Woodland Roads

Roads, skid trails and landings are all part of a woodland transportation system.  Skid-trail and landing BMPs are covered in Timber Harvesting.  Properly constructed roads can provide woodland access for such activities as managing timber, improving fish and wildlife habitat, fighting fires and recreation.

Woodland roads that are poorly located, constructed or maintained are the largest source of nonpoint source pollution from woodland management activities.  Roads over steep slopes, erodible soils or stream crossings hold the greatest potential for degrading water quality.

Planning, Location and Design

Decisions at the planning stage will affect a road’s construction cost, long-term maintenance needs, service life and the amount of nonpoint source pollution it causes.  Landowners, managers and operators should plan, locate and design the road system together.

I. Plan an overall road system that minimizes the number, width and length of roads to limit the disturbance of the site.  Remember to:

            A. use temporary roads where practical,
            B. consider future uses of the road system,
            C. coordinate development with adjoining landowners
 
II. Use existing roads when they provide the best long-term access.

           A. Do not disturb stable road surfaces.
           B. Reconstruct existing roads to the extent necessary to provide adequate drainage and safety.
           C. Consider relocating existing roads if doing so improves access and reduces
                    environmental impacts.
 
III. Locate roads outside streamside management areas except at stream crossings.
 
IV. Identify optimum stream-crossing locations before locating the rest of the road.
        Optimum locations include straight and narrow stream channels with low banks
        and firm rocky soil.  Roads should approach streams at the least gradient possible.
 
V. Minimize the number of stream crossings.
 
VI. Locate roads on well-drained soils, where possible.
 
VII. Locate roads to follow natural contours and to minimize cut and fills.
        Balance cut and fills to minimize the need for fill or removing excess materials.
 
VIII. Select road locations that allow for drainage away from the road.

IX. Road grades should not exceed 5%.  If road grades greater than 5% are necessary,
        limit grade length to minimize erosion, or break the grade using drainage structures.
        Refer to the Drainage Structures section.  Graveling the road surface on steep grades
        can also help maintain stability.
 
 For more detailed information see Appendix C: Woodland Roads:
    · Stream Crossing Design and Construction
    · Road Construction and Drainage - BMPs
    · Soil Stabilization
    · Road Maintenance
    · Federal Requirements for Woodland Roads in Wetlands

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