Managing Earthworks Under Forest Cover

Johnson, James; National Park Service; Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

This study has been completed to assist people who manage forested earthworks. It is part of a more comprehensive earthworks management field handbook that is underway. The field handbook, which will be completed this spring, is an evaluation and enlargement of the "Earthworks Landscape Management Manual" (1989). It will include, in addition to forest cover recommendations, field-specific tools for sustainable earthwork management that are not addressed in the "Manual." The field handbook has been a cooperative project between the National Park Service - Philadelphia Support Office, the National Park Service - Southeast Support Office, the National Park Service - American Battlefield Protection Program, and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Earthworks are prominent features of most battlefield parks in the eastern U.S. They have great historical significance in that they are often the only remaining landscape structure from the actual battle, and they provide an opportunity to interpret the conduct of the battle. Preservation of earthworks is a critical objective in the management of battlefield parks. Today, most battlefield parks are concerned with preserving historic scenes and structures such as earthworks, providing for the correct historical interpretation of the site, conserving the natural resources of the area, providing an aesthetically pleasing natural environment, and insuring the safety and well-being of visitors. This report addresses the process of forest succession, vegetation management, and considerations for earthworks.

Managing Earthworks Under Forest Cover

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