Scheidemann, Catherine, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Susquehanna University, 514 University Ave, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania , 17870, scheidemann@susqu.edu; Ressler, Daniel, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Susquehanna University, 514 University Ave, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, 17870, resslerd@susqu.edu.
Beaver dam analogs are an essential technique in stream restoration by trapping sediment and restoring damage to stream beds but have not yet been used in the eastern United States. In 2023, eight beaver dam analogs (BDAs) were installed by staff, students, and volunteers on Susquehanna University’s campus. Their purpose in trapping sediment is to prevent it from moving further downstream and reducing the damage done by flooding. Beaver Dam analogs are meant to act essentially the same as a natural one. They are semi-permeable and are meant to slow the natural flow of water while also holding back the sediment. This has resulted in the trapping of coarse and medium pebbles. The trapped sediments are strongly skewed fine and poorly sorted. Beaver dam analogs have appeared to be successful at trapping suspended sediments, slowing water velocity. Hopefully this study will demonstrate that the BDAs are helping to reconnect the stream to the floodplain.
Beaver Dam Analogs, sediment