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This week my son Joe has had an awful cough, and it started after BMX bike practice in the midst of wildfire smoke… its kinda rattled me. Up to this point, this part of the country hasn’t been too impacted by this growing concern.
Which led me on a hunt to understand how we can naturally fight FOREST FIRES and I came across an unlikely hero… BEAVERS!!! Previously seen as either nuisance or the kid with the nicest coat, turns out they’re the ultimate wildfire defenders.
Here are 4 reasons why we should be thankful to our Beaver Friends:
1- Dam It, Beavers!
Beavers are master engineers, building dams over 200 feet in length, which create mini reservoirs that come to the rescue during dry spells. When wildfires strike, these water sources help firefighters battle the flames. Plus, the dams act as natural breaks, slowing the spread of fire and preventing it from going rogue.
2- Wetlands: Nature’s Firewall
Beavers make wetlands and wetlands act as natural firebreaks due to their high moisture content. And wetland plants? They're fire-resistant champs, making it harder for flames to cause chaos.
3- Trimming the Trouble
Beavers aren't just construction masters – they're also expert landscapers. They love snacking on trees, and that's a good thing. By munching on branches and bark, they help manage forest vegetation. This reduces the fuel available for fires, making them more manageable and less destructive.
4- Rising from the Ashes
Beavers are all about restoration. They swiftly move into burned areas, rebuilding their dams and creating fresh wetlands. This invites a whole new cast of critters to join the comeback party. Vegetation regrows, transforming the scorched landscape into a vibrant ecosystem.
So next time you spot a beaver doing its thing, give it a nod of respect. Their dam-building, wetland creation, and vegetation management skills have become invaluable in the fight against wildfires.
It's a reminder that even the smallest creatures can play a big role in preserving our natural world.
Keep being awesome, beavers!
Steve and the whole etee crew.
