Beavers are known for their ability to directly shape the landscape. They dam waterways to create ponds for swimming, foraging, lodging, and protection against predators. These dams also create habitat for other wildlife, including juvenile salmon that can use these spaces to forage and hide from predators.

Beavers and their habitat also have the potential to play an important role in climate resilience. As our rainy season becomes dominated by more intense storms, beaver ponds can help store water from heavy rains and reduce flood impacts. As the water in these ponds filters down, it helps recharge groundwater too. This increase in water storage can also help keep streams running that might otherwise go dry in the summer.

While beavers benefit the ecosystem as a whole, there can still be complications that come with these industrious little neighbors. Snohomish Conservation District can help landowners manage their property in ways that allow both beavers and humans to live together.

If beaver activity is causing issues on your property in Snohomish County or on Camano Island, contact us to assess the possibility of a management option that will reduce conflict and allow beavers to remain on-site.

We can help you:
- assess your beaver situation and identify management options
- develop a beaver management plan
- obtain permits for beaver management work
- install beaver management devices like exclusion fences for culverts or other structures
- install protective tree caging
- install native wetland plants along beaver ponds