Forest Plan Implementation
Procedures and Tools
Road Density
The 2008 standards and guidelines in the wolf and marten sections under Forest-wide standards and guidelines for Wildlife were adjusted to clarify that project analyses needed to consider both total road density and open road density. They also clarify that restrictions of open road density are not automatic and are only triggered after a clear case has been made that roads are the key factor in excess wolf or marten mortality. This also assumes hunting and/or trapping limit restrictions are deployed as well.
In project analyses, road densities are calculated for wildlife purposes (see above) and for the assessment of watershed effects. The specific GIS layers and procedures to be followed for estimating current and future road densities are outlined on the Road Density Calculation Procedure page.
In project analyses, potential or proposed temporary roads are usually considered similar to a Maintenance Level 1 system road in effects, except for the timeframe. The Maintenance Level 1 system road is expected to be placed into a self-maintaining condition (pulling culverts, blocking to normal vehicular traffic, etc.), which is also often done to temporary roads. Level 1 roads can be expected to be reopened and used again in 15-20 years, while a temporary road will continue to revegetate over time and return to more natural conditions.