Action for Animals), I will fight to protect wildlife and build new habitats so all animals can thrive in our parks and city as much as we do. I will encourage animal-friendly designs, with a focus on wildlife and pollinator corridors, and will look to simple and non-harmful interventions that allow animals to express themselves fully without damaging parks or assets like trees (in the case of beavers, moving the trees inland helps, as does wire mesh, as does scents, and does abrasive paint).”
District 4
Andrew Gebo (District 4):
No response provided
Jason Garcia (District 4):
“My general philosophy is that we need to restore our connection to nature, including local flora and fauna. While we have built a large city here, we still need to live in reciprocity with the animals and plants that make up the natural systems of our environment. I think it’s eminently possible for us to create and allow more natural areas to thrive in the city with minimal interference. When disruptions to human constructions and habitat happen, we can address those on an “as needed” basis. We can train and trust our naturalists and park workers to implement and maintain this philosophy.”
Jeanette Colby (District 4):
“I would like to look for ways to increase the number of naturalists on staff and/or the ways naturalists can guide work in the parks. This is a great example of a situation that requires the expertise of someone who has expertise in human and non-human interaction in urban park environments.”
District 5
Steffanie Musich (District 5):
“Coexistence with urban wildlife means recognizing that animals like coyotes, beavers, otters, muskrats, and turtles are not just visitors—they’re longtime residents of our city’s green spaces. Their presence enriches our ecosystems and helps restore degraded landscapes, but it also requires thoughtful management to protect public safety and infrastructure.
For example, beavers play a vital role in stream restoration, but their dam-building can obstruct stormwater flow in a city like ours, where water management is critical. That’s why I support a balanced approach: one that respects the ecological value of wildlife while ensuring that our infrastructure functions safely and effectively. When conflicts arise, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board consults with experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to find humane, science-based solutions.
As commissioner, I’ll continue to advocate for policies that reflect both ecological stewardship and urban resilience—because a healthy city includes space for all species to thrive.”
Kay Carvajal Moran (District 5):
“We can balance coexistence with other species in urban green spaces through thorough planning and deep collaboration with community and stakeholders. Just as the indigenous communities who have stewarded the land for generations, we can ensure that wildlife are protected while also providing ample green space for recreation. These imperatives are not in opposition, but can be taken into account together for a more sustainable and lively park system. I will also support a wildlife protection campaign in our parks, ensuring that residents understand how to respect wildlife and ensure that their habitats are sustained.”
Colton Baldus (District 5):
“I believe our goal is a managed coexistence that prioritizes healthy ecosystems. For native species like beavers, we should employ non-lethal management strategies, such as protecting valuable trees with wire wraps and installing pond levelers. This allows us to benefit from their incredible ecosystem engineering while mitigating human conflicts.”
Justin Cermak (District 5):
“I like this question. Living in proximity to wild animals is a tricky business, but I feel we should help animal species because we are at a crossroads. Natural areas are shrinking, droughts and pesticides are taking their toll. I think we should allow more animals near us by expanding natural spaces. I’ve played softball next to a coyote den. I’ve seen raccoons disappear down sewers and owls brooding on my block. When I lived in Duluth, I watched kits play on a dirt mound. Those are the magical moments. Then there’s the random animal attack or missing pet ‘scandalous’ headline. I think without sensationalism, we can coexist in a meaningful way with our animal family.
In the specific species of beavers, their acquisition target of Minnehaha Creek seems problematic. The local flooding of homes would be an unacceptable outcome.”
District 6
Cathy Abene (District 6):
“I take the MPRB mission seriously, including its emphasis on wildlife. As the question suggests, our human footprint is big in our urban environment. That said, there are places where habitat/wildlife can and should be prioritized and of course this is already happening throughout the system.“
Ira Jourdain (District 6):
No response provided