TRACKING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BEAVER POND COMPLEX IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PIEDMONT, CHARLOTTE NC

Prior to European settlement, beaver were widespread and likely occupied many low order streams in the SE Piedmont. The onset of the fur trade and European agricultural practices led to a dramatic decrease and, in 1929, extirpation of the Carolina beaver (Castor carolineus). After introduction, Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis) populations grew rapidly and reoccupied niches across the region once filled by the Castor carolineus.

The evolution of beaver pond complexes (BPC) has been studied primarily in the northern latitudes of North America, but little research has focused on the Piedmont region of the SE US. Furthermore, few studies have focused on high-resolution spatiotemporal dynamics of re-occupied BPC sites. It is the aim of this research to partially fill that gap in knowledge by documenting the spatiotemporal dynamics and impacts of beaver-induced fluvial alteration on a low-order SE Piedmont stream. This research highlights similarities and differences between BPC spatial evolution in the SE Piedmont and other parts of North America.

Data used to track the spatiotemporal development of the BPC were collected in the field and from aerial imagery, and analyzed in GIS. Data include: locations of dams, ponds, and terrestrial beaver activity; changes to terrestrial and/or aquatic vegetation; and evidence of dam/pond maintenance/repair.

The BPC studied here is a dynamic system, with periods of rapid growth alternating with periods of decline. The area was first occupied by beavers between April 2010 and August 2012 and has since been continuously occupied and maintained. After the initial pond was constructed, subsequent ponds were built in an upstream direction. In April 2018, at its maximum extent, the BPC comprised 4 ponds that inundated ~3500m2, beaver activity affected ~15 hectare, and the affected area grew >300% between September 2017 and April 2018. Although the BPC area generally increased from 2010 until 2019, the BPC area also has experienced periods of shrinking.