Search Results

Comparison data on temperature, food abundance, stream flow, cover and population density with trout and salmon movements.

Evaluating the potential for beaver to adapt to and to mitigate anticipated changes in California’s higher elevation land- and waterscapes.

This report shares the experiences and lessons learned regarding the use of beaver for restoration and climate change adaptation in a selection of American states: California, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

A literature review and summary of the beaver’s impact as an ecosystem engineer. It focuses primarily on the European beaver (castor fiber), but includes valuable information about the profound ecological benefits of the North American beaver (castor Canadensis) too.

Rivers and streams, when fully connected to their floodplains, are naturally resilient systems that are increasingly part of the conversation on nature-based climate solutions. Reconnecting waterways to their floodplains improves water quality and quantity, supports biodiversity and sensitive species conservation, increases flood, drought and fire resiliency, and bolsters carbon sequestration. But, while the importance of river restoration is clear, beaver-based restoration—for example, strategic coexistence, relocation, and mimicry—remains an underutilized strategy despite ample data demonstrating its efficacy. Climate-driven disturbances are actively pushing streams into increasingly degraded states, and the window of opportunity for restoration will not stay open forever. Therefore, now is the perfect time to apply the science of beaver-based low-tech process-based stream restoration to support building climate resilience across the landscape. Not every stream will be a good candidate for beaver-based restoration, but we have the tools to know which ones are. Let us use them.

This study reviews three literatures in an effort to evaluate the potential for beaver to adapt to and to mitigate anticipated changes in California’s higher elevation land- and waterscapes.

We aimed to recognise beaver-produced ecosystem services and quantify their theoretical value for the entire Northern Hemisphere.

Reducing nutrient runoff in streams is an important task to reduce algae blooms and associated environmental damage in large waterbodies. Beaver Dam Analogs (WTBDA) are an means to address this problem. These Water Tight Beaver Dam Analogs (WTBDA) present a novel approach to this technique that also aim to restore eroded seasonal creeks to perennial wetlands.

For this article, the researchers examined sites with evidence of new beaver pond colonization in the Arctic. Snowmelt is occurring, which is reducing permafrost and creating ideal habitat conditions for beavers. Beaver populations are now in competition with native ptarmigans. Tape et. al. suggest that beaver ranges are expanding rapidly in the Alaskan arctic.

Educational article on building a Clemson Pond Leveler

Multiple studies cited showing an overall beneficial effect of beaver dams on salmon and trout.

A case study of the impacts of beaver dams on a low gradient, fine-grained alluvial channel on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, illustrating the role that exists for beavers in stream restoration.

A review that suggests that beaver activity can create substantial benefits and costs for conservation

This paper examines how to anticipate the implications of beaver reintroduction in the design of wetlands and urban natural areas. Three case studies in Seattle, WA, are presented to identify various approaches, successes, and management strategies.

Examines the long-term impact of historic beaver trapping in the United States on stream systems, the role of beaver trapping in arroyo formation in the American Southwest, why the significance of beavers was missed by the U.S. General Land Office surveys in the late 1700s to mid 1800s, and how that oversight impacted later researchers in the 1950s and 1960s as the study of fluvial geomorphology and hydraulic geometry emerged.

Tags:  erosion, arroyo formation, hydraulic geometry, channel incision, beaver trapping, General Land Office surveys

The Clemson Pond Leveler effectively controls beaver pond flooding but will not pass migrating fish as it is typically installed. This modified design will allow for the passage of fish.

Beavers on the coast are helping salmon bounce back.

A synthesis of scientific literature and our current level of: 1) understanding of the relationship between habitat quantity and quality and salmon production, 2) quantify the improvements in salmon production and survival that can be expected with different restoration actions, and 3) use models to help identify habitat factors limiting production and quantify population-level responses to restoration.

This study used questionnaires and economic tools to begin to measure the potential economic impact beavers might have on wildlife tourism in Britain.