Incorporating aquatic ecology into decisions on prioritization of road decommissioning

Abstract

Roads provide increased access to lands rich in natural resources and beauty, but they can also damage those lands and the ecological values therein. In particular, much interest has been focused on the hydrologic and geomorphic changes in roaded watersheds and their effects on aquatic ecosystems (Lee et al., 1997; Dunham and Rieman, 1999; also see papers in Luce and Wemple, 2001). As a consequence, most public land management agencies and some private forest land managers are closing and rehabilitating roaded areas to restore forest productivity and improve watershed function.

Citation

Luce, Charles H.; Rieman, Bruce E.; Dunham, Jason B.; Clayton, James L.; King, John G.; Black, Thomas A. 2001. Incorporating aquatic ecology into decisions on prioritization of road decommissioning. Water resources impact. 3(3): 8-14