Cooper helped create the GIS data layers for the beaver habitat assessment as well as contributing to the processing and analysis of the results. He also performed a review of Michigan beaver regulations and engaged with the community through stewardship events at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the creation of beaver fact sheets for stakeholders. His interests include herpetology, mammalogy, and ecosystem dynamics.

TSN Conference 2026

January 22nd, 2026 (Thursday) // 3:05 pm – 4:05 pm // Room 106 // Beaver-Human Coexistence: Dam Worth It! // Beaver are ecosystem engineers that alter the physical structure of riparian ecosystems and create new wetland habitats. Humans and other species benefit from the many ecosystem services beaver and their wetlands provide, including increases in biodiversity, water quality, carbon sequestration, and fire and drought resistance. Historically extirpated from Lower Michigan, beaver are now returning and bringing their many ecological benefits with them. However, beaver alteration of the landscape can cause conflict with human infrastructure and land use. Our project seeks to address these conflicts by providing science-based coexistence strategies. We utilized the Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool to predict where beavers are likely to colonize, performed a policy analysis to assess current beaver regulations, and engaged with land managers and property owners to understand current challenges and provide recommendations for coexistence strategies.