Burst beaver dam likely to mean changes at Hazel Wolf Wetlands
February 11, 2012
By David Rollins
New: Feb. 11, 1:16 p.m.
Due to the major storm in late January, one of the beaver dams in Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve burst. The rupture resulted in a lowering of the preserve’s water lever by several feet.
“A huge change, and unprecedented in my 15 years of visiting the Preserve.” said Bill Zabriskie, the newest volunteer steward for the preserve. Zabriskie joined the stewardship program last November.
The Forterra Volunteer Stewards donate their time in an attempt to maintain the Preserve.
Only a few weeks ago, this beaver dam was several feet higher. Since it's burst, the water level has dropped several feet. Photo by David Rollins
“We work hard to make the place enjoyable.” said Zabriskie.
The 116-acre area has been protected since 1995. The preserve was named after Hazel Wolf who took a continued role in protecting wetlands and wildlife. On Hazel’s 100th birthday, the Preserve was dedicated in her honor by Forterra (previously Cascade Land Conservancy) and the citizens of King County.
The bursting of the dam is not necessarily a good or bad thing for the Preserve.
“It’s just a change.” said Zabriskie.
Patrons of the Preserve will notice some recent changes. Prior to the water level dropping, the north end of the trails were sinking, and in some parts completely submerged in water. Trail goers would place logs over the trails, in an attempt to traverse them.
Now with the dam out, the water has dropped well below the footpath, meaning that trail goers will see a noticeable difference in the ease of travel. The stewards will also have an easier time maintaining the trails under these new circumstances.
Also, the plant life in and around water will get a jumps start in its development. Over the normal course of time, the water level would slowly decline, allowing more and more vegetation to develop where the water once existed.
“With the dam lowered, many of these trees will get a chance to start back sooner than they normally would.” said Zabriskie.
Despite the beavers building several dams a number of years ago, they have not been seen for some time in the preserve.
“Beavers are a part of the wetland and we want them there.” said Elsa Sargent, Forterra Lands Coordinator.
Since the beavers have moved further down river, it is unlikely that they will return to repair the dam. However, their return would be welcomed by the Stewards.
“I certainly hope the beavers come back.” said Katlyn Hanson, a Steward since 2005.
Whether or not the beavers return, those in the Stewardship Program have made their position very clear.
“Let nature take its course.” said Bill Blake, a Steward since 2010.
The Stewards will continue to maintain the trails, collect litter, and educate trail goers, but they will take no invasive actions to return the Preserve to its previous state. Meaning, the northern parts of the trail will be more accessible in the winter, there will be less water throughout the preserve, and also slightly more plant life in the years to come.
Reach Intern David Rollins at samrev@isspress.com.
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“Since the beavers have moved further down river, it is unlikely that they will return to repair the dam. ”
Beavers reproduce very prolifically, so it is very probable that they will recolonize this site in the not too distant future. The stewards could enhance the value of this wetland by installing a boardwalk (preferably made from Trex or other recycled materials) so that regardless of water levels or the presence or absence of beaver activity the trail would remain dry.