Download (PDF 1.19 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/15546.pdf
Abstract
The availability of woody plants and the selection of plants by beavers along mountain streams was studied in four areas of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Province in Virginia. Beavers' choice of woody plants varied between areas. Many species of woody plants were cut by beavers. They climbed slopes with gradients up to 80 percent to cut trees. Large as well as small trees were cut and removed for food and dam construction; however, large trees were often girdled and left standing or felled, and the bark was removed. The topography and abundance of many species of woody plants in the Ridge and Valley Province provide suitable beaver habitat in which the plant and animal variety created by beaver impoundments would add to the esthetic and recreational values of these mountain areas.
Citation
Crawford, Hewlette S.; Hooper, R. G.; Harlow, R. F. 1976. Woody plants selected by beavers in the Appalacian Ridge and Valley Province. Res. Pap. NE-346. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 6p.
