Beaver and Healthy Riverscapes

Science Moab

While modern day river systems are highly engineered to efficiently move water, this is not necessarily a “healthy” condition. Joe Wheaton, a fluvial geomorphologist and Professor of Riverscapes at Utah State University, works to better understand the dynamics of fluvial environments and their subsequent management and restoration. We talk with Joe about his research on how the dam building activity of beaver can alter physical habitat for their own benefit as well as many other fauna and flora. This activity can also help create resiliency in a river corridor facing a warming climate.