Did beavers get a publicist? Mother Jones magazine asked that question last week after a spate of national news stories appeared celebrating the rodents’ role in protecting the environment. Long considered a nuisance, the furry dam-builders are finally being recognized for improving stream quality, mitigating wildfire and floods and fighting climate change, among other contributions. The state of California is even hiring a team of environmental scientists to work on “nature-based restoration solutions involving beavers.” We’ll talk about efforts to restore habitat for the beaver, which Governor Newsom has called an “untapped, creative climate-solving hero.”

Guests:

Emily Fairfax, assistant professor of environmental science and resource management, California State University Channel Islands

Ben Goldfarb, journalist and author, "Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter"

Chad Dibble, deputy director, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Frankie Myers, vice-chair, Yurok Tribe

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