Beavers Complete Czech Dam Project, Saving $1 Million

A family of beavers built a wetland in a protected area, achieving the goals of a stalled human-led dam project at no cost to taxpayers.

Beavers in the Czech Republic constructed dams in a former military training site, fulfilling the objectives of a long-delayed human-led project.
The project, initially planned in 2018 to restore wetlands and protect the Klabava River, was stalled due to land ownership disputes and bureaucratic delays.
The beavers' work created a wetland twice the size originally planned, providing habitats for endangered species like stone crayfish and improving water quality.
The Czech government estimates the beavers' efforts saved taxpayers approximately $1 million (30 million Czech koruna).
Conservationists praise beavers as 'ecosystem engineers' for their ability to enhance biodiversity, prevent flooding, and create stable ecosystems.