Beavers and Ducks

Hi I am looking at a property and it has a beautiful brook running just behind the proposed house location. The brook has a series of beaver dams including one which has created a small pond. I see the pond/dam as a great duck home if it wasnt for the beaver. Anyopne know if there are issues with keeping ducks and Beavers in the same area? Also any concern for my house location being located close to this? The total size of the pond is only about .3 Acres so isnt all that large. See the photo to see the situation.

The beavers are the only reason the pond exists, and it WILL fail if the beavers are removed.

In the natural world beaver and duck commonly coexist on the same water sources; as beaver are primarily nocturnal and ducks primaily daytime users, there should be no issue coexisting.

Concerns might be giardia, dam failure, flooding, tree removal, property damage to wooden structures.

Giardia (a water born bacterial (?) infection) also known as "beaver fever" infecting other mammals on the property, should they drink from the pond (there is a vaccine for dogs).

Dam failure could occur IF beavers left or there was a massive influx of water due to weather or upstream issues. Plan any building on site to NOT be on low ground (unless stilts are used), or near pond to account for this concern.

Flooding could occur due to dam failure, weather or dam enlargement. If the latter is a problem the installation of a "beaver baffle) would solve any concerns over the potential increase in pond size.

Property damage is unlikely, directly; but indirectly, could see damage due to tree falling or water encroachment, both could be easily averted with monitoring.  

On the plus side, assuming the colony remains healthy, you would have access to a ready made reservoir, of potentially, unlimited water for gardening, and (may require filering) livestock also.

The key is are you upslope or upstream for the bulk of the property you intend to use for building, gardening and building? Personally, I would consider them a benefit and a blessing on a property I was purchasing.

If the beavers are doing well, dam enlargement is likely, but potential additional dams is also something to consider.

How much of the land would flood if dam & water level rose by a foot? 2ft?

Are there other old dams that might be put back into service, or points where the sound of flowing water will prompt creation of new dams?

If you would like some fruit/nut trees, how close to hungry beaver would they be located?