Reforestation of Sandblows in Northern Vermont

The soil on large areas of land in the northeastern states is derived from water-deposited sands of glacial origin. In agricultural areas, where such lands have been cleared for cultivation or pasturage, wind erosion has frequently developed. "Sandblows" of this character are usually irregular in outline, and rarely extend over an area of more than twenty-five acres. Technicians with the Soil Conservation Service in Vermont are frequently called upon to make recommendations for the management of privately owned lands in this condition. The need for information has been urgent, but the information found in available literature is not specifically adapted to the conditions found. It has been necessary for the writer, in the course of regular field operations, to determine, through variation in methods and in species used, techniques which may be used effectively, yet economically, on these small, inland areas. The following observations have been made over the past four growing seasons.