FWP to host meeting on beavers, humans and water conservation

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, on the roles of beaver and humans in habitat restoration and water conservation. The meeting's objective is to increase common awareness of potential opportunities, constraints, mechanisms, authorities, roles, and expectations for beavers and other tools to conserve and enhance riparian and aquatic habitats.

The meeting is free, and no registration is required. It will be held at the Delta Marriott Hotel in Helena from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a break for people to disperse for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. In addition to FWP, representatives from The Nature Conservancy; Department of Natural Resources and Conservation; Applied Geomorphology, Inc.; National Wildlife Federation; Great West Engineering; Trout Unlimited, Bureau of Land Management; and the Forest Service will give presentations.

The morning session will cover project considerations related to floodplain connection and hydrological function, social challenges, wildlife, and fisheries. The following session will include project design, success, and failure, ranging from beaver mimicry to natural colonization, humans moving beavers, and experiences in other states. The last session of the meeting will consist of a panel discussion that includes a variety of perspectives on the role of beavers in habitat restoration and conservation.

All interested parties are invited. For more information, contact Quentin Kujala at [email protected] or 406-444-5672.