Photo: MN Department of Transportation

CARRINGTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Blowing and drifting snow in Foster County can make travel difficult, especially in more rural areas.

The Foster County Soil Conservation District is recommending that area residents consider “living snow fences” to help keep roads clear over the winter months.

Dionn Schaff is the District Manager for the Foster County District.

Schaff says in some instances, a “living snow fence” could be utilized.

A living snow fence refers to planted trees, shrubs, or other vegetation parallel to the road in order to help control the effect of snow on the road. Schaff says there are other benefits to living snow fences.

Most living snow fences are planted on the north or west side of a road and the most windward row should be around 200 feet from the road. If planted to closely, these windbreaks could cause more detriment than benefit.

Schaff says taller windbreaks capture more snow and the taller the windbreak, the better the coverage.

Joshua Bruggman, Natural Resources Coordinator for the FCSCD, says they’re also taking time to spread more information about different programs that can help fund the installation of living snow fences.

Bruggman says with CRP open now, there are general and continuous signups that include tree options such as single row or cost share to plant the trees.

Those interested in those practices are welcome to contact the Foster County Soil Conservation District at (701) 652-2551 extension 3.

You can listen to a full interview below: