A team led by Washington State University reviewed 161 scientific studies to assess the effects of beaver-related restoration. The lead author was Jesse A.S. Burgher, who earned a PhD from WSU this year and works as the wildlife program manager for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Jonah Piovia-Scott of WSU Vancouver is the senior author.
The review found substantial evidence that beaver mimicry can make waterways more resilient to climate change. Principal benefits include reduced summer water temperatures, increased water storage, improved flood-plain connectivity, enhanced biological diversity and greater resistance to wildfires.
Some projects simply copy beaver effects, while others aim to attract beavers back to streams. One example is willow-woven dams on Oregon’s Bridge Creek, where ecologists reported population growth for threatened steelhead and other fish after installation, but it is unclear if these results would repeat in other settings. The authors note that practice is growing faster than scientific study and highlight the need for partnerships with tribes and conservation groups to close knowledge gaps.
Difficult words
- review — to examine or study something carefullyreviewed
- assess — to judge or evaluate the quality or effect
- restoration — the process of returning land or water to good condition
- mimicry — copying the actions or effects of another species
- resilient — able to recover or stay strong after problems
- connectivity — the state of being connected in a useful way
- partnership — a formal agreement to work together with otherspartnerships
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you support projects that copy beaver effects in your region? Why or why not?
- Which of the listed benefits (for example, water storage or biodiversity) seems most important to local people? Explain.
- How could partnerships with tribes and conservation groups help improve these restoration projects?
