Huh, what do you know. There are some nice things to say about beavers in Michigan this morning. This from the River Huron Watershed Council. Congratulations and go figure.
A keystone species at work in the watershed
Flooding caused by beaver dams creates a diverse array of habitats that support insects, waterfowl, fish, and amphibians. For this reason, beavers are also considered a keystone species because their presence in an area can enhance biodiversity and promote the success of other plants and animals in the ecosystem.
Beaver dams provide other benefits to ecosystems such as erosion control and pollution filtration. Slower flow, coupled with higher water levels upstream, allow pollutants to be filtered slowly through vegetation and breakdown over time. This slower flow also prevents excess sediments from washing into the creek, which can harm aquatic species and contain fertilizers and other chemical contaminants.
That’s a pretty good summation, council. I’m not accustomed to reading very nice things about beavers from your state. It’s a good look for you.
Beaver dams provide downstream benefits as well. The ponds provide a steady supply of water to downstream reaches in dry periods, as water stored upstream of the dam in rainier seasons is released slowly over time. Such changes to river hydrology and the local landscape can occur rapidly when there are beavers present―the “busy beaver” as they say, can build a dam overnight
Of course they can. They are no slackers. And you with all your clam rakes and back hoes you can still barely keep up with us. And that’s the way we like it. Believe me.
Despite the beaver’s contributions to ecosystem diversity, beavers are considered a nuisance in some places. Beaver dams can cause flooding and damage to homes, businesses, and roads. In some small creeks, dams can cut downstream flow to a trickle. Historically, “problem” beavers were exterminated. However, these days efforts are often made to relocate beavers to natural areas where their dam building can contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of our local ecosystems. In the Huron River watershed, beavers are currently very active in Hudson Mills Metropark along the Huron River, where the results of their tree felling are apparent near the walking path. HRWC has also received reports of beavers near Burns-Stokes Preserve, Huron Meadows Metropark, on the river in Huron Township, and in Wixom Habitat Park (Norton Creek, Oakland County). It is exciting to see this iconic rodent back at it in the Huron. An integral part of Michigan’s past, the beaver is once again a part of the watershed’s bright future.
You better believe it mister.
