Beaver Belivers
Beavers were once present in nearly every stream in California, creating lush wetlands along the way. Now that beavers are gone from most of their range, humans are mimicking them to try to bring back their ecological benefits. Beavers play a crucial role in the watersheds where they reside by building dams that transform rivers and streams. In drought-stricken California, they help slow the flow of rain runoff, reserving water in the system for use later in the summer when water is scarce. Unfortunately, beaver populations have largely disappeared from California, mainly due to the fur trade, and without them, all the benefits they offer are lost. Now, humans, with their bare hands, are constructing beaver dam analogs (BDAs) to mimic the environment that beavers create and to regenerate these ecological benefits. BDAs are an innovative nature-based solution that not only promote water storage but can also enhance riparian vegetation and groundwater connectivity and recharge. This story highlights the work of the self-proclaimed “beaver believers,” their arduous wetland restoration efforts, and their determination to educate the public about the importance of wetlands and the advantages of coexisting with beavers. Water scarcity is escalating due to climate change, not just in California, but in many areas around the world. There is growing evidence of the benefits of beavers and BDAs to enhance climate resilience in watersheds, making this story timely and relevant.
