Local animal advocate Kristy Kirby Colbert addressed the Summerville City Council, Mayor, and City Manager Monday night, urging city leaders to consider alternatives to trapping beavers that have been obstructing water flow in Town Creek.

Colbert said she came prepared with research and methods aimed at keeping water moving through or around beaver dams in an effort to reduce flooding concerns. She stated that during the meeting, no one asked for her materials or offered comments, though she said City Manager Jason Winters requested the information after the meeting and told her he would look at other options.

Colbert said Winters told her the city would continue trapping and killing the beavers until officials see improved water flow, but added she hopes the city will seriously consider other solutions. She also said she presented information indicating a water-flow management approach would be cheaper long-term than trapping.

Colbert added that Councilman Zack D. Martin thanked her afterward for providing the information and told her he supported the idea and would vote for it.

WZQZ later confirmed with City Manager Jason Winters that continuing to trap the beavers remains the city’s current plan for dealing with the obstructions in Town Creek.