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Introduction
Introduction
This page discusses Beaver Dam Analogs (BDA) & Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS).
Human-built Beaver Dam Analogs can be installed to help jump-start a new habitat. These structures provide the same function of slowing down waterways, creating habitats for fish to spawn in, and creating lush wet landscapes where droughts have been cutting back on biodiversity. Some of them even attract beavers who sometimes take over the maintenance and improvement process.
Beaver Dam Analogs (BDA) & Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS)
Beaver Dam Analogs (BDA) & Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS)
"A Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) is a man-made structure designed to mimic the form and function of a natural beaver dam. BDAs can also be used to increase the probability of successful beaver translocation by creating immediate deep water habitat that reduces the risk of predation. In general, the design and installation of BDA complexes is a simple, cost-effective, non-intrusive approach to stream restoration that can influence a suite of hydraulic, geomorphic and hydrologic processes in order to achieve a range of common restoration goals."
(4:20 minute video) Jeff Dougherty builds a beaver dam analog alone, talking about how the Native Americans historically used these techniques to store water for late summer. Later in the video are demonstrations for design and techniques used by a small group of people with simple tools.
Text from the video above: "Jeff is demonstrating the value of beaver mimicry and inspiring the state of Montana, federal, and private entities to incorporate this approach into their riparian restoration efforts."
"With the help of WCS, beaver mimicry has become a widely utilized tool for restoring watersheds, helping ecosystems adapt to the effects of climate change across the arid Rocky Mountain West."
Benefits of BDAs
Benefits of BDAs
Reversal of stream bank erosion
Trapping of sediment
Improved wildlife habitat
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
You Will Need
You Will Need
Boots, Gloves, and other appropriate gear for your climate and ecosystem
Cutting Equipment
Shovels
Mallet
Metal or Wood Posts
Willow Branches or similar materials such as logs and brush materials
Safety & Construction Resources
Safety & Construction Resources
Anabranch Solutions Videos for Volunteers "Building BDAs and PALS are part of a Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) technique that doesn't require extensive training or heavy equipment and therefore can be done by a diverse workforce. However, there are inherent risks in working outdoors in uneven terrain, with sharp tools, large woody materials, and a variety of equipment. These videos go over some of the safety issues to be aware of while participating in Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration. After you have watched the videos, please take the short safety quiz below and then sign the volunteer waiver to become an Anabranch Solutions LTPBR volunteer."
Idaho Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool: Building Realistic Expectations for Partnering with Beaver in Conservation and Restoration (PDF) Includes maps and data for planning in Idaho.
Restore Healthy Riverscapes with Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration "Practical, low-tech tools and training to repair degraded riverscapes using natural processes. "
Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
The resources in this section are from the UtahState University Restoration Consortium. They include PDFs and helpful images. Full PDFs are available for free at ResearchGate, but ResearchGate requires a free account.
Chapter 3: Planning for Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration "The third chapter covers planning for low tech process-based restoration. We illustrate the process with the NRCS Conservation Planning Process, and show what aspects are distinctive to low-tech restoration. Specifically, the following topics are covered:
Where to Plan?
Phase 1: Collection & Analysis
Phase 2: Decision Support & Design
Phase 3: Application & Evaluation
The Low-Tech Extension of Conservation Planning Process
Chapter 3 also has appendices on:
Appendix 3A: Parallels Between Different Planning Frameworks for Restoration
Appendix 3B: Mapping Synthesis of Problems & Opportnities Problems & Opportunities
Appendix 3C: Mapping Valley Bottom for Assessing Space
Appendix 3D: Assessing Risk to Property, Infrastructure, and Public Safety
Appendix 3E: Assessing Riparian Conditions to support Wood accumulation
Appendix 3F: Assessing Potential for Beaver Dam Activity
Appendix 3G: Structure Level Adaptive Management"
Chapter 4: Mimicking and Promoting Wood Accumulation and Beaver Dam Activity with Post-Assisted Log Structures and Beaver Dam Analogues "The fourth chapter is meant to be the authoritative reference on two low-tech restoration techniques, which are lacking guidelines in the literature: post-assisted log structures (PALS) & beaver dam analogues (BDAs). The chapter focuses on helping readers understand what PALS & BDAs are, how they are used in low-tech restoration design, and a specific focus on the processes intially mimicked, later promoted, and that eventually become self-sustatining; namely wood accumulation and beaver dam activity.
Chapter 4 also has appendices on:
Appendix A. Freqently Asked Questions About PALS and BDAs
Appendix B: Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration Semantics
Appendix C: Recent History of Beaver Dam Analogues
Appendix D: Typical Schematics and General Suggestions for Placement and Construction of PALS
Appendix E: Typical Schematics and General Suggestions for Placement and Construction of BDAs"
Chapter 5: Designing Low-Tech Restoration Projects "The fifth chapter covers the low-tech process-based restoration design processl. This process is generic to desiging any type of low-tech process-based restoration treatment (not just PALS & BDAs). Speifically, the following topics are covered:
Key Principles for Designing Low-Tech Restoration Projects
Getting Started – Design and Required Information
A Low-Tech Design Plan
Design of a Complex
Considerations for Common Complex Objectives
The Importance of Time and Flow Conditions
Chapter 5 also has an appendices on:
Appendix A: The Topographic Paradox"
Chapter 6: Low-Tech Restoration Project Implementation "The sixth chapter is targeted at practitioners responsible for implementing low-tech process-based restoration projects. We focus on the three primary components of implementation and cover the following topics:
Consultation and Permitting
Construction
Building Materials for Low-Tech Structures
Tools & Equipment for Building Low-Tech Structures
General Construction Guidance
Evaluation
Chapter 6 also has appendices on:
Appendix A: Post Driver Information
Appendix B: Wood Replenishment with Griphoists"
Additional Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration Resources
References and Training Resources
Tools & Protocols
Examples & Community
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding
30:38 minute video talks about the process of working with the US government for reimbursement of building check dams in the desert, and takes you on a tour of the land after rainfall has interacted with these constructs.
Accessibility is discussed as well as repair and maintenance.
North America
North America
Canada
Canada
British Columbia
The Watershed Security Fund (WSF) "supports initiatives that prioritize the health of our waterways, centre First Nations rights and knowledge, and reinforce lasting partnerships and relationships."
USA
USA
California
Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) "was established in 1981 in response to rapidly declining populations of wild salmon and steelhead trout and deteriorating fish habitat in California. FRGP administers a competitive grant program that has invested millions of dollars to support various projects throughout coastal California. Contributing partners to the program include federal and local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners."
Organizations
Organizations
North America
North America
USA
USA
Iowa
Iowa Water Project "Our mission is to utilize low-cost, ecologically-friendly methods to improve the water quality in our state. We are currently focused on stream improvement and wetland restoration projects in southeast Iowa."
Washington
Methow Beaver Project "promotes working with Beavers as partners for restoring streams, riparian habitat, and biodiversity while reactivating wetlands, increasing water storage, and fostering community education and involvement to improve the health and resilience of the Methow River watershed."
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