Keystone Engineering
East Beckwith Mountain provides the backdrop in this view across an active beaver pond ringed with aspen in their brilliant fall colors. American beaver (Castor canadensis) are probably the best example of what ecologists call “keystone engineers,” a term used to describe an organism that impacts its environment disproportionately relative to its abundance. In other words, there aren’t a lot of beavers, but those few beavers have a huge impact on the landscape through their construction of dams. These dams alter the shape of valleys, increase the amount of standing water, and impact the abundance plants (such as the aspen) and animals that rely on greater water availability. The beaver dam and lodge for this pond are out of view to the right.
East Beckwith Mountain is part of the West Elk Range, formed principally by volcanic intrusions into sedimentary rock. A bit of fresh snow is visible on the north slopes, hinting that the beautiful fall weather and colors will soon be over.
Keystone Engineering
East Beckwith Mountain provides the backdrop in this view across an active beaver pond ringed with aspen in their brilliant fall colors. American beaver (Castor canadensis) are probably the best example of what ecologists call “keystone engineers,” a term used to describe an organism that impacts its environment disproportionately relative to its abundance. In other words, there aren’t a lot of beavers, but those few beavers have a huge impact on the landscape through their construction of dams. These dams alter the shape of valleys, increase the amount of standing water, and impact the abundance plants (such as the aspen) and animals that rely on greater water availability. The beaver dam and lodge for this pond are out of view to the right.
East Beckwith Mountain is part of the West Elk Range, formed principally by volcanic intrusions into sedimentary rock. A bit of fresh snow is visible on the north slopes, hinting that the beautiful fall weather and colors will soon be over.