The impact of beaver ponds on water resources in the catchment area in the Browsk Forest District – a case study
The aim of the research was to estimate changes in the water resources in a river valley after the construction of reservoirs in the framework of the small-scale water retention program and dams on watercourses by beavers. A comparison of beaver ponds and reservoirs was made to show their effectiveness in increasing water resources. The research was conducted on watercourses running through the territory of the Browsk Forest District in the Białowieża Primeval Forest. Measurements of the depth of groundwater levels were carried out on study plots established in 2004 being under the impact of artificial dams and those made by beavers. The measurement results enabled determination of the volume of stored water and raising the groundwater level on the land adjoining the flooded areas. The research confirmed that beaver ponds created as a result of expanding the existing man-made hydrotechnical structures have markedly larger area and store more water. On the other hand, the advantage of man-made reservoirs is that they are being constructed for a specific purpose so that their impact on the environment can be planned. In areas where the population of beavers is high, water retention caused by them should be sufficient in those sections of watercourses where water flows all year long. The human activity aimed to increase water retention should take place in those fragments of watercourses where water flows seasonally, especially in headwater areas.
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