State Using Beavers To Help Restore California Wetlands
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – While they are small and furry, beavers could be key to restoring some of California's most at-risk watersheds.
State officials are already experimenting with artificial beaver dams in an effort to restore wetlands and recharge aquifers after four years of drought.
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Michael Pollock of the National Marine Fisheries Service Northwest Science Center, said beaver dams help ecosystems by increasing habitat areas for endangered fish, birds and other animals.
Pollock told KCBS putting actual beavers where they're placing these fake dams would be even better.
"The reality is that they are very cost effective and that they do a tremendous job of restoring wetlands and restoring habitat and streams," Pollock said. "So it's kind of a no-brainer."
The problem though, is trying to figure out which regions have enough beavers to spare, so that some could be moved.