WWRC 94-08
Beaver: Water Resources and Riparian Manager
Summary and Recommendations
Beavers play a key role in riparian habitat management by increasing and improving water quality and quantity, fish and wildlife habitat, forage quantity and quality for
livestock grazing, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic values for nonconsumptive
resource use. Where conflicts with human interests occur, beavers can be a liability.
Each site occupied by beavers calls for different management with a multitude of
physical, chemical, biological, and social constraints. Therefore, management has to be
specific for each site where beavers prevail.
Unlimited beaver populations can be detrimental to riparian habitats. Likewise,
removing beavers completely from an area can eliminate a natural component of an
ecosystem that is important to many species of animals and plants. Management
cannot embrace total protection or reduction of beaver populations, but discretionary
management that promotes adequate harvest where conflict occurs or protection where
habitat enhancement is needed for other multiple uses.
Proper beaver management is an emotional and difficult issue for natural resource managers, farmers, ranchers, and others who are interested in the aesthetic
values of riparian habitats. Beaver management should be used to enhance water
resources and riparian habitat according to site-specific management objectives.
Landowners should consult local representatives of the University of Wyoming Agricultural Extension Service and Wyoming Game and Fish Department for assistance in
developing management plans for beavers on their land.
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