In mid-July, our team under the leadership of Jen Rogers, BCWF’s Beaver Restoration Assessment Lead, embarked on the first few of 100 BDAs set to be built across the province over the next two years. To date, our beaver and fish habitat restoration teams have installed baseline monitoring equipment at 7 project locations across the province in preparation for our beaver dam analogue (BDA) builds. Collecting baseline data before our restoration work will help us better understand the effectiveness of our actions. Throughout the 2024 field season, we plan to build BDA structures (human-made beaver dams) at 5 of these sites. We are also focusing on continuing to identify priority locations for BDA installations next year.
The Gordon Creek site, near Merritt, B.C., experienced high levels of impact from the 2021 Lytton Creek Fire Complex, with most vegetation along the stream reach burned. As such, sections of the stream are in the early stages of channel incision and may become disconnected from their floodplains. The fire has contributed to a flashy stream system, with more frequent and severe high flow events and more pronounced summer low flow periods.
Our aim is for the installed BDAs to slow water velocity, promote sediment aggradation, and limit the potential for worsening channel incision. BDAs will also increase water residence time, supplementing flows during summertime lows. Other restoration actions will include planting deciduous species along the riparian corridor to support natural tree regeneration, increase soil and streambank stability, and potentially act as a food source to encourage future beaver establishment.
Thank you to our project partners, Nooaitch Indian Band and Lower Nicola Indian Band. Plus, a special thanks to the Government of British Columbia for their timely assistance in obtaining the necessary permits for this project.
About the 10,000 Wetlands project
This ambitious initiative, launched in 2023, aims to address environmental challenges in a changing climate by installing 100 BDAs across the province. By mimicking and promoting beaver establishment, we aim to create and restore over 10,000 wetlands province-wide. This project emphasizes knowledge-sharing and collaboration with partners, including First Nations, environmental NGOs, and government entities.
The 10,000 Wetlands project is a significant step forward in the BCWF’s efforts to restore and enhance wetland ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and improve watershed resilience through nature-based solutions.
Funders for the 10,000 Wetlands project include the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund and the Watershed Security Fund.
To learn more about our 10,000 Wetlands project, visit www.bcwfwatershedteam.ca/beaver-based-restoration/.
BCWF Watershed Team 
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