Beaver Relocation & Translocation Presentations & Panel Discussion

Beaver Relocation & Translocation Presentations & Panel Discussion
Presentations by Molly Alves (California Department of Fish & Wildlife), Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer (Beaver Trust), Sarah Milligan (Bandelier National Monument) & Gerhard Schwab (Bund Naturschutzin Bayern) with discussion from Nate Norman (USU Beaver Ecology and Relocations Center), Jason Remshardt & Rosalee Reese (Rio Grande National Forest) & Connor Born (Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project), moderated by Preston Brown (Boulder Watershed Collective)
Restoring beaver populations to watersheds is an undertaking focused on the technical scientific exploration of geomorphology, biology, and ecological and political due-diligence. While these elements are a primary component of beaver reintroduction and relocation, what often goes unseen however, is the closely coordinated and trusted partnerships and arrangements among a suite of regulatory agencies, landowners, tribes, non-profits, expert advisors, and funders that make it happen. The persistent behind-the-scenes work among committed partners and allies in the effort to release and reintroduce beavers is a story not often told but characterizes some of the most challenging and demanding elements of the work. Highlighting this behind-the-scenes structure will reveal what key roles, assignments, functions, and responsibilities are needed from a diverse group of disciplines for beaver reintroduction and restoration to be successful.
There are numerous beaver restoration efforts underway throughout the Country, each with slightly different goals, geographies, regulatory settings, and ecological outcomes. We will focus on exploring the different ways that groups from around the Country have developed their beaver programs over time, organized key partnerships, gauged success and failure, and understand how they’re adapting and planning for the future. We will host a speaker panel discussion and Q/A consisting of practitioners from Colorado’s Rio Grande National Forest Wet Meadows Restoration Project, Utah State University Beaver Ecology and Relocation Center, Tulalip Beaver Project in Washington, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This panel includes practitioners of beaver reintroduction and co-existence with diverse expertise in beaver biology, fisheries, hydrology, animal trapping and handling, regulatory compliance, animal disease, engineering, and public relations. Together, they will help reveal the less understood elements of beaver reintroduction and restoration by sharing their observations, experiences, opinions, and advice they can offer as they reflect on their programs and elaborate on the unique structures, partnerships, and collaborations leveraged together that have allowed them to be successful.