| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
T. Kaffanke Consulting Ltd. was contracted in 2015 to undertake a reconnaissance of several stream systems tributary to the Nechako River, in the Stuart Nechako Resource District, that have a history of beaver colonization. The primary goal was to identify areas where vegetation in the adjacent upland areas no longer supports beaver colonies, and where appropriate, develop prescriptions to promote restoration of suitable vegetation (mainly aspen). A secondary consideration was current management practices in riparian areas and whether harvest and silviculture could be used to manage for beavers. In short, by explicitly reserving certain streamside stands from disturbance, and by removing aspen from plantations within a critical distance of those streams, current practices do little to promote the habitat needs of this keystone species. Fortunately, effective changes in practices need not be expensive or in complete opposition to the concept of streamside reserves. This report briefly describes the type of stream system of interest, reviews ecosystem services provided by beavers, their habitat requirements, summarizes some observations from the reconnaissance, considers the apparent effects of current management practices, and offers thoughts on alternative practices that more closely mimic the natural cycle of vegetation development crucial to their presence in the landscape. Without resorting to a deep or extensive literature review, it is meant to foster a discussion amongst managers towards practices that will help assure the long term benefits of having beavers active in the landscape. |
