Beavers act as 'ecosystem engineers' in Alberta (video)

Photograph by: Crystal Schick, Calgary Herald

Beavers act as 'ecosystem engineers' in Alberta (video)

Greg Shyba and Lorne Fitch discuss the importance of beavers at the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area (ASCCA) located just southwest of Calgary, on May 15. The 4,800 acres of rolling foothills land was donated by Ann and Sandy Cross for the protection of wildlife habitat, such as beavers, and conservation education.

Watch video here:  http://bit.ly/SCyjO1

Look to the beaver for flood prevention, scientists say

Researchers are studying beavers at the Sibbald Research Wetland in Kananaskis Country to determine how they might impact flooding.
Photograph by: Courtesy CHERIE WESTBROOK , Calgary Herald

Look to the beaver for flood prevention, scientists say

By Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald, March 28, 2014

"...As the Alberta government looks at ways to mitigate against future floods, focusing on infrastructure such as diversion canals and dry dams, scientists suggest the province should also consider nature’s top engineer: the beaver.

But Nikki Booth, a spokeswoman for Alberta Environment, says the province isn’t considering any natural solutions.

“We’ve been focused on flood mitigation through infrastructure,” she said. “The nature piece and beavers specifically have not come up.”...

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1e1AIWY