A conceptual framework for understanding, assessing, and mitigating ecological effects of forest roads

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (NA) ◽  
pp. 61-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Robinson ◽  
P.N. Duinker ◽  
K.F. Beazley
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Road Ecology ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Decision Matrix ◽  
Forest Roads ◽  
The Road

A review of road-ecology literature suggests that impacts of forest roads on species and ecosystems begin during the road construction phase, but persist and accumulate well after a road is no longer in use. Over this time, impacts stemming originally from construction, but then also from the continued physical presence and human use of the road, follow complex multiple pathways ending in diminished species persistence. Yet in practice, road-impact considerations rarely extend beyond short-term issues related to road construction or beyond the spatial extent of the road corridor. Even when the range of potential impacts is recognized, managers rarely have a framework for assessing those impacts. This can be problematic, as informed decisions regarding the long-term, wide-ranging ecological consequences of road placement, design, and use can lessen the degree to which a road modifies the composition, structure, and function of forest ecosystems. This paper presents a conceptual framework for organizing, synthesizing, and applying our growing understanding of how roads affect forest ecosystems. The framework includes two parts: (1) a series of impact-hypothesis diagrams wherein ecological impacts are organized relevant to three phases of road existence: construction, presence and use; and (2) a five-step approach whereby ecological impact and road importance can be evaluated and a decision matrix used to determine appropriate mitigation strategies. Highlights of a case study conducted in southwestern Nova Scotia are presented to illustrate the applicability of the framework.

scholarly journals NEURAL FUZZY NETWORK FOR ASSESSING TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR FOREST ROADS

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 95-103
Author(s):  
Vladimir Pobedinskiy ◽  
Sergey Buldakov ◽  
Andrey Berstenev ◽  
Elena Anastas
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Intelligent Systems ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Road Surface ◽  
Forest Roads ◽  
The Road ◽  
Logging Roads ◽  
Fuzzy Network

The article is devoted to the problem of improving road construction technologies, in particular, technological solutions for logging roads. As you know, in road construction, the choice and justification of technological solutions for the road surface is one of the first stages of design, the efficiency of which affects further project as a whole, timing and costs of construction. The solution to such a problem is extremely difficult and, first of all, due to the many interrelated parameters, factors, as well as the uncertainties of data in the problem. The task becomes much more complicated when it is also necessary to take into account the economic indicators of road construction project. But it is in this form that it is of the greatest interest, since these characteristics are often the most important in practice. For these reasons, the problem remains completely unsolved. Therefore, requires further research, as noted, taking into account the uncertainties in the problem. Intelligent systems based on the theory of fuzzy sets, neural networks and their hybrid solutions are proposed for this class of problems, as a result of modern achievements in the field of mathematics and information technologies. Thus, the purpose of this research was to develop a neural network for evaluating technological solutions for logging roads. The result of the research was the development of an adaptive neuro-fuzzy network such as ANFIS, which allows calculating the cost of the road surface depending on the main technological and initial financial parameters. The neural network can be recommended for the design of forest roads, as well as for rapid assessment of the effectiveness of various technological solutions during competitive (tender) selection.

scholarly journals On the Road Without a Map: Why We Need an “Ethic of Road Ecology”

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren J. Moore ◽  
A. Z. Andis Arietta ◽  
Daniel T. Spencer ◽  
Marcel P. Huijser ◽  
Bethanie L. Walder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Road Ecology ◽  
Applied Ethics ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
The Road ◽  
Road Planning ◽  
Pluralistic Approach ◽  
On The Road

Over the past two decades, our knowledge of the ecological impacts of roads has increased rapidly. It is now clear that the environmental effects of transportation infrastructure are inextricable from transportation benefits to economic, social, and cultural values. Despite the necessity of optimizing these multiple values, road planners, scientists, and practitioners have no established methodology or pluralistic approach to address growing ethical complexities. We articulate five ethical issues that could be addressed by developing an ethic of road ecology in order to facilitate the identification, reasoning, and harmonization of ethical dimensions of road planning and development. This inquiry into road ecology can draw lessons from existing applied ethics, such as in ecological restoration and urban planning, to build a narrative that is informed by both science and ethics. We illustrate five ethical issues presented through case studies that elaborate on the motivations, responsibilities, and duties that should be considered in ethically and scientifically complicated road building decisions. To address these issues, we encourage the development of a code of ethics, dedicated intellectual forums, and practical guidance to assist road planners, and more broadly transportation practitioners, to resolve complex ethical quandaries systematically. We hope this perspective encourages conversation for a holistic yet pragmatic approach to this applied ethics problem, while also assisting responsible parties as they navigate difficult moral terrain.

scholarly journals THE WIDTH OF EDGE EFFECTS OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION ON FAUNA AND ECOLOGICALLY CRITICAL ROAD DENSITY

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 241-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shyh-Chyang LIN
Keyword(s):  
Road Construction ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Wire Mesh ◽  
The Other ◽  
Road Density ◽  
The Road ◽  
Planning And Design ◽  
Habitat Conversion ◽  
Road Planning ◽  
Under Construction

This study investigates the ecological impacts of road construction by trapping rodents, invertebrates, and amphibians with wire-mesh traps and pitfalls along a road under construction on Kinmen island, Taiwan. The capture data show that the Brown country rat’s (Rattus losea) edge habitat is broader in woodland habitat next to farmland than it is in woodland next to the road. Similarly, most invertebrates captured were found within the woodland at an edge width of 15 m along the roadside and 35 m along the farmland. On the other hand, the Ornate rice frog (Microhyla ornate), which typically resides and forages in dim and humid environments, avoids edges. The edge effect results in this paper are applied in a model for determining ecologically critical road density. The estimation of edge width and critical road density obtained in this study can be applied during road planning and design to assess the potential effects of habitat conversion during road construction.

scholarly journals Impact of Forest Roads on Hydrological Processes

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1201
Author(s):  
Aristeidis Kastridis
Keyword(s):  
Overland Flow ◽  
Road Networks ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Hydrological Processes ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Runoff Generation ◽  
Forest Roads ◽  
Forest Road ◽  
The Road ◽  
The Impact

The current review summarizes the knowledge generated by the recently published studies of the last twenty years, in the field of forest road networks, concerning the impact of forest road construction on hydrological processes. The currently applied methodology techniques/practices are discussed, the findings are highlighted and effective mitigation measures to mitigate the impact of forest roads are proposed. Critical for the minimization of the impact of forest roads on overland flow is the significant decrease in road surface runoff and overland flow velocity. The decrease in runoff energy reduces the detachment of soil particles and transportation in streams. The disturbances of forest roads in logging areas should be limited to decrease soil erosion. Additionally, aiming to minimize sediment transportation into the streams, it is very important to reduce the connectivity between the forest roads (or skid trails) and streams. The positive role of vegetation and organic matter on the road prism, naturally/technically established riparian buffers along the streams, and the use of appropriate bioengineering designs for each area significantly decrease the runoff generation and sedimentation. From a construction point of view, the decrease in short and long-term forest road-related impact could be achieved by reducing the depth of excavations and the use of soil compaction limiting technology during forest works. The road network design should be more efficient, avoiding hydrologically active zero-order basins. Techniques that minimize the length and connectivity among skid trails, unpaved roads and streams are highly crucial. Broad-based dips, immediate revegetation and outsloping of the road base are considered good road construction practices. Research should be focused on the hydrologic behavior of forest road networks and on the impact at the watershed scale, the degree of connectivity, utilizing plenty of qualitative field data, especially during intense rainfall events, which has been proven to exacerbate the runoff and sediment generation and transportation into the stream networks.

scholarly journals Ecological Impact of Artificial Light at Night: Effective Strategies and Measures to Deal with Protected Species and Habitats

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 5991
Author(s):  
Annika K. Jägerbrand ◽  
Constantinos A. Bouroussis
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Measurement Methods ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Landscape Characteristics

When conserving or protecting rare or endangered species, current general guidelines for reducing light pollution might not suffice to ensure long-term threatened species’ survival. Many protected areas are exposed to artificial light at levels with the potential to induce ecological impacts with unknown implications for the ecosystems they are designated to protect. Consequently, it is recommended that precautionary methods for the avoidance and mitigation of light pollution in protected areas be integrated into their management plans. This paper’s aims are to present an overview of best practices in precautionary methods to avoid and mitigate light pollution in protected areas and to identify and discuss what ecosystems should be considered light-sensitive and how to prioritise species and habitats that need protection from artificial light, including examples of legislation covering ecological light pollution in the European Union and in Sweden. The important aspects to include when considering light pollution at a landscape level are listed, and a proposal for prioritisation among species and habitats is suggested. Sensitive and conservation areas and important habitats for particularly vulnerable species could be prioritised for measures to minimise artificial lighting’s negative effects on biodiversity. This may be done by classifying protected natural environments into different zones and applying more constrained principles to limit lighting. The light pollution sensitivity of various environments and ecosystems suggests that different mitigation strategies and adaptations should be used depending on landscape characteristics, species sensitivity and other factors that may determine whether artificial light may be detrimental. Issues of the currently used measurement methods for artificial light at night are reviewed. We also propose and discuss the principles and benefits of using standardized measurement methods and appropriate instrumentation for field measurements of artificial light concerning the environmental impact of light pollution.

scholarly journals The Potential Use of the Light Drop-Weight Deflectometer to Control Subgrade Compaction on Forest Roads

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Boston ◽  
Robert Robek ◽  
Jesse Rathom
Keyword(s):  
Road Construction ◽  
Fine Sand ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
Minimum Thickness ◽  
Forest Roads ◽  
Forest Road ◽  
The Road ◽  
Drop Weight ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Subgrade Strength

Abstract Improving subgrade strength can reduce a road's construction and maintenance costs. Additionally, it may lessen some of the environmental impacts from forest roads. However, most forest roads receive little effort to establish or control compaction because of the perceived increase in construction costs and potential delays in the flow of wood from the area. A light drop-weight deflectometer was tested on two forest roads in western Oregon to determine if this tool could aid with improving forest road construction by improving the quality of the road's subgrade. One road was built on a fine sand-silt soil and the other was constructed on a silt-clay soil. The goal was to correlate the easily collected subgrade values produced from the light drop-weight deflectometer and wet unit weight to the soaked and nonsoaked California bearing ratio (CBR) values for the subgrade, which are common design variables used to determine the minimum thickness of the aggregate surface. The light drop-weight deflectometer showed mixed results with regards to its ability to predict the values from the more expensive CBR laboratory test. The results from site 1, sand-silt soils, showed the potential of the light drop-weight deflectometer to aid in construction control as the values from light drop-weight deflectometer, when combined with the wet unit weight, explained a statistically significant amount of the variability in the soaked and nonsoaked laboratory CBR values. These variables explain approximately 60% of the variation in CBR values. The data from site 2, the silt-clay soils, were not able to significantly predict the subgrade strength variables, and the road will need to continue to use the traditional methods for establishing and controlling compaction.

scholarly journals The technical aspects of using timber in the construction of forest roads

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 241-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Trzciński ◽  
Paweł Kozakiewicz ◽  
Rafał Selwakowski
Keyword(s):  
Deformation Modulus ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Forest Roads ◽  
Forest Road ◽  
Technical Parameters ◽  
The Road ◽  
Secondary Deformation ◽  
Reference Sections ◽  
Ecological Aspects ◽  
Forest District

AbstractThis study is on the ecological aspects and interest of the State Forest National Forests Holding (SF) units in reinforcing the ground subgrade by using timber raft construction and brushwood mattresses in forest road construction. The aim of the study was to analyse the technical parameters of forest roads made on a ground subgrade reinforced with timber raft construction and brushwood mattresses. As part of the research, the scope of SF units’ application of technological solutions and the parameters of existing forest district roads made on a timber substructure were determined. A road with reference sections using different variants of subgrade reinforced with timbers logs (oak, pine) and brushwood mattresses were studied. The technical parameters of features ensuring usability, such as, among others, the bearing capacity of the pavement, were selected for the analysis. The ability of the tested pavements to support vehicle axle loads was determined based on the deflection of the surface as well as the primary (MEI) and secondary (MEII) deformation modulus with a calculated deformation indicator (I0). The deformation modulus ME of the pavement and road subgrade were determined using a VSS plate with a diameter of 300 mm. It indicated a large range of results of secondary deformation of surfaces using timber raft construction (107-204 MN·m-2) and brushwood mattresses (26-58 MN·m-2), which are dependent mainly on the diameter of the logs used, their arrangement and the road fill used.

The Political Economy of Power: Approaches to the Analysis of Relationships between the State and Business in Russia

2011 ◽  
pp. 19-33
Author(s):  
A. Oleinik
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Retail Trade ◽  
Business Community ◽  
The Political ◽  
Economic Power ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
The Road ◽  
Ruling Elites

The article deals with the issues of political and economic power as well as their constellation on the market. The theory of public choice and the theory of public contract are confronted with an approach centered on the power triad. If structured in the power triad, interactions among states representatives, businesses with structural advantages and businesses without structural advantages allow capturing administrative rents. The political power of the ruling elites coexists with economic power of certain members of the business community. The situation in the oil and gas industry, the retail trade and the road construction and operation industry in Russia illustrates key moments in the proposed analysis.

High predatory efficiency and abundance drive expected ecological impacts of a marine invasive fish

2020 ◽  
Vol 637 ◽  
pp. 195-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
EM DeRoy ◽  
R Scott ◽  
NE Hussey ◽  
HJ MacIsaac
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Marine Predator ◽  
Eastern Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Red Grouper ◽  
Per Capita

The ecological impacts of invasive species are highly variable and mediated by many factors, including both habitat and population abundance. Lionfish Pterois volitans are an invasive marine species which have high reported detrimental effects on prey populations, but whose effects relative to native predators are currently unknown for the recently colonized eastern Gulf of Mexico. We used functional response (FR) methodology to assess the ecological impact of lionfish relative to 2 functionally similar native species (red grouper Epinephelus morio and graysby grouper Cephalopholis cruentata) foraging in a heterogeneous environment. We then combined the per capita impact of each species with their field abundance to obtain a Relative Impact Potential (RIP). RIP assesses the broader ecological impact of invasive relative to native predators, the magnitude of which predicts community-level negative effects of invasive species. Lionfish FR and overall consumption rate was intermediate to that of red grouper (higher) and graysby grouper (lower). However, lionfish had the highest capture efficiency of all species, which was invariant of habitat. Much higher field abundance of lionfish resulted in high RIPs relative to both grouper species, demonstrating that the ecological impact of lionfish in this region will be driven mainly by high abundance and high predator efficiency rather than per capita effect. Our comparative study is the first empirical assessment of lionfish per capita impact and RIP in this region and is one of few such studies to quantify the FR of a marine predator.

INFLUENCE OF AIR POLLUTION ON FOREST ECOSYSTEMS: ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF HEAVY METALS

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1401-1405
Author(s):  
Mihaela Budianu ◽  
Brindusa Mihaela Robu ◽  
Matei Macoveanu
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Ecological Impact
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