King County is innovating its approach to habitat restoration by incorporating the natural behaviors of beavers, whose populations are making a significant recovery. The county’s new Planning for Beavers Manual is designed to assist ecologists and engineers in creating projects that leverage beaver activities to enhance biodiversity and improve water quality. By using beavers as partners in restoration efforts, King County aims to promote healthier, more resilient ecosystems.
Senior Ecologist Jennifer Vanderhoof emphasizes the shift in perspective: "Rather than viewing beavers as a nuisance, we now understand they help create healthier, more resilient landscapes for people, salmon, and wildlife." Beavers are natural engineers, constructing complex stream habitats that store water, reduce erosion, and support a variety of species. This updated approach to habitat restoration seeks to incorporate these natural processes to increase project success while minimizing impacts on nearby landowners.
As John Taylor, Director of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, states, “Restoring critical salmon habitat requires ingenuity and adaptability – and our employees, like the beavers, demonstrate both.” This new approach highlights the potential for working alongside nature to achieve lasting environmental benefits
With support from the Riparian Plant Propagation Program, large-scale native plant production is underway through a partnership with Puget Sound Plants, enabling the cultivation and statewide distribution of more than 30,000 riparian plants. This high-volume nursery system strengthens Washington’s restoration supply chain and ensures consistent access to locally grown native material.
Grays Harbor Conservation District maintains tens of thousands of native plants annually at a partner-operated holding site, using gravel beds and nursery infrastructure to support healthy plant growth and regional riparian restoration. Through project support and community distribution, the district helps meet evolving restoration needs across the region.
Snohomish Conservation District is expanding its riparian plant capacity while preparing for a new office and greenhouse facility. Through partnerships with Snohomish County, Edmonds College, and the Latino Educational Training Institute, the district maintains thousands of native plants and supports hands-on workforce development for local restoration efforts.
