Sina (beaver) populations on the West Bench near ʔaknuqⱡuk (Golden) have been declining, contributing to reduced water retention across local ecosystems.
Within Ktunaxa understanding of ʔa·kxam̓is q̓api qapsin (all living things), beavers are integral to the interconnected systems that sustain the health of land and water. When ʔa·q̓ankiȼqaʔis sina (beaver dams) are no longer maintained, water levels and summer stream flows decrease, affecting the long-term health of wetlands, streams and the many species that depend on them, particularly during periods of drought and wildfire.
Working with regional partners, including ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation, Wildsight is leading a five-year project spanning 16 hectares to support beavers and the wetlands they maintain. Project activities include manually enhancing existing beaver dams and planting preferred food sources such as ʔa·quⱡuk̓pak (willow) and ʔa·kⱡumak (aspen). Together, these actions aim to improve water retention, enhance habitat and strengthen ecosystem resilience in a changing climate.
“Beavers are a powerful example of how animals can shape plant communities and the physical environment to create more productive ecosystems,” said Graeme Lee Rowlands, Director of Water and Climate, Wildsight. “Healthier beaver populations increase resilience to natural disturbance, improve water retention critical to freshwater systems, and provide natural fire breaks across the landscape.”
