Why aren Beavers and their dams removed?
When European explorers first traveled through the Southern Appalachians, beavers inhabited virtually every stream and river. Their engineering efforts provided food, shelter and safe habitat for other species. When fur traders trapped the last beaver in the late nineteenth century, a vital component of the natural ecosystem of these mountains was eliminated. Beavers were re-introduced in the 1930s – 1950s and have increased the biological diversity in many Parkway areas. Management efforts by park staff are aimed at protecting the role of the beaver and maintaining the recreational opportunities for the visiting public.
