Ellen Wohl is a native of Ohio. She received a Bachelor of Science in geology from Arizona State University and a PhD in geosciences from the University of Arizona. She has been on the faculty at Colorado State University since 1989. Wohl has conducted fieldwork worldwide, and her research focuses on rivers, including the effects of beavers on river process and form. She is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America.

"This book shows how profoundly beavers contribute to ecosystem functioning and thus human well-being. Chapters of the book are perfect starting points for group discussions on the complex workings of nature." -- Conservation Biology

"This book has a potentially broad appeal, because it straddles both observational nature writing and more formal scientific-type writing, and I can see academics, practitioners, and naturephiles all encountering snippets of information that will fascinate them—and scratching their chins in contemplation . . . Saving the Dammed provides a plethora of clear, concise evidence as to why we need beaver-modified ecosystems." -- Alan Law, University of Stirling, Mountain Research and Development

"Ellen brings together the manifold benefits that wetlands bring, for nutrient cycling, carbon and nitrogen storage, by flow moderating and improving groundwater levels and in restoring biodiverse habitats. A highly readable education on just how much more we can gain by reconnecting our rivers and flood plains, and harnessing nature to mitigate centuries of our impacts. It is as relevant in Europe as it is to North America, whether we are blessed with beavers or have to imitate their green engineering." -- Fiona Bowles, Vice Chair, River Restoration Centre Board of Directors