June 2021
The 2021 YCC crew’s season kicked off to a great start with Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) repair on San Antonio Creek in the Jemez Mountains. BDAs replicate the natural functions of beaver dams by raising the water table, slowing erosion, storing water, and promoting riparian vegetation growth.
The project also included a meadow restoration component. All of the material used for the BDAs was harvested from crowded areas of trees identified by the Forest Service as meadow encroachment. This is when non-riparian trees like pine and spruce move into a historical meadow due to lowered water tables and systemic fire suppression.
The crew had a great time and enjoyed seeing the positive effects of their work, including seeing signs of beaver and muskrat!
-Peter, Crew Lead