​Humans require certain ecosystem products, such as clean air, water, and food, in order to survive. Ecosystem services produced by beaver activity include water purification, moderation of extreme events (such as wildfires or droughts), habitat and biodiversity provision, nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas sequestration, recreational hunting and fishing, water supply, and recreation. Researchers are just beginning to analyse and quantify the ecosystem services that beavers provide.

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Helsinki found that beavers provide services worth $1.6 (recreational hunting and fishing services) to as much as $133 million (habitat and biodiversity services) to humans through the various ways in which they modify the environment. The study found that habitat and biodiversity, non-consumptive recreation, and moderation of extreme events are particularly valuable beaver-provided ecosystems services.