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Utah State University's Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool (BRAT) leverages satellite data from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to identify sites ripe for restoration that could benefit from the natural dam-building activities of beavers. Similarly, the Mesic Resource Restoration Monitoring Aid (MRRMaid) from Boise State monitors these sites over time to assess changes and progress.
The chosen sites start with preparations by local landowners and program staff to attract beavers, sometimes relocating them from other areas. Once settled, the beavers build dams, creating ponds that conserve runoff water from snowmelt and rains which might otherwise cause erosion and harm local ecosystems.
These newly formed ponds not only raise the water table but also enhance wetland areas that draw wildlife and foster fish populations, along with rejuvenating native plant life. Such improvements are vital for ranchers, enhancing water reserves critical for their land management.
Moreover, the moisture-rich zones around beaver ponds can serve as natural firebreaks, bolstering the resilience of the area against wildfires. To mitigate any potential flooding from these new water bodies, controlled interventions like intentional leaks are sometimes implemented.
Ongoing monitoring by MRRMaid and BRAT, utilizing NASA's satellite resources, helps track ecological improvements and the role of beavers in these restoration efforts. This data proves invaluable for community leaders in planning new parks and other recreational developments, promoting sustainable ecological strategies.
NASA Research:Researchers Become "Beaver Believers" After Measuring the Impacts of Rewilding
Related Links
Strengthening Ecosystems at NASA
Darwin Today At TerraDaily.com
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