stunx Beaver Mimicry

Across Syilx Territory ONA is imitating beavers, using natural beaver dam analogues to restore the wetlands and bring back the beavers.

In partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band and the B.C. Wildlife Federation, up to 60 structures will be installed within the Coteay Creek Watershed over the next two years. Two types of structures will be built: beaver dam analogues (BDAs) and post-assisted log structures (PALS). PALS use a technique that has been employed for centuries: driving vertical posts through the log structure to temporarily hold the wood in place, preventing it from floating away immediately or during the first high-flow event.

Background

Historically, stunx -beavers played a vital role in maintaining healthy wetlands throughout Syilx Territory, particularly in the Okanagan Creek watershed. Since European settlement, the loss of beaver populations and active damming has led to significant changes in the region’s hydrology. Streams are drying out, banks are eroding, vegetation is declining, and water quality is deteriorating—conditions further worsened by cattle activity.

This work aims to bring back the beavers by using methods of beaver mimicry such a creating Beaver Dam Analogues, which will in turn improve the regions hydrology and have many positive impacts on the environment.

progress

The project launched in Spring 2025 with initial site design, permit applications, and detailed planning and preparation. Construction of in-stream structures and monitoring activities are scheduled to take place throughout September and October 2025. As the project approaches completion in Spring / summer 2026, ongoing monitoring will continue, followed by final reporting and evaluation.