Beavers as Ecosystem Engineers: Impacts on Landscapes in the US West and Beyond

Explore the profound impact of beavers on ecosystems in this 53-minute AGU roundtable discussion. Discover how these natural engineers can restore river corridors, enhance landscape resilience to wildfires, and support biodiversity. Delve into the complexities of beaver reintroduction efforts across the United States, examining both the benefits and challenges. Learn from expert panelists as they discuss beaver-influenced landscapes, including their role in wildfire and drought resilience. Gain insights from a 5,000-year DNA record of beavers in Grand Teton National Park, and explore models predicting the effects of beaver reintroductions on Sierra Nevada hydrology. Investigate the potential of artificial beaver dams in landscape restoration. Join Emily Fairfax, Neve Baker, Jessie Moravek, and Christa Kelleher for an in-depth examination of beavers' ecological significance and their potential to shape the future of Western U.S. landscapes and beyond.