English: U.S. Forest Service biologists are working on the Methow Valley Ranger District to reintroduce beavers to forest streams where they used to be common. Beavers can help make such ecosystems more resilient to future changes in climate by restoring ecological function. Not only do beaver dams increase water storage on the landscape, they improve water quality by reducing stream temperatures, increasing nutrient availability in streams, and increasing stream function by reconnecting floodplains.

Working with private landowners is an important component of this project. For beavers that are negatively impacting landowners with their activities, the project team helps to relocate the beavers to streams where their work is welcome.

The project team provides a facility for short-term housing of beavers while sites are carefully prepared for their release. Release sites are monitored to measure the success of the reintroduction program. To evaluate long-term progress and results, stream temperatures and discharge are also being monitored.

For more information about this project, visit the Methow Beaver Project website methowsalmon.org/beaverproject.html .