One study reported that trees of all size classes were felled close to the water's edge, while only smaller diameter trees were felled farther from the shore. Beavers have few natural predators. However, railways, roads, and land clearing adjacent to waterways may affect beaver habitat suitablity. Transplants of beaver may be successful on strip mined land or in new impoundments where water conditions are relatively stable. Through tree harvesting activity, beavers can have an effect on natural succession.
Beaver activity can also improve fish habitat.
In areas of marginal trout habitat, however, beaver activity can reduce trout production. The amount of influence that cattle have on riparian environment can be reduced by beaver activity in many valley bottoms. Beaver activity can also have detrimental effects. Beavers are harvested for their pelts.