Title:
Mapping, Validation, and Application of Forest Road Networks for Sustainable Forest Operations Planning
Author(s):
Cozzolino, L., Bergonzoli, S., Pari, L., Lo Monaco, A., Bonaudo, A., Venanzi, R., Latterini, F., Picchio, R.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
The transition toward a circular bioeconomy and the requirements of Sustainable Forest Management necessitate adequate road infrastructure to mobilize wood resources while minimizing impacts on soil and residual stands. This study presents a scientific protocol for mapping, digitally validating, and analytically applying a forest road network within the Selva del Lamone Regional Nature Reserve, a protected area characterized by significant surface roughness due to volcanic rock formations locally known as "Murce." Utilizing a combination of desktop Geographic Information Systems and mobile geo-referenced survey tools, we surveyed and validated a 48.50 km road network, categorizing it into primary and secondary infrastructure. Territorial accessibility was modeled using the Distance Buffer Criterion, based on two operational thresholds relevant to forest harvesting in Central Italy: an 80-meter radius for ground-based extraction (tractor and winch) and a 300-meter radius for cable-based extraction (cable yarders). The results demonstrate that the existing primary truckable network provides access to only 19% of the productive forest area, leaving 41% of the territory operationally isolated. However, integrating historical and secondary skid trails into the extraction layout yields a significant increase in ground-accessible area, expanding coverage to 32% and reducing the completely inaccessible surface to 18%. Statistical and spatial analyses confirm that the strategic planning and selective restoration of temporary trails serve as essential mitigation tools against soil compaction and help preserve natural regeneration. Furthermore, this method offers a replicable decision-making framework for multifunctional management, forest fire prevention, and ecological conservation in Apennine Forest ecosystems.
Keywords:
assessment, forestry, environmental impact
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Biomass resources and potentials
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1AO.1.1
Pages:
10 - 13
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-1AO.1.1
Price:
FREE
