SPOKANE – The first living snow fence planting in Washington took place last month 14 miles north of Davenport, off Highway 25.

The living snow fence is more than 800 feet long and consists of two staggered rows of Rocky Mountain juniper trees. These fences are an effective method of reducing the impact of blowing and drifting snow, according to a Washington Department of Transportation press release

Small segments of roads exposed to these snow conditions can cause miles of roadway to close.

The department identified the site as having a snowdrift problem.

Bill Reinbold, a farmer and innovator in conservation methods, said he believes in the benefits of the living snow fence. He provided land for planting, equipment for site preparation and participated during the project.

“The living snow fence can capture 12 times more snow than a conventional slatted fence and have a service life of 50 to 75 years. Over the lifespan, installation and maintenance costs are four times less than a slatted snow fence. This fence provides the added benefit of wildlife habitat for birds and small mammals,” said Gary Kuhn, agroforester with Natural Resources Conservation Service.