Conclusion
Competition is increasing
between communities and groups for
water, a limited resource. It is time to
systematically and rapidly restore the
stability, complexity, and water retention
capability of stream and riparian
ecosystems. Beavers are key to this
restoration.
For beavers to successfully aid us in
restoring watershed vibrancy, stability,
and complexity, we must first begin to
restore riparian woody vegetation (beaver
food and building materials) to stream
banks, where this is in short supply. In
addition, we must change beaver trapping
regulations to provide them, and their
wetlands, with greater protection.