The impact of beaver ponds on tree stand in a river valley The number of beavers in Poland rapidly increases which may result in conflicts between man and beavers. Despite the fact that beaver ponds play important role in increasing of biodiversity, water retention and soil moisture, they may also cause the die out of tree stands in river valleys and lead consequently to disappearance of typical riparian forest communities. Field studies demonstrated that long term flooding inhibited tree growth. Many trees died after 2 years of flooding. Long flooding caused the death of 80% of trees.
Abstract. The aim of the research was to estimate changes in the water resources in a river valley after the construction of reservoirs in the framework of the small-scale water retention program and dams on watercourses by beavers. A comparison of beaver ponds and reservoirs was made to show their effectiveness in increasing water resources. The research was conducted on watercourses running through the territory of the Browsk Forest District in the Bia³owie¿a Primeval Forest. Measurements of the depth of groundwater levels were carried out on study plots established in 2004 being under the impact of artificial dams and those made by beavers. The measurement results enabled determination of the volume of stored water and raising the groundwater level on the land adjoining the flooded areas. The research confirmed that beaver ponds created as a result of expanding the existing man-made hydrotechnical structures have markedly larger area and store more water. On the other hand, the advantage of man-made reservoirs is that they are being constructed for a specific purpose so that their impact on the environment can be planned. In areas where the population of beavers is high, water retention caused by them should be sufficient in those sections of watercourses where water flows all year long. The human activity aimed to increase water retention should take place in those fragments of watercourses where water flows seasonally, especially in headwater areas.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.