Beavers to the rescue: CPW’s wetland restoration project takes shape in Colorado

All photos featured are courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced that it has finished the first phase of its wetland restoration project using man-made beaver dams and animal relocation.

According to CPW, the project is focused on reviving eroding creek habitats at the West Rifle Creek and Garfield Creek state wildlife areas.

Both creeks face soil erosion and channelization that has degraded streams into fast-moving ditches, impacting water availability for a large number of species, according to wildlife officials.

At West Rifle Creek, CPW says they built two beaver dams about a mile downstream, which local beavers have occupied and even expanded one of the structures on their own. CPW says their team will continue to work on the project at West Rifle Creek for the next two years to restore the creek's natural flow.

After the success of West Rifle Creek, CPW began working on Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area by building nine beaver dams across three separate locations on the creek.

Seven beavers were also relocated to the creek to help with the success of the new habitat, according to CPW.

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