Beavers play a critical role in preserving riparian environments and mitigating the effects of climate change in the western United States. The Estes Valley Watershed Coalition is working to repair the Fish Creek beaver meadow in Estes Park, CO following severe flooding in 2013. Our team assisted the EVWC by performing site observations and installing trail cameras to monitor the beaver habitat, producing an initial assessment to inform the direction of restoration efforts. We determined that there is likely only one beaver inhabiting the site, identified foraging locations and resource preferences, and assessed the impact of other species. Our team recommends continued monitoring, revegetation, and fencing to support the beaver population and promote the long-term health of the ecosystem.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Manger, Charles
• McMahon, Sean
• Pan, Michelle
• Fernandez, Joshua
• Beskid, Michael

Subject

• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Environment
• Water
• Project-Based Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050222-161523
• 67231

Keyword

• Hydrology
• Riparian Corridor
• Wetlands
• Trail Camera
• Beaver
• Climate Change

Advisor

• Hersh, Robert
• Giapoudzi, Despoina

Year

• 2022

Center

• Thessaloniki, Greece Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Estes Valley Watershed Coalition

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
• 13 - Climate Action

Date created

• 2022-05-02

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright