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 and canoe surveys have identified critical stands of cottonwoods for targeted wrapping. Building on the work done in Year 6, the work in Year 7 included identifying high quality wildlife trees or cottonwood stands for wrapping using the CWSP wetland mapping. 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 evidence of beaver activity.

Keywords: riparian; cottonwood; beaver

Authors:

Organization: Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners

Category: Beavers & Cottonwoods

Focal Area: Columbia Wetlands

Resource Type: Report

Year: 2026