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1 April 2009 Davenport Living Snowfence Demonstration: Five-Year Update
Gary Kuhn, Donald P. Hanley, Kevin R. Gehrlnger
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Abstract

Snowfences are specialized windbreaks that divert drifting snow so it will accumulate in a predictable location. They are used commonly in areas with significant snowfall such as the Great Plains and upper mid-west, but are very uncommon in eastern Washington. The purpose of this planting was to display establishment and initial growth in this portion of the country using technologies developed elsewhere. Snowfence demonstrations in southeastern Idaho and a small-scale dry land test plantings near Ritzville, Washington led to an interagency snowfence demonstration project north of Davenport, Washington. The project demonstrated new establishment technology and the value of living snowfences in this dry cropland region. Sixteen snowdrift sites in Lincoln County were identified by road maintenance personnel from the Washington State Department of Transportation. In April 2003, we planted 532 trees and installed fabric mulch on four 268-meter long rows at the selected demonstration site. While the project's primary purpose was to demonstrate feasibility, the trees' yearly growth was also documented. After five years tree height, crown width, and survival rates (100%) were greater than expected, suggesting that living snowfences can be successfully established in this area of the country. Also after five years, the snowfence started to catch drifting snow. The successful establishment and growth of this demonstration planting resulted in living snowfence demonstrations near Anatone, Washington and Athena, Oregon. Landowners and professionals working with landowners were encouraged to incorporate windbreaks into their conservation measures.

© 2009 by the Northwest Scientific Association.
Gary Kuhn, Donald P. Hanley, and Kevin R. Gehrlnger "Davenport Living Snowfence Demonstration: Five-Year Update," Northwest Science 83(2), 163-168, (1 April 2009). https://doi.org/10.3955/046.083.0208
Received: 22 May 2008; Accepted: 1 January 2009; Published: 1 April 2009
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