The Impact of Beavers on Midwestern Trout Streams

Guest Speaker: Matt Mitro, Wisconsin DNR

insert_invitation Mon, Nov 24 at 7:00 PM (CST)

location_on Gnome Craft Pub, St. Paul, Minnesota

Details

Beavers are one of the most iconic residents of our streams and rivers, and they generate a lot of conversation and controversy! Our friends at the Wisconsin DNR have been conducting a long-term research project on the effects of beavers on coldwater streams and trout populations across Wisconsin, and project leader Matt Mitro will be sharing some of the findings. Here is Matt's abstract:

Beavers play a complex role in the dynamics of low-gradient streams of the Upper Midwest, especially where dams alter important habitat for trout. For this reason, the control of beaver to maintain free-flowing conditions in select coldwater streams has been a core part of the Wisconsin DNR’s management of trout. However, beaver control on trout streams is often misunderstood, with deeply divided opinions among both the public and managers, leaving many unanswered questions concerning the science behind the control program. I will discuss recent research on the impacts of beavers and beaver dams on Wisconsin trout streams, including (1) physical changes to stream habitat, (2) effects on trout population dynamics and fish assemblages, and (3) evidence that beaver dams are barriers to trout movement.

Matthew Mitro is a fisheries research scientist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Based in Madison, Matt has worked for the DNR on statewide fisheries issues since 2003. Matt’s current research is focused on trout in Wisconsin’s inland streams, on issues including population dynamics, stream habitat restoration, propagation and stocking, age and growth, trout-parasite dynamics, and beaver effects on stream habitat and trout populations. Matt has also worked for the EPA’s Atlantic Ecology Division and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and he earned his PhD in fisheries at Montana State University studying rainbow trout recruitment in the Henry’s Fork.

Prior to Matt's talk, Ginger Flaten and Skyler Bahr will give a short presentation on a drain stenciling project that Skylar did in order to complete his Boy Scouts Eagle badge. This will facilitate our Adopt-a-Drain project on the Vermillion River.

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