Why is the National Park Service removing trees from the battlefield?
Visitors notice areas of the park where tree removal has been ongoing for several years, and will continue for several more as part of our battlefield rehabilitation program, as specified in the 1999 General Management Plan for Gettysburg National Military Park. The tree removal will reestablish former pasture and cropland that was present in 1863 at the time of the battle. In conjunction with the tree removal, historic orchards are being replanted on battlefield farms and several areas, void of trees after 1863, are being allowed to grow into high grass meadows or woods. Another part of the rehabilitation program is reestablishing the many miles of battlefield fences that designated farm fields and also played a role in deciding the movements of troops during the battle.
