Evaluating Beaver Guards on Restricted Flow Risers of Soil Conservation Service Flood Control Impoundments in Oklahoma

Abstract

The objectives of this study are: to determine the effectiveness of overflow riser guards in preventing blockage by beaver in Soil Conservation Service (SCS) watershed protection impoundments in Oklahoma, to seek an understanding of the advantages beaver obtain from blocking these orifices, and to obtain an understanding of the behavioral and ecological characteristics associated with beaver plugging activity. Eight types of beaver guards are evaluated. Some habitat characteristics associated with SCS impoundments occupied by beaver are also evaluated. The relative distribution of beaver populations within Oklahoma is presented.