Using beaver to restore streams is rapidly gaining acceptance as a cost-effective technique to improve aquatic habitat, especially for salmonids. Regulatory and institutional obstacles are being reduced or removed as scientific advances continue to demonstrate that beaver can restore stream habitat far more effectively, and at a much lower cost, than many traditional stream restoration approaches.

In early 2015, five 1-day workshop symposiums for the beta release of a state-of-the-science manual regarding the use of beaver to restore streams. These workshops were part of a 2013 NPLCC funded project with Portland State University and USFWS and were for practitioners, reviewers, funders, landowners, land managers and regulators. Workshops were interactive with the audience as presenters walked through the manual and described its use to facilitate the restoration of streams. Presenters provided assessment tools for determining how, where, and when to use beaver in stream restoration. Also included was a discussion of the regulatory process and how to maximize the probability of successfully obtaining permits.

As a leader in aquatic habitat restoration, your feedback on this document is very important to us and necessary to create an effective tool for restoration using beaver.

2015 Workshop Locations and Dates were:
• Everett, Washington, January 14th
• Portland, Oregon, January 21st and 22nd
• Weed, California, February 12th
• Juneau, Alaska, April 14th

Useful Links:
ODFW Guidelines for Relocation of Beaver in Oregon
Tulalip Tribe Beaver Relocation Project
More photos from Tulalip Beaver Restoration Project
Methow Valley Beaver Project
NOAA Fisheries: Working with Beaver to Restore Salmon Habitat
NPLCC Blog on the workshops
Climate Change Adaptation and Beaver Management Team Report