Get reliable science

�Presentation abstract: Beavers are an integral part of the rangelands of North America, and are called nature�s engineers for good reason. Their industrious nature means they do a lot and their work also means they frequently create challenges which result in conflict with humans and our infrastructure. If we want to understand them, recognize their key role in riparian areas and watersheds, including water storage, flood attenuation, fish and wildlife habitat provision, we need to figure out how to live with them. To do so, a good starting point is to educate ourselves on the ecology and life history, as well as the science behind their behaviour. Subsequently, we can then better grasp the issues, challenges, options and alternatives for future possibilities of living with beaver. Beavers cheerfully ignore our property lines and often issues that arise are ones involving several landowners. Getting together, learning about beaver together and involving people with expertise provides more long lasting solutions, allowing us to solve collectively what we can�t individually. Our approach speaks to engendering a community response and a watershed approach. This presentation will highlight some of the beaver�s natural history and role they play in watershed resiliency while also showcasing some ways land managers and practitioners are working together to help increase tolerance of beavers with practical on-the-ground tools . Love �em or hate �em, we need to figure out how to live with them.