In the uplands of the 58-acre Roy Peterson Wolf Creek Preserve, newly acquired by Wolf Creek Community Alliance as a generous donation from the Peterson family, a restoration project is underway. Matt Berry, a Restoration Ecologist at Sierra Streams, led Wolf Creek staff and volunteers in work that mimics the ecological functions of beaver dams. Berry is employing a process-based restoration technique known as Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) to restore the uplands above the riparian zone. These structures are vital in slowing down water flow, reducing erosion, capturing sediment, filling in gullies, retaining water to recharge the water table, and ultimately revitalizing the watershed.
The Importance of Beaver Dam Analogs: Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) are human-made structures designed to replicate the essential functions of beaver dams. In California, where historical trapping has depleted beaver populations, BDAs offer a promising solution for restoring watershed ecosystems.
The Upland Restoration Project: The restoration efforts at Wolf Creek Preserve are concentrated on the uplands above the riparian zone, characterized by gabbro or lean soils and gullies formed by seasonal rainwater runoff. To combat erosion and sedimentation, the restoration team constructed 12 BDAs using locally available materials such as cut brush, rocks, and grasses, supplemented with occasional onsite gravel/soil mixtures.
Wildfire Mitigation and Flow Regulation: In addition to aiding in erosion control, using cut brush in BDA construction serves as a natural wildfire mitigation measure. By slowing down water flow, BDAs create pockets of resistance, reducing the risk of rapid downstream flooding and promoting more sustainable water management practices.
The restoration efforts at the Roy Peterson Wolf Creek Preserve stand as a testament to the potential of small-scale interventions in achieving meaningful ecological results. By replicating nature’s engineering through Beaver Dam Analogs, along with additional restoration work led by Wolf Creek Community Alliance, the preserve is on a promising path toward a resilient and thriving riverscape. Through ongoing thoughtful management and strategic interventions, the legacy of the Roy Peterson Wolf Creek Preserve secures a flourishing natural habitat for future generations. Many thanks to the State Water Board for funding this vital restoration work.
