The Shelterbelt was a program initiated by the US government in the 1930s. The program aimed to create a series of windbreaks to protect agricultural lands from erosion and dust storms. The Shelterbelt ran from the Canadian border down to the Texas panhandle, covering almost 1000 miles. The trees planted were a mix of native and introduced species and were carefully selected to provide maximum protection from the wind.
The Purpose of the Shelterbelt
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s was a period of severe dust storms that damaged the ecology and agriculture of the US and Canadian prairies. The Shelterbelt was created to mitigate this damage by providing wind protection to farms, homes, and roads. The program was also designed to reduce soil erosion, which was a significant problem in the Great Plains region.
The Birth of the Shelterbelt
The idea of the Shelterbelt was born in the early 1930s when Hugh Hammond Bennett, the head of the Soil Conservation Service, proposed a program of tree planting to combat soil erosion. President Franklin D. Roosevelt supported the idea and allocated funds to create the Shelterbelt. The program was implemented by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which employed thousands of young men to plant trees and build windbreaks.
The Success of the Shelterbelt
The Shelterbelt was successful in reducing wind erosion and soil erosion in the Great Plains region. The trees planted provided a habitat for wildlife, improved air quality, and reduced the impact of dust storms. The program also created jobs for thousands of young men during the Great Depression.
The Decline of the Shelterbelt
The Shelterbelt program declined in the 1950s due to changes in agricultural practices and the availability of cheaper fossil fuels. Farmers began to use more intensive farming methods, such as irrigation and mechanization, which reduced the need for windbreaks. The government also reduced funding for the program, which led to a decline in tree planting.
The Legacy of the Shelterbelt
The Shelterbelt program had a significant impact on the ecology and agriculture of the Great Plains region. The trees planted provided habitat for wildlife, improved air quality, and reduced the impact of dust storms. The program also created jobs for thousands of young men during the Great Depression. Today, many of the trees planted by the Shelterbelt still exist, although the program itself has largely been forgotten.
The Importance of Windbreaks Today
Although the Shelterbelt program has largely been forgotten, windbreaks are still important today. They provide protection from wind erosion, reduce the impact of dust storms, and provide habitat for wildlife. Windbreaks can also reduce heating and cooling costs for homes and businesses by providing shade and insulation.
The Benefits of Windbreaks
Windbreaks provide a range of benefits, including:
- Reducing wind erosion
- Reducing soil erosion
- Providing habitat for wildlife
- Reducing the impact of dust storms
- Providing shade and insulation for homes and businesses
Types of Windbreaks
There are several types of windbreaks, including:
- Single-row windbreaks
- Double-row windbreaks
- Shelterbelts
- Hedgerows
Each type of windbreak has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the location and purpose of the windbreak.
Conclusion
The Shelterbelt program was a successful initiative that provided wind protection and reduced soil erosion in the Great Plains region. Although the program has largely been forgotten, windbreaks are still important today for their range of benefits. By planting windbreaks, we can reduce erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, and reduce the impact of dust storms, while also providing shade and insulation for homes and businesses.