Today marks the launch of the Mid-Willamette Beaver Partnership (MWBP) website: mwbeaverpartnership.org. This new resource provides practical tools for community members and natural resource professionals interested in beaver-related restoration and conflict mitigation.

Beavers play a significant role in watershed health. A single dam can retain over 1.1 million gallons of surface water and support the storage of an estimated 6.7 million gallons below ground. Their natural engineering improves water quality and quantity, and enhances resilience to drought and wildfire.

The website offers useful information and resources for:

• Tree protection techniques that can reduce loss and damage
• Pond levelers and culvert exclusion devices to manage flooding and risk to infrastructure 
• Habitat enhancement strategies to attract beavers
• Educational resources on the benefits of beaver activity

As a partner in MWBP, the South Santiam Watershed Council (SSWC) has installed beaver coexistence devices, including pond levelers and culvert excluders, across the watershed. These interventions allow beaver populations to persist while reducing negative impacts on roads, culverts, and private lands.

The website incorporates input from over 450 individuals representing a variety of local interests; input was gathered through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Case studies from throughout the region demonstrate how coexistence strategies have been successfully implemented across a range of settings.

The site also provides information about recent policy changes, including House Bill 3464 (2023), which reclassifies beavers on private lands from “predators” to “furbearers,” and encourages non-lethal management approaches.

If you’re a landowner in the South Santiam Watershed and are interested in learning more about beaver coexistence or exploring restoration strategies that incorporate beaver activity, we encourage you to explore the resources available at mwbeaverpartnership.org or reach out to our Ecological Projects Coordinator, Tyrell Styhl. Whether you're navigating challenges like flooding, culvert maintenance, or tree damage, or are curious about how beavers can support habitat and water quality goals, SSWC can provide site-specific guidance and help assess options for coexistence or restoration on your property.

Happy Beaver Day!

Contact:
Tyrell Styhl
t.styhl@sswc.org | 541.735.4987