Effects of Beaver Activity on Water Quality

Beaver dams and ponds alter the movement and storage of water as well as the water quality in a stream reach. To date, little work has been done to quantify the effects of beaver activity on water quality in urban streams.

In this part of the Tualatin beaver study, USGS assessed changes in water quality along beaver-affected reaches of Fanno Creek at Greenway Park and Bronson Creek (upstream of Kaiser Rd) using three methods. This poster highlights the Fanno Creek results.

Findings will be helpful for quantifying the advantages and disadvantages of beaver dams and ponds on water quality and any associated changes in habitat diversity.