Description:
This subproject by Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners (CWSP) focuses on monitoring and mitigating the impact of beavers on cottonwood/aspen stands throughout the Columbia Wetlands and includes the installation of wire guards on important cottonwood trees as well as assessment/repair of past wire guards on trees. Previously completed wetland mapping has identified critical stands of cottonwoods for targeted surveying. Building on the work done in Year 5, the work in Year 6 included assessing beaver activity along the Columbia Wetlands via canoe and identifying high quality wildlife trees or cottonwood stands for future wrapping. Mature cottonwoods with existing nest structures or evidence of wildlife use were prioritized, as well as stands with multiple mature trees and younger recruitment trees. All identified stands showed significant evidence of beaver activity. Previously installed wire guards were assessed on trees near Radium, Brisco, Parson, and Golden.

Keywords: riparian; cottonwood; beaver

Authors:

Organization: Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners

Category: Beavers & Cottonwoods

Focal Area: Columbia Wetlands

Resource Type: Report

Year: 2025