Forest Roads
Providing access to forestland is essential for most forest landowners. This access may be walking trails, all-terrain vehicle paths, or well-maintained roads to allow access in a passenger vehicle. Used most frequently for timber harvesting, the road system also allows frequent stand inspection, access for insect, disease and fire control, and expands recreational options. A well-planned and constructed forest road system is important for the management of your forest, and is a vital link between people and the forest.
Forest roads are a major source of sedimentation, which is the primary non-point source (NPS) pollutant developed from silvicultural activities. In the current era of environmental concern, forest landowners often have responsibility for environmental damages such as pollution that originates on their land, even if a contractor was responsible for the work. Therefore, it is more important than ever that landowners become knowledgeable about the construction and maintenance of their forest road system. A good forest road system is one that provides access and enhances property values and also minimizes environmental disturbance and damage. As anyone who has ever designed a woods road knows, water is the primary enemy of a forest road. If a road is on too steep a grade, water velocity is increased and erosion problems can result. If water is not removed from the road frequently enough, water volumes along the road will increase and road stability problems will occur. So, it is only logical that the secret to a good forest road system is to manage water volume and velocity. A contractor usually handles forest road construction. This frequently also includes the planning and design of the road. Let’s assume that a road was properly designed for the traffic volume and vehicle types that will use the road. It was located on an adequate grade that will not create excessive erosion on the soil types present. It was constructed with an adequate number of water diversion devices to remove water frequently, and thus maintain a dry road foundation. Where soil stability was a concern, aggregate surfacing material and vegetation was used. After the construction is completed, the landowner becomes the primary manager of road maintenance. The landowner or a contractor may carry out this maintenance, but the landowner should know when maintenance is required and what should be done. Additionally, maintenance costs paid to a contractor can be reduced if the landowner takes an active role in road maintenance activities. Roads that allow vehicular access to your forestland can make managing your land much easier and more enjoyable. Many of the silvicultural tasks that you conduct require access by wheeled and tracked machines. Also, recreational uses such as camping, fishing, hunting, and enjoyment of non-game wildlife species can be enhanced by easy access on a well-maintained road system. Poorly maintained forest roads become costly to correct, limit your access, and can turn into environmental headaches. Be a good steward of your forestland. Invest in adequate road planning, design, construction, and your road maintenance problems will be reduced. Adapted From: FOREST ROAD MAINTENANCE FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS Richard W. Brinker Most Recent Revision:
09/20/06 |
When constructing a forest road system, most landowners
usually consider the initial construction cost of the road as the major expense to be
managed. However, a forest road system should always be evaluated based on both initial
construction cost and future maintenance costs. Proper planning, design, construction, and
maintenance should all be adequately considered. Failure to address any of these can
result not only in excessive costs, but also environmental problems.