The beavers are moving back in!
We're excited to report that beaver activity has been spotted in the restored portion of Whychus Creek at Rimrock Ranch. In 2023, the Land Trust and our partners at the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council completed restoration work on 1.5 miles of Whychus Creek and the surrounding valley floor. Less than a year later, a beaver dam has been built on the creek.
Beaver dams slow down the movement of water, which causes the water to spread out, up, or down. This in effect creates wetlands, side channels, and ponds, increasing habitat diversity both in Whychus Creek and in the surrounding areas.
This new beaver dam is great news for the restoration area! With the ultimate goal of a restored creek that evolves with its own natural processes, having beavers move in and get to work is just one stage in that evolution.
Watch the video below to see how Whychus Creek's flow is slowed by this new beaver dam!
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