Forest Roads in West Virginia, USA: Identifying Issues and Challenges

Forest roads have long been recognized as the primary source of soil and water disturbance, and other negative site effects, associated with timber harvesting operations. In West Virginia, where slopes are often steep and soils may be unstable, haul and skid road planning, construction, and retirement are particularly important practices. In addition, other challenges related to land ownership and regulations help to form the environment within which forest road practices are performed. However, the scope and relative importance of these challenges have not been studied. Using a Delphi process, this study pooled the expertise of 10 resource professionals with extensive experience in forest roads, soils, water, and regulations to determine specific challenges and solutions associated with forest roads in the region. Results indicated that among the most significant problems facing forest road construction, as identified by the expert panel, are water management, lack of planning, and topography. Related issues include logger and forester training, adequacy of and compliance with Best Management Practices, constraints on road planning associated with private property boundaries, road costs, and federal and state policies. Results of this study have been used to both guide research priorities and initiate further discussions of important forest road issues