Beaver-Based Restoration — BCWF’s 10,000 Wetlands Project
In early 2023, the B.C. Wildlife Federation launched 10,000 Wetlands, an ambitious project focused on beaver-based restoration. The 10,000 Wetlands project is designed to address environmental challenges in a changing climate by installing 100 Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) across the province. By partnering with First Nations, environmental NGOs, and government entities our overall aim is to kickstart the creation and restoration of over 10,000 wetlands province-wide by mimicking and promoting beaver establishment. The BCWF’s 10,000 Wetlands project is a significant step forward in the Federation’s overall efforts to restore and enhance wetland ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and improve watershed resilience through nature-based solutions.
Beaver-based restoration is a form of low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR), an approach that works with natural processes to heal degraded streams and wetlands. Instead of using heavy equipment or expensive infrastructure, LTPBR uses simple, locally sourced materials—like wood, rock, and vegetation—to mimic natural features and encourage self-sustaining ecosystem recovery. By focusing on process over design and nature over machinery, LTPBR offers a practical and scalable solution for restoring watershed health across British Columbia.
10,000 Wetland Project Summaries
2024 — Gordon Creek Enhancement Project
2024 — Spius Creek Tributary Enhancement Project
2024 — Sekw’el’was Traditional Territory Stream Enhancement Project
2024 — Voght Creek Enhancement Project
2024 — Earl Ranch Enhancement Project
2024 — McIntyre Wetland Enhancement Project
Beavers and Wildfire
This video, by Emily Fairfax, showcases how beavers’ natural engineering skills play a vital role in climate resilience.
When a beaver constructs a dam across a stream, it creates a sizable pond. From this pond, the beaver carves out an intricate network of channels, which it uses to navigate and transport materials. As the water spreads out, it transforms the landscape into thriving wetlands. These wetlands boost biodiversity, enhance drought resistance, and even reduce the risk of wildfires.
BCWF’s Beaver-Based Restoration in Action
Learn More
Beaver Co-Existence Resources
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