Computer-aided risk analysis in road decommissioning

Abstract

In many National Forests, much watershed restoration work involves road removal. Most National Forests have more roads than can be maintained with decreased budgets limiting the amount of roads that can be removed in any given year. Setting priorities for road closure based on the impacts and risks involved in closing, removing, or discontinuing maintenance has become a major challenge for forest managers. Stability and erosion risks are associated with unmaintained roads, and the same risks are associated with various removal strategies, such as culvert removal, surface ripping, outsloping, and recontouring. Preliminary studies show that effectiveness of ripping depends on soil texture. Culvert failure can lead to road fill instability and failure of catastrophic proportions. The WEPP model may be a useful tool for evaluating road-closure options to minimize off-site sedimentation. Recontouring the surface without considering long-term subsurface flow impacts may greatly decrease slope stability, but well-engineered recontouring will minimize stability risk as well as erosion.

Citation

Elliot, W. J.; Foltz, R. B.; Luce, C. H.; Koler, T. E. 1996. Computer-aided risk analysis in road decommissioning. In: McDonnell, Jeffrey J.; Stribling, James B.; Leopold, Donald J.; Neville, L. Robert, eds. Proceedings of the AWRA Annual Symposium: Watershed Restoration Management - Physical, Chemical, and Biological Considerations; July 14-17, 1996; Syracuse, NY. Woodbridge, VA: American Water Resources Association. p. 341-350.