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Beaver dam in a stream through Fifer Gulch in western Montana

  • Elissa Chott/National Wildlife Federation

    • Case Study

    Beaver Conflict Resolution

    Beaver-modified habitats play an important role in managing droughts and flooding, which are predicted to become more severe with climate change. Encouraging more beaver-dammed areas will increase water storage on the landscape, improve water quality by increasing water depth and reducing stream temperatures, and increase nutrient availability in the water.

    Location Clark Fork River, Montana
    Year
    2024

    Details

    Hazards
    Drought
    Shifting Species, Habitats, and Ecosystems
    Assets
    Aquatic and Marine Resources
    Natural Areas and Wildlife
    People
    Water Infrastructure – General
    Sources
    USFWS—U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    Read the Full Case Study

    Funding & Building Capacity

    This project was funded by Defenders of Wildlife, Montana Freshwater Partners, Sacajawea Audubon Society, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

    Additional Resources

    NWF Beaver Conflict Resolution Program

    Organizations

    USFWS—U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

    Relevant Options

    Revise and update land acquisition priorities in a regional setting to protect, preserve and enhance water storage. Promote resilient land management practices, including range management practices that increase water retention. Increased water retention can enhance soil moisture, ground water and healthy ecosystems. Develop a program to remove invasive plants to avoid competition during extreme drought or wet periods.

    Steps to Resilience

    Get Started
    Understand Exposure
    Assess Vulnerability & Risk
    Investigate Options
    Prioritize & Plan
    Take Action
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