REDUCING LOW-VOLUME ROAD IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT: SUCCESS IN THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE

Principles for low-impact roads have been under development since the 1960s. Observation of roads after storms and floods showed minimal damage occurring to well-located roads, with environmental impacts in adjacent areas. Roads should have rolling grades and should be located to be self-maintaining and to lay lightly on the land. These roads minimize modification of existing drainage patterns. A sufficient number of properly located and designed cross drains should be provided. Location in the best spot is not always possible, however, and roads-related erosion, failures, and environmental damage can still occur. Also, road work may be planned and executed to promote healing of the scars of the past. Raising cross-drain pipe inlets encourages water ponding, soil conservation, the healing of gullies, and increased soil moisture. Road fills may serve as gully plugs or may be constructed with porous characteristics to reduce water concentration on broad, relatively flat meadows. Finally, a less is better approach to road maintenance may aid in sediment reduction. Providing for adequate drainage with the minimum disturbance during ditch pulling, heeling, and surface blading activities also has economic benefits. Tailoring ditch geometries to actual drainage needs, as well as compacting and armoring the soil in the ditch, can reduce sediment levels. Flavel bars are useful in breaking up the concentration of water.