Can you believe the election was two weeks ago? Me either. But lucky us, we got to see the new Beavers-without-borders film yesterday which was very well made but shorter than I expected, and we can still enjoy the failed efforts by Wildlife Defenders to stop Oregon from being stupid, which they decided to do anyway.

What Beavers Can Do for the Beaver State

“Beavers are one of nature’s super engineers, a species that many others depend on, including people,” said Kamal. “They’re one of the least celebrated keystone species but are largely responsible for creating and maintaining healthy aquatic habitat in Oregon and across the country.”

Known for building massive dams and altering or increasing stream flow, these large rodents are the species most credited with changing landscapes in North America, after humans. “Beavers are an important part of healthy wetland and forest ecosystems,” said Aaron Hall, Ph.D., an aquatic ecologist with Defenders of Wildlife who has managed beaver relocation projects and riparian habitat restoration projects throughout the Rocky Mountain region. “We consistently see incredible benefits that come from the presence of beavers, including an increase in available water quantity and quality, more carbon capture zones, wildfire breaks and dynamic wetland complexes.”   

Yes that’s true. But you voted to sell permits to kill them on federal lands, which is the kind of thoughtless, stubborn decision making we’ve come to expect from our state officials. Good job Oregon.

Many species depend on wetland habitats like those created and maintained by beavers. Freshwater fish find a more plentiful and diverse array of food in beaver ponds, and can use their deep water for shelter during winter. Migratory birds stop by beaver ponds for food and rest along their journey to and from summer breeding grounds. Reptiles and amphibians can spend much of their lives in beaver created wetlands and ponds. 

“In Oregon, at-risk species like coho salmon and red-legged frogs would benefit from more beavers on the landscape” said Hall. “Beavers that are protected are able to dramatically alter their environment and enhance habitat for many endangered and imperiled species.”

Well sure. But what fun would that be for those few trappers that like to go camping and teach their son to kill beavers in the great outdoors? Sorry Sristi, but ODFW is committed to its ignorance and can’t be dissuaded by science. 

Hey how about the fact that if you protect beavers you will have more fish and more ducks and can sell MORE hunting licenses? Self interest is our only truly renewable resource.

Well it’s truly dispiriting when people don’t know on which side their own bread is buttered. This short film documents some ecologists who are thrilled to have beavers back on their land in Cheshire. It’s refreshing to watch someone be happy about beavers for a change. Enjoy.

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