Beaver (Castor
canadensis) are currently repopulating the Oregon Coast
Range after more than a century of intense trapping. With the
reintroduction of beaver, the riparian areas of the Coast Range
are experiencing an increase in structural complexity. Damming
caused by beaver results in a patch type with characteristic
differences from the surrounding riparian areas. These differences
include soil characteristics, composition of the in-patch and
surrounding vegetation, and wildlife usage, among others. The
primary purpose of this study is to quantify and describe the
influence of beaver impoundment and foraging  behavior
on wetland and riparian plant community composition. In addition,
a goal is to determine if aerial photographs are an efficient
tool for locating beaver impoundments, and to determine whether
beaver demonstrate an affinity for recently clearcut stream
reaches.
For additional information about this completed research study
see the 2001
CFER Annual Report. (1.1 MB)
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