In Wyoming, McKinstry et al. surveyed public land managers to determine where beaver (Castor canadensis) were active, absent, and used for stream management. Using that data, the authors then determined the effects of beaver on wetland habitat and waterfowl populations through direct measurements in the field. According to land managers, beaver are present in 58% of the streams in the state and managers believed that 3,500 km of stream habitat within the state would benefit from increased beaver populations. Streams with active beaver populations and ponds had three times as much wetland habitat area and greater, and more diverse, waterfowl populations than streams without beaver. A successful beaver reintroduction program in the state (at 13 sites) has been highly supported and has created wetland habitat that can be used by wildlife and waterfowl populations in Wyoming.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.