Conservationists across Wyoming are turning to an unlikely source of inspiration to help combat wildfires, reduce flooding, and restore natural habitats: beavers. Known as Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs), these human-made structures mimic the effects of natural beaver dams by slowing moving water, raising water levels and helping restore wetlands and streams. … Constructed using natural materials such as wooden posts, branches and vegetation, BDAs are designed to slow water flow and encourage moisture to spread into surrounding soil and vegetation. By retaining water in the landscape, these structures can help create wetter, healthier environments that may be more resistant to wildfire. They can also slow runoff during heavy rainfall or snowmelt, potentially reducing downstream flooding and erosion.

Other water and wildfire news:

• KUNR (Reno, Nev.): Western cropland may help slow wildfires, but millions of acres are disappearing