Using science and collaboration to achieve stream restoration

BLM’s mission and authorities require us to use the latest scientific research, data and findings to ensure lands and resources in our care are managed for generations to come. This is the next installment in a series of stories and videos spotlighting how the agency uses science to improve decision making.

For more than a decade, the BLM’s Cedar City Field Office has been restoring the riparian zone around Birch Creek in Beaver, Utah. After decades of cattle grazing, reduced water flow and lack of woody riparian species, Birch Creek required restoration. A large part of this restoration effort involved creating low-tech structures designed to mimic the natural benefits of beaver dams. By pooling water behind them and reducing stream flow rates, beaver dams enabled diverse plant and aquatic life to flourish along the creek. When beavers were trapped and removed decades ago and cattle browsed nearby riparian plants, Birch Creek devolved into a fast-flowing, narrow channel that was much less hospitable to native plants and aquatic species.

The hard work of BLM and its partners to reestablish these structures has made a dramatic impact on the watershed, resulting in improved water quality, ground water recharge, enhanced riparian habitat for fish and wildlife, and reduced erosion. This restoration project has been recognized with an award from the Western Division of the American Fisheries Society.

 

This story is part of the “Unleashing the Science” series, showcasing how bureaus within the Department of the Interior produce and apply science to ensure responsible management decisions for our planet now and for the future.