How Beavers, Nature’s Ecosystem Engineers, Can Combat Climate Change

In Minnesota, beavers are often seen as a hassle. They chew through trees and build dams that can flood roads and block drainage systems. However, scientists are discovering that beavers actually play a crucial role in our environment. Their dams help slow water flow, create wetland habitats, and even reduce the risk of wildfires.

Emily Fairfax, a researcher at the University of Minnesota, explains, “People usually see beavers as pests because they change the landscape so much. But they’re just as important for the ecosystem as we are.” They can reshape their surroundings in ways that benefit many other species.

A new stream channel at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory in Minneapolis will allow researchers like Fairfax to study beaver dams in more depth. With over 100,000 beaver dams in Minnesota, understanding their function is vital. “We know a lot about human-made dams, but very little about how beaver dams work,” she says. This knowledge is important for managing local floods and pollution.

Beavers not only build dams but also dig canals that spread water across the landscape. This helps filter out harmful nutrients and keeps plants healthy. Their wetlands often resist burning during wildfires, offering safe spaces for many wildlife species.

Fairfax emphasizes their commitment: “Beavers are always fixing their homes because their survival depends on it. They need water to thrive.” Their wetlands provide habitats for fish and birds, while also holding excess water during storms or droughts.

Despite their ecological benefits, the public perception of beavers is changing slowly. Andy Riesgraf, also at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, notes that states like California have initiated beaver restoration projects to combat wildfires and water shortages. “In the West, adding more water to the landscape is a necessity due to the increasing frequency of mega fires,” he explains. “Minnesota hasn’t fully embraced this idea yet.”

To mitigate issues with beavers, experts are focusing on non-lethal solutions. These include installing fences or devices to regulate water levels around sensitive areas. Fairfax highlights the importance of learning to coexist: “We both want to control the water. We just need to find ways to work together without conflict.”

The outdoor beaver stream at the St. Anthony Falls Lab will open for research next fall. Visitors can learn how beavers can help address climate change. Fairfax hopes this will change mindsets: “Beavers help us more than we realize. They are the original engineers, shaping our environment in sustainable ways.”

Historically, beaver populations in North America plummeted during the fur trade, bringing them close to extinction. Though their numbers are recovering, they are far from what they once were. Fairfax, who previously worked as a nuclear engineer, finds parallels between human and beaver engineers. Both use similar principles to manage water flow.

“Beavers are one of the few species that can give us hope amidst climate crises. It’s simple: we just need to let them do their job,” Fairfax adds, capturing the essence of their importance in our ecosystems.

Read more about Minnesota’s beaver research at MPR News.

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