Beaver Restoration in the Wenatchee River Basin

On February 13th, Cody Gillin and Robes Parrish will present  about the exciting beginnings of the Beaver Restoration Project in the Wenatchee River basin. Cody will explain the history and benefits of beavers in our watershed, the relocation efforts of nuisance beavers, and how to volunteer for this new project. 

The meeting will explain how beavers are ecosystem engineers whose activities trigger a cascade of ecological enhancements. Water storage, sediment retention, trout and salmon rearing habitat, flood mitigation, and increased biodiversity are just a few of the many beaver benefits. 

Following the success of other relocation efforts, Trout Unlimited-Washington Water Project is initiating a beaver program in the Wenatchee Basin. Nuisance beaver will be relocated to suitable locations away from areas where they may come into conflict with human land uses. Outreach with landowners will offer tools and techniques for preventing beaver-related problems. 

The program strength stems from community partnerships, with support from US Fish and Wildlife Service, Yakama Nation Fisheries, US Forest Service, local utility operators, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, private landowners, and a growing list of interested volunteers.