Living Snow Fence

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Living Snow Fence

As a result of the disastrous winter of 1996-1997, 40 counties across the state have initiated 526 living snow fence projects.  Approximately 832 miles of trees have been planted to protect 236 miles of roads.  Planting trees can help make North Dakota roads safer during the winter by establishing living snow fences to stop blowing and drifting snow.

Living snow fences provide safer driving conditions by controlling blowing and drifting snow.  Living snow fences improve visibility by reducing ground drifting and icing on roadways.  The also reduce snow removal costs by eliminating drifts which clog underpasses.  Money is saved by reducing labor and equipment costs associated with clearing roads.

These "working trees" have benefited the land and landowners by holding soil in place, increasing crop production, reducing crop failures, saving energy, reducing non-point source water pollution, increasing wildlife and bio diversity and beautifying the landscape.  The dollar value of the benefits is enormous.

Grant funds are available for living snow fence priority sites statewide.  Grant funds are available to cover 100% of tree and shrub planting costs and fabric weed barrier installation.  In some instances, a land rental payment may also be available.

The Living Snow Fence Request is available to downloaded in PDF format here.

For more information please contact:

Tom Claeys, Forestry and Fire Management Assistance Team Leader (701) 328-9945 e-mail Thomas.Claeys@ndsu.edu