The WATER Institute is proudly featured in a new two-part Mongabay series about beaver, their ecological importance, and the complexities of translocation and coexistence.
In Beavers restored to tribal lands in California benefit ecosystems, writer John Cannon reveals the decades of collaborative movement-building that led to the first California beaver translocations in over seven decades. The article highlights the ongoing work of the Tule River Tribe, the Maidu Mountain people, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the WATER Institute.
Our 20 years of beaver advocacy are highlighted in the article, which shares how our Bring Back the Beaver Campaign influenced timely policy shifts that strengthened beaver restoration and beaver coexistence, while deprioritizing lethal management throughout California.
Part two of the series: When does beaver reintroduction make sense? also features quotes from the WATER Institute’s Kate Lundquist and Brock Dolman.
“We’re always going back to the whole systems piece, honoring beaver for the work beaver can do, but not turning them into this silver bullet,” Brock shared. Beaver were once deemed a nuisance and are now hailed as climate saviors; this article traces the evolution of public opinion about beaver in California, alongside the challenges of translocation.
The cultural evolution of beaver restoration and coexistence continues, and with it, we’re proud to be part of the movement alongside many other beaver believers.
Read this timely suite of articles for yourself!
