Beavers Beyond Boundaries: Perceptions of beaver-related restoration
Start Date
3-11-2024 4:00 PM
Abstract
This urban-focused research explores the multifaceted aspects of Beaver-Related Restoration (BRR) within the Tualatin River watershed, using a hydrosociological framework to understand the interconnectedness of water, ecological systems, and societal perceptions. Analyzing social and cultural dimensions associated with BRR, including stakeholder attitudes and potential conflicts, we conducted a voluntary survey at three Tualatin urban watershed study sites (Fanno Creek, Chicken Creek, Springville) during the summer of 2022.
Insights from residents' attitudes, perceived impacts, and preferred management strategies revealed a spectrum of opinions. While a majority acknowledged positive beaver impacts on water quality and habitat diversity, some expressed concerns about urban property damage. Notably, support for non-lethal strategies like habitat restoration and education initiatives exceeded that for lethal control methods. Survey data showed a significant correlation between proximity to study sites and positive perceptions, indicating residents closer to sites viewed BRR more favorably. Duration of residency in the study area did not significantly influence perceptions, suggesting factors beyond familiarity shape attitudes in urban contexts. This data provides a foundation for understanding the social landscape around BRR, informing management strategies and identifying challenges and opportunities. These preliminary findings highlight the complexity of human-beaver interactions and the need for comprehensive management strategies that address diverse stakeholder perspectives. By integrating ecological and social perspectives, this research aims to inform sustainable and equitable management strategies that promote harmonious coexistence between humans and beavers in urbanized landscapes.
Subjects
Environmental social sciences, Hydrology, Sustainable development
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/41397
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License.
Beavers Beyond Boundaries: Perceptions of beaver-related restoration
This urban-focused research explores the multifaceted aspects of Beaver-Related Restoration (BRR) within the Tualatin River watershed, using a hydrosociological framework to understand the interconnectedness of water, ecological systems, and societal perceptions. Analyzing social and cultural dimensions associated with BRR, including stakeholder attitudes and potential conflicts, we conducted a voluntary survey at three Tualatin urban watershed study sites (Fanno Creek, Chicken Creek, Springville) during the summer of 2022.
Insights from residents' attitudes, perceived impacts, and preferred management strategies revealed a spectrum of opinions. While a majority acknowledged positive beaver impacts on water quality and habitat diversity, some expressed concerns about urban property damage. Notably, support for non-lethal strategies like habitat restoration and education initiatives exceeded that for lethal control methods. Survey data showed a significant correlation between proximity to study sites and positive perceptions, indicating residents closer to sites viewed BRR more favorably. Duration of residency in the study area did not significantly influence perceptions, suggesting factors beyond familiarity shape attitudes in urban contexts. This data provides a foundation for understanding the social landscape around BRR, informing management strategies and identifying challenges and opportunities. These preliminary findings highlight the complexity of human-beaver interactions and the need for comprehensive management strategies that address diverse stakeholder perspectives. By integrating ecological and social perspectives, this research aims to inform sustainable and equitable management strategies that promote harmonious coexistence between humans and beavers in urbanized landscapes.