When European colonists arrived in North America, they discovered a land with as many as 400 million beavers. It’s reported that an estimated 250 million beaver ponds existed in North America’s waterways, turning free-flowing creeks into fertile wetlands.
In the early 1600s, fur trappers pillaged the continent’s streams and shipped millions of pelts to Europe to be turned into fashionable felt hats. It wasn’t until the 20th century that conservationists began to help beavers recover. As the beavers have now rebounded, it’s been discovered that beaver-constructed water features address multiple environmental problems from drought, pollution, biodiversity, and climate change. Here are some of the ways beavers help support the ecosystem. Filtering Pollution Beaver dams and pools reduce soil erosion and retain sediment, which absorbs and filters out pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and fertilizers. This improves the quality of water downstream that could be used by humans and other animal species. Preventing Floods While it is true that some beaver dams can sometimes contribute to flooding, they can also store water during periods of drought as well as slow down the movement of water from land to river systems, preventing more serious floods and potential financial damage to lands down streams. Adapting to Climate Change Beavers may help, to some extent, in terms of the climate mitigation side. This is because organic sediment settling in beaver ponds takes carbon with it and contains it. Also, beaver ponds promote increased vegetation, creating richer ecosystems that can store more carbon. Sustaining Salmon Salmon are vital to the Northwest’s ecosystems, including Native American cultures, and beavers are important to salmon. Beavers create deep, cool pools and slow water side channels where salmon can rest, feed, and find shelter from predators. Benefiting birds Beaver ponds provide habitats for multiple species, from boreal toads to otters, and even trout. However, some of the most important beneficiaries are birds. Wood ducks breed in beaver wetlands, swans’ nest on top beaver lodges, and flycatchers and other birds perch in willows irrigated by rising groundwater. To many people, beavers are seen as a nuisance due to their quote-on-quote, “destructive” nature. However, did you know that biologists classify beavers as a keystone species?
Beaver ponds create wetlands, which are among the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world. They increase the plant, bird, and wildlife variety. They also improve the water quality and have the potential to raise salmon and trout populations. That means that beavers support thousands of other species. How is this possible? Beavers open up the tree canopy as they fell trees, allowing sunlight to reach the water. This sunlight triggers a lot of biological activity. Algae and aquatic plants grow in this sun-drenched and nutrient-rich water. The organic material supports tiny, microscopic organisms, which are consumed by multiple different invertebrates. These species become food for fish, birds, and other mammals. With the help of beaver ponds, an entire food chain is able to exist. In the short term, it may seem that beavers could cause potential harm to forests, but the truth is that in the long term, this is untrue. Many tree species can regrow after being cut down by beavers, and others rely on the rise and flow of water from dams to spread and germinate their seeds. Beavers also increase the amount of surface water in the forest, which reduces the likelihood of detrimental forest fires. Indeed, beavers have gained infamy for killing trees, but beaver dams also create very diverse habitats. Grasses, bushes, sedges, and saplings are able to grow around the perimeter of the pond, providing food and shelter for foraging animals. Beaver ponds are also attractive to multiple varieties of wildlife. Important game species such as duck, muskrat, mink, otter, and vulnerable fish such as rainbow smelt, steelhead, and salmon. Biodiversity is able to thrive due to beaver ponds. Not to mention beaver dams also provide protection for downstream spawning areas from sedimentation, creating cool, deep pools that help support salmon and trout populations. Beaver dams also improve water quality by functioning as natural sponges that store runoff water, slowly releasing it and reducing downstream flooding and erosion. Algae and plants that thrive in the pond help improve water quality by absorbing dissolved nutrients, processing wastes, and removing runoff toxins such as pesticides and fertilizers. While beavers are often regarded as pests, the truth is that there isn’t a species out there that better benefits watersheds. While they sometimes present challenges to humans, there are ways to live with beavers without disrupting the many benefits they provide to their habitats. Flow devices, for example, can control problematic flooding without removing the environmental rewards provided by beavers. Let’s take another look at the benefits of beavers:
Alberta has seven major watersheds, also called basins: the Hay River Basin, Peace/Slave River Basin, Athabasca, Beaver, North Saskatchewan, South Saskatchewan, and Milk.
A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common body of water, like a wetland, river, or lake. They come in many shapes and sizes and cross into national and international borders. Here are some facts about Alberta’s major watersheds. The Hay River The Hay River flows into east Alberta and into the Hay-Zama Lakes region. From there, the river continues to flow east and is joined by the Chinchaga River. The Hay River then begins to flow north for approximately 702 kilometres before discharging into the western basin of the Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories. The Peace/Slave River The Peace and Slave River Water Basin is the largest water basin in Alberta. The Peace River starts in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, and then flows into Alberta. The river flows into the northeast across the province, through the town of Peace River before emptying into the Slave River. The Slave River is a tributary to the Makenzie River, which is the longest river in Canada. The Peace and Slave River Basin includes inflows from Wapiti, Smoky, Little Smoky, and Wabasca rivers, and many others. The Athabasca River The Athabasca River starts at the Columbia Glacier in Jasper National Park. It travels approximately 1500 kilometres northeast across Alberta and drains into Lake Athabasca in the northeast. The Lake Athabasca flows into the Slave River, joining the Makenzie River, and eventually flowing into the Arctic Ocean. The Athabasca River Basin is approximately 159,000 kilometres, which is 24 per cent of Alberta’s landmass. The river is fed by ten smaller watersheds, also known as sub-watersheds, that eventually flow into the Athabasca River. They include McLeod, Pembina, La Biche, Lesser Slave, and Clearwater. The Beaver River The Beaver River is a large river located in east-central Alberta as well as central Saskatchewan. The Beaver River has a catchment area of approximately 14,500 kilometres and drains into the lake system Lac La Biche County. The North/South Saskatchewan River The North Saskatchewan River flows from the Canadian Rockies and divides east to central Saskatchewan. It then joins the South Saskatchewan River, making up the whole of the Saskatchewan River. It then flows into the Hudson Bay. The South Saskatchewan River begins where the Oldman and Bow Rivers come Together close to Grassy Lake, Alberta. The Milk River watershed The Milk River watershed is located in the southern-most part of Alberta. It’s known for its dry climate, landscape and diverse plant and wildlife. The Milk River is the only watershed in Alberta that drains south and into the Gulf of Mexico. The Milk River watershed is shared between Alberta, the province of Saskatchewan and the state of Montana in the U.S. It’s up to everyone to ensure that Alberta’s watersheds are well protected and healthy for our communities and those to come. For more information on how you can support Alberta’s watersheds, see paddlealberta.org. Alberta’s lakes are a marvelous sight to see, but did you know the province has over 600 freshwater lakes and over 200 rivers? That’s a lot of water and plenty of fun to be had during the hot and humid summers that grace the province.
The waters of Alberta are the home of plentiful wildlife while also providing many activities for the people who live here. Whether you want to fish, swim, kayak or just enjoy the view, here are just a few of Alberta’s mighty and amazing lakes that dot the province: Lake Louise – Banff National Park Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most well-known lakes, as well as one of the most photo-worthy and scenic lakes in Alberta. The beautiful glacier-fed waters are known for their turquoise hue and being surrounded by the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Perfect for postcards, social media or just enjoying the sights quietly with your friends, this lake is a sight to see. Perfect for canoeing, these glassy waters are even more amazing if you view them from above on one of the hiking trails. Once winter falls, the lake freezes and becomes a perfect place to cross-country ski. While it might look like a great place to take a swim, these waters stay cold year-round. Thanks to glacial melting, the waters are frigid and not ideal for a casual dip. There’s plenty of wildlife in the area such as moose, bears, cougars and elk who consider the Lake Louise region their home. On the 60 km stretch of highway between the town of Banff and Lake Louise, you’re likely to see a variety of wildlife. However, due to the dangers of roadkill, Parks Canada not only installed kilometres of fencing but also multiple corridors above and below the highway to give critters safe passage. Pyramid Lake – Jasper National Park Pyramid Lake is a sight you absolutely must see if you take a trip to Alberta. A kidney-shaped lake that sits at the base of Pyramid Mountain, this body of water has just about everything you could possibly need. Calm water, beautiful mountain views, and some of the most stunning beaches in Alberta. There is an accessible bridge that allows for wheelchairs and strollers that can take you straight to the picnic-perfect Pyramid Island. It’s a great way to catch views of the local birds, fish the waters, see the stars and kayak. Unlike the last lake, Pyramid Lake is plenty warm enough for a nice summer swim. It empties into the Athabasca River via Pyramid Creek. There are several hiking and mountain biking trails that connect the lake to the town. Abraham Lake – David Thompson Country One of Alberta’s man-made lakes is best known for its unique jade colour waters, although many prefer to visit it in the winter. Why may you ask? That’s because Abraham Lake holds a phenomenon where trapped methane causes frozen bubbles to form beautiful the lake’s surface, creating an amazing sight indeed. Walking or skating on the ice is so popular in the winter that many consider it one of Alberta’s top bucket list must-dos. Abraham Lake was created in 1972 along with the construction of the Bighorn Dam. The lake was built on the upper course of the North Saskatchewan River and along the lines of David Thompson Highway. There are hundreds of lakes across Alberta’s landscape, this is just a snapshot of a few marvels the province has to offer. Hopefully, this piece gave you a little extra knowledge and a reason to check them out for yourself. Alberta’s wetlands are an important resource for its environmental, social and economic wellbeing. Like all ecosystems, Alberta’s wetlands are interconnected to the environment around it, meaning what happens here could have far-reaching effects.
In this blog, we’re going to explore the reasons why it's so important for all of us as a collective to keep Alberta’s wetlands healthy and intact. The Wetlands on the Prairies The prairie wetlands of Alberta, often called potholes, sloughs and marshes are found primarily in the settled areas of the province. They make up about 2 per cent of Alberta’s landscape, covering approximately 1.1 million hectares. Despite the fact that these wetlands have continued to support biodiversity, studies show that 64 per cent of Alberta’s wetlands in settled areas has been lost. The specific ecosystems of the prairie pothole and aspen parkland regions of Alberta have special significance. The Northern Leopard frog calls the wetlands home, it’s where they feed, breed and hibernate during the colder seasons. This is important because populations of the Northern Leopard frog have been greatly reduced in areas of Alberta. However, thanks to efforts to preserve the wetlands have made it possible for their local populations to rebuild. Heading further south to the Milk River and Cypress Hills regions in Alberta, several wetland and upland habitat conservation efforts are targeting landscapes important to the survival of the northern pintail duck. Northern pintail duck populations in Alberta have seen an approximately 71 per cent reduction in numbers since the early 1970s. The wetlands in Alberta are a vital element of their survival. The Wetlands in the boreal forest Also called peatlands, wetlands located in the boreal forest are extremely important. Peatlands can include bogs and fens, which resemble marsh-like wetlands. Peatlands are located in west central and northern areas of the province, covering 10,300,000 hectares or 16.3 per cent of Alberta’s land. Peatlands provide essential wildlife habitats and support hundreds of species of plants, including at-risk species. These ecosystems are productive breeding grounds for various species of birds and other mammals. In times of drought in the prairie region, these peatlands provide refuge for migratory birds, and although they don’t live there year-round, these wetlands provide them a place where they can survive these droughts. The importance of Alberta’s wetlands for wildlife and plantlife Wetlands play an important role in improving the quality and quantity of water supplies, as well as providing valuable wildlife habitats. These wetlands support birds and fish that predatory species rely on for their food supply. Several hawk species, foxes, coyotes – all utilize wetlands to find sources of food. There are two types of wetlands in Alberta: Peatlands include bogs and fens, which are characterized by their peat-based soil and exist in mostly forested northern areas of the province. Bogs are poorly drained and filled with mats of peat moss, which makes them acidic. They are typically surrounded by boreal forest black spruce and tamarack trees. Fens are a unique feature of the boreal region, they are a type of peatland that has some flowing water, which can cause patterns through the peat masses. They are far less acidic than bogs and can support different flora and fauna. Fens tend to be surrounded by sedges, grasses, shrubs and tamarack trees. Non-Peatlands Non-peatlands consist predominantly of marshes, ponds, swamps and shallow, open water. They are found primarily in the more settled parkland and prairie regions of the southern half of Alberta. Marshes (or sloughs) are open areas of slow-moving water dominated by plants like reeds, cattails and grasses. Ponds are shallow open water that typically don’t have obvious rates of flowing water and contain aquatic plants like duckweed and water lilies. Swamps are forested ponds with little water flow that are fed primarily by spring floods and melting snow. They are usually surrounded by shrubs and trees like willow, spruce and tamarack. Alberta wetlands need to be conserved to ensure that all life impacted by it can be preserved. For more information, see Alberta.ca on more about the province’s wetlands. Beavers are making their presence known in a remote corner of Alaska. Historically unheard of in the Kotzebue area, beavers started appearing with more consistency during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Now, beaver dams, ponds and lodges are seen to the point that “scientists found that the number of beaver dams surged from two in 2002 to 98 in 2019, a 5,000% jump. And it’s not just Kotzebue: Beaver ponds doubled regionally since 2000, with 12,000 in northwestern Alaska now,” according to a recent High Country News article.
The population of furry “ecosystem engineers” are altering the tundra, a point that is noticeable on satellite imaging of the area. The northward migration of the beaver is indicative of climate change: opportunities abound for them as the tundra warms, and becomes greener. Shrubs become available for dams, lodges and food. The population is also rebounding as beaver trapping becomes less fashionable. Beavers’ efforts on the tundra are noticeable enough to have been ranked as a “new disturbance” in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2021 Arctic Report Card, which tracks shifts in the region. The warmer and deeper ponds created by damming rivers are paving the way for new types of aquatic habitat. Ken Tape, an ecologist studying beaver expansion at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, noted that as beavers work their way further into the Arctic, it will never be the same again. Even 80 miles to the east in the community of Selawik, beaver handiwork is blocking hunting access even when hunters attempt to use boats. Sloughs and massive dams make prove difficult to navigate. “If you tear up part of a dam or a beaver igloo, they’ll come right back and fix it up again,” Ralph Ramoth Jr. told High Country News. “They’re just busy beavers.” Pastor Lance Kramer is among those who believe that beavers aren’t creating a better or worse tundra — but rather a different one, and one that proves a boon to habitat diversity. “They’ve enhanced our land in an incredible way when they do come up,” Kramer said. “They make lakes and ponds and bigger sloughs, which makes for more moose, ducks, waterfowl and muskrat.” Environmental impacts and beaver activity will continue to be monitored by scientists. Scientists will continue to monitor beaver activity and its possible environmental impacts. Still, according to the article one pivotal question is still unanswered: Will beavers accelerate climate change in the region? “The pools of water that their dams create are warmer than the surrounding soil, and that could thaw permafrost and release carbon and methane greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,” according to the article. Christina Schädel, a professor who studies permafrost at Northern Arizona University noted that it is worth investigating since beavers could possibly be a player. Though not in the legal sense, the European beaver trial was no doubt a major development in the lives of the furry and clever creatures. Beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK in the early 1500s, with only a few stalwart groups remaining in Europe by the 1900s. The cards were essentially stacked against beavers: they were easy to catch, good to eat and their dense yet soft fur could be used for clothing and hats.
Thanks to consumption of willow trees, their glands were filled with salicylic acid, regarded as a cure-all during mediaeval times. A single gland could be worth an entire year’s wages for workers during that time. Now, the keystone species is being regarded as a means to combat global warming and assist with drought and flooding issues, not to mention contributing important wetland habitats for the benefit of a number of species: birds, insects, fish and frogs. So, in August of 2020, beavers were provided official permission by the British government to remain in their home of Devon after a five-year introductory trial. Notably, this marked the first legally sanctioned reintroduction of an extinct native mammal to England. In August 2020, the first beavers to live in England for centuries were given official permission by the government to remain in their home in Devon after a five-year reintroduction trial. This was the first legally sanctioned reintroduction of an extinct native mammal to England. Widely viewed by experts as an integral part of the landscape, they were forced to extinction by human activity. “With the loss of a species comes the loss of balance within the ecosystem and ultimately a more vulnerable, less resilient, environment,” according to the article. The dominoes are, essentially, falling more quickly as climate change produces more extreme weather and river systems have become more restricted. There is a resulting biodiversity crisis. Beavers are now receiving the notice and credit they long-deserved as ecosystem engineers and are being regarded as a possible solution to some problems. Now, they have been brought back thanks to reintroduction plans in 27 European countries. Beavers have a remarkable ability to “restore and change degraded habitats, transforming small insignificant streams into cascading mosaics of dams, pools and wetlands.” These habitats help to alleviate flooding, increase biodiversity, improve water quality, and for improved community engagement. Some findings from the trials demonstrate the power and influence beavers have on the natural world and how they can help the land and water quality in numerous ways. In 2009, the Scottish Wildlife Trust released the first wild beavers to step foot on that land in about 400 years, in Knapdale Forest, Argyll. They got to work, temporarily increasing the water storage in the larger lochs, which elevated and stabilised water levels in small lochs, which reduced the impact of flooding downstream. The greatest influence was seen in a small pond called Dubh loch where a dam caused a rise in water level of 1.1m, reduced the rate of water flow out of the pond and alleviated flooding of the local area. The beavers’ handiwork also increased the habitat diversity of the site and provided more places for different species. The project was regarded as so successful that the Scottish Government was persuaded to allow beavers to remain and granted the species legally protected status. |
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