Description:
Windbreak Corridors are natural mechanisms blocking wind to desired areas. Planting trees or shrubs in certain formations can reduce the amount of wind that reaches a house or farmland. They are installed to help reduce wind soil erosion while also creating habitats for animals. Travel corridors are very similar to windbreak corridors except they are used to influence animal movements. This allows them to move safely from one isolated area to another.
Strengths:
Windbreak Corridors can help to reduce home heating costs, reduce soil erosion, provide a habitat for wildlife, and can reduce the damage occurring to crops. Travel corridors allow you to influence the movements of animals from one isolated movement to another.
Weaknesses:
Installation of windbreaks can potentially damage previous plant species that are currently there. Some potential cropland may need to be converted depending on where the windbreak needs to be located.
Examples:
Example 1: Indiana
Windbreaks for Farms and Wildlife
Description: A publication through the Purdue University department of Forestry and Natural Resources that discusses what windbreaks are, how they are used, and the types of plants that can be used in them.
Example 2: USDA-NRCS
Link: (Unavailable at this time)
Description: This is a powerpoint guide describing what windbreaks are and how they can be used. It provides several slides discussing the types of plants to use and plants to avoid. It also provides many picture examples for reference.
Example 3: Kentucky
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Description: A guide describing what travel (wildlife) corridors are, how they can be used, and types of options.
Photo Credits: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/nrcs143_023612.jpg