Beaver Dam Analogues
Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) are human-made structures designed to mimic the form and function of natural beaver dams to restore wetland habitat. BDAs have proven to be an effective stream restoration method to support water regulation and storage that increases the water table, and helps defend again flooding, drought and wildfire. In times of drought, BDAs promote long-term aquifer and well health.
Working with NEWSS, landowners can have BDAs installed on non-arable land. NEWSS coordinates this work with the landowner, to ensure that BDAs are constructed specifically to the unique needs of the system. Not all streams are suitable for BDAs.
Benefits of BDAs
Beaver Dam Analogues are an effective way to simulate beaver activity on non-arable land, to create complex habitat, restore wetlands and re-establish riparian areas. Restoring stream and wetland habitat using BDAs can lead to significant benefits for agriculture, wildlife and watershed health. The biggest benefit being that BDAs make good use of non-arable land to increase aquifer volume and raise the water table. Benefits from BDAs can be realized within 1-3 years.
BDAs...
- Increases the water table, which improves agricultural field health, irrigation potential, and your well’s water supply.
- Increases the complexity to stream/wetland habitat that then decreases the risk of flooding and land erosion, and creates habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife.
- Stores water to improve resiliency to flood, wildfires, and drought, and increases opportunities for off-channel livestock watering.
- Creates lush riparian corridor, cools water, and creates shade for livestock.
- Restores wetland corridors to make land resilient to disturbances such as wildfire and flooding.
BDA Installation
Working with NEWSS, landowners can have BDAs installed on non-arable land. NEWSS coordinates this work with the landowner, to ensure that BDAs are constructed specifically to the unique needs of the system. Not all streams are suitable for BDAs. There are 3 years of funding for this work (2024-2027). Year 1 was fully subscribed. If you are interested in having a BDA installed on your property, contact NEWSS to set-up an initial consultation.
The steps to BDA installation are:
- Site consultation - Contact NEWSS to set up a consultation. A team will view the site with the landowner to discuss the options.
- Planning - A plan will be made specific to your site, including acquiring the appropriate permitting.
- Construction - Once a site plan is made, work begins by the NEWSS team in collaboration with the landowner.
- Monitoring - The Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship, along with researchers from UNBC and UBC are involved in the long-term monitoring of BDAs, aquifers and stream health.
BDA installation during the fall/winter at low flow.
BDA after installation during spring flood.
BDA one year after installation. Monitoring of BDAs is part of this program.