ECONOMIC–ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SHELTERBELTS IN SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA

Abstract

In the beginning of the 20th century, due to semi-arid climate conditions, planting trees was recommended to protect buildings, crops and animals from wind and extreme temperatures. Over a period of time, technology of production has changed and landowners see little private benefits from maintaining shelterbelts. A growing trend of shelterbelt removal, particularly from field and livestock areas, has been observed. In the future, perhaps continuation of such a trend seems eminent. Although landowners’ decision to remove shelterbelts could be justified on economic grounds, environmental damage, in terms of increased greenhouse gas emissions, could be serious. Government policy is needed to provide incentives to landowners to maintain shelterbelts.