Solution of the Forest Road Network Optimization in the Transformation to a Selective Silviculture Method

Abstract

The paper is focused on the forest road access in the area of supposed specific method of forest management. The studied forest area of 81 hectares (ha) is intended for transformation by selective silviculture method demanding dense forest road network. The parameters of the current road network were analysed by Beneš method based on quantifying the general geometric and configuration criteria of the road network. The new road distribution was designed with respect to the results of the terrain slope and runoff concentration analyses to reduce the negative impacts of the roads on the surrounding environment. The new road layout resulted to the decrement of all types of skidding distances. The real skidding distance Ds decreased by 51% to the value of 72 m. In addition, the road network efficiency was increased by 14%.