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Photographs of Eroding Earthworks

Photographs of eroding earthworks. Earth surface processes are slowly muting the raised earthworks across the battlefield. Attempts to revegetate and stabilize the earthworks with sod have had mixed results.

The earthworks are among the most historically significant resources at Fort Donelson National Battlefield. Natural erosion, and human-induced erosion (e.g., climbing and social trail use) are denuding the earthworks. The depressions shown are historic “trenches” behind the earthwork. The trenches are filling up with sediment. On hills, such as the central line of the outer works, the steep slopes serve like a fast moving, down-hill rain gutter, eroding the earthwork, as well as eroding the historic trench or filling it with sediment. Restoration attempts (e.g., replacing sod) have been of mixed success. In 2018–2019 Youth Conservation Corps youth reconstructed check-dams to slow the water flow.

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Photographs by Trista L. Thornberry-Ehrlich (Colorado State University) taken in spring 2009.

Public domain:Full Granting Rights

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Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Code: FODO

Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Latitude: 36.4912986755371, Longitude: -87.8561325073242

NPS.gov Collection

01/01/0001

Public Can View

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 12:05:58 PM

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 12:05:58 PM

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Monday, January 1, 0001 12:00:00 AM

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