wow ! really great and interesting work !

i've wondered about protection of beaver for restoration purposes along watersheds afflicted with desertification of mesic-meadows and lowered streams resulting in willow degeneration. unfortunately, in a lot of places in Idaho beaver are considered to compete with other water and forage uses so we see a lot of trapping and otherwise removal.

this abandoned system is along wet creek in the lost river mountains of central Idaho. I am wondering whether anyone familiar with beaver would know whether stream contamination of bacteria and protozoa from livestock discourage beaver activity ? there was plenty of willow throughout the system though regeneration was implicated by a lot of livestock activity. if anyone has any idea about beavers' reaction i would appreciate it much !

it's incredible to consider the contribution of beaver to species up and down the watersheds ~ below this system hosts endangered bull trout. the dams help keep sediment out. then consider the habitat given promotion of willow etc... unfortunately it looks like this system might not make it through spring...