A historic look at Erosion

Erosion has been a threat to the historic landscapes at Vicksburg National Military Park for many years. In the 1930s, park officials realized that something had to be done quickly or the steep hillsides and earthworks could be lost forever.

Officials called upon the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to implement massive land stabilization projects. Once the damage was repaired, trees and vegetation were planted in the belief that their root systems would hold the soil in place and prevent erosion from reoccurring.

Sixty years later, we know that course of action was only partially successful. Tree roots can hold soil, but exposed roots only serve to channel water from runoff. As older trees fall over from disease and wind damage, the exposed root systems create new passages for water to flow. The best solution is to maintain the soil with grasses which are resilient and quick growing.

	Last update: Monday, January 22, 2001 http://www.nps.gov/vick/preserve/histeros.htm Editor: G. Zeman