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BIRTH OF A
MEADOW
Upper left, an eroded stream bed in Wy–
oming foothills. Note how water action
has washed out V-shaped gorge deep
into the earth. When beavers occupy a
stream, they cut down trees such as
willow, alder, poplar, and aspen (center
top). Normally trees of economic value
are not cut. Dams cause streams lo slow
down and drop silt (upper right). Event–
ually the pond silts in and formation of
o meadow begins (lower left). In less
than 2 decades, a lush, fertile meodow
forms (center below) providing food for
other wildlife. The soil (lower right)
formed by siltation of beaver ponds is
sometimes
4
feet or more deep, rich in
minerals valuable for plant growth.
Ambouodor
Colltse
Phoros
lTop
cenftr -
Photo reseorduusl