Beaver dam in a stream through Fifer Gulch in western Montana
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

Follow the link below to read the full case study from the FWS Conservation and Adaptation Resources Toolbox (CART) case study library:

Beaver Conflict Resolution in the Clark Fork Basin

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

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Relevant Options

Determine the economic impact of water management on critical elements of the economy, including agriculture, tourism and marine industries. Examine the effects of climate change and sea level rise on water availability and groundwater vulnerability to saltwater intrusion. Consider potential changes in precipitation and evapotranspiration Encourage soil management and planting and growing techniques that improve soil and plant health in response to climate change.

Steps to Resilience

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

Elissa Chott/National Wildlife Federation