Logging Roads and Log Decks for a Wildlife Habitat

Roads are essential to manage and use forest land. They can improve wildlife habitat and provide recreational opportunities. But roads are often controversial because they have so many different users-loggers, hikers, hunters, and off-road-vehicle drivers. Benefits to wildlife can be maximized and user conflicts minimized by careful planning and design. Decisions about gates, signs, and seasonal access should be made during the planning stage. Careful layout will ensure that sensitive habitats are protected and permanent improvements such as ponds and clearings are connected.