Beaver Library

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.

Report on the results of continuous measurements of CO2 and CH4 fluxes made in the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study during the ice-free season of the 1994 field campaign.

The research gathered in this paper discusses the beaver’s effects on: wetland carbon cycling, riparian forest structure, and biodiversity. This thesis also covers the relationship between beaver populations and the existence of wetlands, particularly the way in which beavers are an essential part of wetland ecosystems.

Evaluating 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.

Study on how beavers alter freshwater ecosystems and increase aquatic production to determine how these changes influence the magnitude and lateral dispersal of aquatic nutrients into terrestrial ecosystems

Study on how beaver-created wetlands store carbon and help with climate change

This project explored the effectiveness of a management plan on improving streamflow and stream temperature

An analysis between the differences of beaver dams and artificial dams and their impacts on the wetlands they occupy

Follow-up study of carbon storage associated with beaver dams.

A Finnish study of beaver wetland effects on dissolved carbon and oxygen.

This article by the Pacific Wolf Coalition describes the many ways that the natural activities of wolves and beavers can help build climate resilience.

The potential role of beavers in mitigating wildfire impacts on stream ecosystems

Assessment of the changes in dissolved organic matter quality and the biodegradation patterns in beaver systems across Sweden

An indigenous tribe in Washington is strategically placing beavers around to help salmon.

Recent guidance from the federal government is, for the first time, promoting the importance of beavers in the recovery of endangered salmon.

This time lapse camera video shows chum salmon at Chico Creek navigating a beaver dam.

Beavers on the coast are helping salmon bounce back.