How do beaver dams effect the local environment?

Beaver dams shape the environment by turning a stream/river into a wetland/lake. The picture I found online would be considered some serious work by these fury animals. If you want a fast moving river without any barriers, beaver dams would not be desirable. read more

If you want a fast moving river without any barriers, beaver dams would not be desirable. However, it does help create a diverse environment, allowing habitats for different animals. Due to the slower moving water, it would be more effective to remove nutrients or pollutants than fast running rivers or streams. read more

Additionally, beaver dams built away from natural river channels further redirect water across the valley, increasing the depth, extent, and duration of small floods. It would take a massive natural flood to reach these elevated levels without the help of beavers, the researchers suggest. read more

They include Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, the local environmental health department of Argyll and Bute Council and the University of Stirling. Research from elsewhere suggests that ponds and water pools created from beaver dams can have marked benefits on local water quality. read more