Mapping and Tracking Beavers in Tidal Marshes

Led by Gregory Hood, Skagit River System Cooperative.
Collaborators include the Tulalip Tribes

Until recently, biologists did not know beavers were found in tidal wetlands. Scientists are becoming more aware that to improve the recovery of juvenile salmon in tidal wetlands, tidal shrub and forest wetlands also need to be restored. However, to do that well and completely, we need more information about the role beavers play in engineering in tidal wetlands.

This project provides critical baseline information on tidal beaver ecology by mapping beaver dams, lodges, and scent mounds with RTK-GPS technology and GPS tags. The information gathered will help guide future studies on beavers and their role in tidal wetlands.