As nature’s ‘ecosystem engineers,’ beavers could help fight effects of climate change

MINNEAPOLIS — In Minnesota, beavers have long been considered a nuisance, thanks to their uncanny ability to gnaw trees and construct dams that sometimes clog culverts, raise lake levels or flood roads.

But among scientists, there’s a growing recognition that these toothy engineers actually bring a host of environmental benefits. Their dams slow water flow, reduce flooding and create critical wetlands that boost biodiversity — and can even slow wildfires.

“We oftentimes only consider them as a pest or as a nuisance because they are really powerful and really chaotic,” said Emily Fairfax, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota who specializes in beaver research. “They’re second only to us in their ability to change the physical earth. And we both want to live in floodplains