Stories of the Heartland - April 2026 | Page 31

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aquifers, which in turn, improves water quality, in what is known as a groundwater recharge.

As to beavers, Randy said they were once very common in Minnesota and throughout the United States. Historically, North America was home to about 300 million beavers before the 1700s. As a result, beaver ponds once covered about 10 % of the land, which is estimated to equal about 51 million acres. Back then, beavers were widespread in streams wherever wood and other food, such as leaves, twigs, buds of trees, aquatic plants and more, existed. As the beavers built dams in the streams, it shaped the ecology in the area and caused the environment to thrive.

“ There were almost as many beavers as there are people living here now. When we look at these streams now, you always see free flowing water and, in how they look, you know, that’ s not the way it used to be. Every stream where there was wood and food for the beavers had beaver dams,” he said..

After thousands of years, Randy said the area around those streams adapted to the presence of beaver dams, resulting in hundreds of animals and species to simply co-exist. That changed when commercial fur trapping became increasingly popular during the 1600-1800s, especially when the demand for felt hats accelerated in Europe. It resulted in the beaver population in North America becoming nearly extinct.

“ By 1900, fur trappers had removed around 99.97 % of their population,” he said.

Looking to history, Randy said small rivers and streams would have looked much different than what they appear like today. One stark difference would have been the reality

that nearly 300 million beavers would have dammed every creek with numerous dams and in multiple locations up and down each creek.

“ Our vision of open free running water is not a normal circumstance that we would have witnessed before trapping occurred,” he said.

In terms of ecological value, Randy said beaver ponds are compared to coral reefs and rainforests, as all species require water to live, but many species cannot live in moving water. As such, beaver ponds are ideal for many species since both environments are now available and the water is constantly being refreshed by inflowing water. Studies have also shown that creeks that are functioning without any beaver presence are doing so at a diminished capacity, he said.

“ Almost all creeks have been negatively impacted by removal of beavers. Reasoning for this is because all river species for thousands of years have lived in a community of coexistence with beavers and consequently have adapted to each other to a point where they become dependent on each other,” he said.

That concept, Randy said, is supported by a wide scientific community, for example The Beaver Restoration Handbook that was published in 2023 by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife, and has more than 30 other contributors, most of whom are with independent universities or government agencies.

One of the environmental advantages of beaver dams outlined in The Beaver Restoration Guidebook include that a beaver dam conserves water by increasing water retention and baseflows. By raising the surrounding water table from water that would have otherwise flowed downstream, the additional water will either replenish the aquifers or return to the creek during low flow times as baseflow when fish need it the most. It also conserves water by increasing the groundwater recharge. For example, Randy said, elevated water tables around the creek will increase nearby groundwater aquifer levels.

The water temperature will be moderated, as well. As beavers often build channels in the stream, which act as cold storage facilities by-way-off creating thermoclines. Additional baseflow also decreases the water temperatures so it is cold in the summer and warmer in the winter, Randy said.

Another benefit of beaver dams, Randy said, is that they increase the primary productivity of many species, including aquatic invertebrates and insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, aquatic plants, moose, deer, snakes, turtles, possums, skunks, raccoons, squirrels and other animals.

Although the Klaphakes never experienced their property flooding due to beaver dams, Randy said it is a valid concern for many. Many people also don’ t like the location where the beavers build a dam. The man-made beaver dam analogs can be placed wherever the landowner wants. The height and location are controlled and are designed to interrupt fast-moving runoff, such as peak flows during storms. In turn, that practice reduces erosion and the risk for flooding to occur.

Besides the clear environmental benefits of introducing beaver dam analogs to the area, the Klaphakes believe it’ s a cost-effective solution to improve the environmental conditions. Knowing first hand the difference beaver dams can make, the Klaphakes continue to share their experience and what they have learned about beavers.

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