Beaver Project

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Where to use beavers to restore wetlands.

Beavers act as ecosystem engineers. They have the capacity to restore wetlands and riparian habitats across the West. Capturing “problem” beavers in residential areas and relocating them to where they can do good is a valuable conservation action. However, in many cases it may be simpler to create conditions that allow beavers to colonize an area on their own. Determining where to take such actions is key to restoring riparian habitats in the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

THE PROBLEM

Beaver relocation and impact studies lack objective criteria to determine impact.

Relocation efforts can be positive, but we need more information to help government agencies decide when and where to relocate beavers. Often, accurate information on a site’s suitability for beaver colonization doesn’t exist. Alternately, the site could be improved by placing beaver dam analogs (BDAs) in a drainage and letting the beavers find it on their own. Creating a tool that identifies areas with a high probability of successful riparian restoration is needed.

THE SOLUTION

Provide a decision tool for riparian restoration and beaver relocation.

The Ricketts Conservation Foundation and the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee will develop a decision tool for identifying priority sites for riparian restoration in the Bridger-Teton N.F. Our researcher, Jared Lucian, is working with Dr. Katelyn Driscoll of the U.S. Forest Service to modify an existing Beaver Restoration Action Tool (BRAT) and Riparian Condition Assessment Toolbox (RCAT) for use in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. By 2026 we hope to have this tool available for use in our area.

Riparian Restoration & Beavers →

October 8, 2025

RESOURCES

PARTNERS

Wyoming Wetland Society

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