Effects of forest roads on watershed function in mountainous areas
Abstract
Numerous examples from mountainous areas in the interior Western United States are used to illustrate the effects of forest road construction on watershed functions. Impacts can occur at onsite and downstream locations. Onsite effects include reduced forest productivity, increased runoff, and accelerated surface and mass erosion. Downstream, roads can change streamflow rates, water quality and channel characteristics. Accelerated erosion and resulting sedimentation are the most common and serious kinds of watershed damages caused by road construction. Basic principles for reducing road erosion and sedimentation impacts are presented.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Soil erosion and sediment transport
Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
Ecology and biodiversity studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 335–348
- Publication date
- 17 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter