Build like a beaver: Evaluation of stream restoration success based on plant traits

Katelyn P. Driscoll

Treesearch

Build like a beaver: Evaluation of stream restoration success based on plant traits

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Katelyn P. Driscoll

Year:

2025

Type:

Science Bulletins and Newsletters

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), September 2025. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.

Download (PDF 4.12 MB)

Download (PDF 4.12 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/69535.pdf

Abstract

Healthy streams play a critical role in supporting plant, fish, and animal communities. However, stream degradation is a global problem that threatens the condition of these important ecosystems. Channel incision is one way that streams can change in response to natural or human processes. This process of degradation leads to lower water tables and a lost connection to the floodplain. As a result, water availability changes for the riparian plant communities, resulting in further degradation.

Keywords

stream restoration, ecosystems, water availability, riparian plant communities

Citation

Driscoll, Katelyn. 2025. Build like a beaver: Evaluation of stream restoration success based on plant traits. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), September 2025. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.