Assessing the Condition of Forest Roads in Neka and Behshahr Counties after Five Years of the Logging Ban

Extended Abstract Background: Forest roads serve as essential communication links to forested areas, playing a pivotal role in a wide range of forestry activities. These roads not only facilitate access to forest resources for exploitation, conservation, and restoration but also contribute significantly to non-productive sectors, such as tourism and recreation. In the absence of these roads, many forestry operations and forest management practices would be unfeasible. However, numerous forestry-related functions have been suspended due to the cessation of logging activities and inadequate funding. This disruption has resulted in a halt to the ongoing maintenance and repair of forest roads, which are critical for the continued functionality of these transportation networks, leading to considerable deterioration. In this context, understanding the extent, nature, and trends of damage to these roads is of paramount importance for effective management and maintenance. Especially in light of the implementation of the "Forest Breathing Law" and reduced monitoring of forest roads, this study aims to identify and analyze the damage sustained by forest roads during this period. The primary objective of this research is to pinpoint damaged areas along forest roads and precisely map their locations, providing vital information for the optimal management and rehabilitation of these infrastructure assets. Methods: Due to the absence of prior data and concerns about the uneven distribution of road damage, this study initially employed a comprehensive 100% inventory and field survey approach to collect accurate and reliable information on all existing forest roads in the counties of Neka and Behshahr, covering a total length of 333.6 kilometers. During this phase, all road damages were recorded as point-specific observations, with each damage event fully documented in terms of its characteristics. To compare the results from the 100% inventory with a sampling-based method, the roads in both counties were divided into segments according to various factors, including topography, slope, accumulation points, and other relevant criteria. These segments were then subjected to random and systematic sampling. The length of each sampled section was determined to range between 100 and 200 m, depending on local conditions. A random number between zero and twenty was first generated to establish the starting point for the survey, and the survey began at a point on the road corresponding to this number. A linear transect perpendicular to the median axis of the road was then placed, with additional transects set at 20-meter intervals along the road's length. This methodology enabled a comprehensive assessment of the current road conditions, providing forest managers with reliable, statistically sound data to facilitate informed and evidence-based decision-making. Results: The results of this study revealed a total of 1,030 instances of various forms of damage across the surveyed forest roads. These damages encompassed a diverse array of structural failures and infrastructural issues, each of which significantly compromised the functionality of the roads. Specifically, 106 instances of soil embankment failure were documented, typically resulting from the instability of soil on slopes and the inability to adequately stabilize embankment walls against natural forces, such as rainfall and ground movement. Additionally, 48 cases of embankment sliding were observed, where the displacement of soil materials caused structural damage to the road. Furthermore, 74 instances of road slippage were identified, particularly on sloped sections of the roads, posing considerable risks to vehicular traffic. In terms of surface-related issues, 167 instances of speed-restricting potholes were recorded, primarily attributed to heavy traffic and inadequate maintenance of the road surface. Moreover, 280 cases of blocked roadside ditches were documented, resulting from the accumulation of sediments and organic matter in surface water drainage channels, thereby obstructing proper stormwater flow. Additionally, 116 instances of blocked cross-drainage culverts and 98 instances of damaged cross-drainage culverts were identified, typically caused by insufficient maintenance and repair of the water passage systems across the roads. Finally, 141 cases of road blockages due to fallen trees were observed, usually caused by the fall of trees from adjacent forested areas, which obstructed vehicular passage. In Behshahr County, the distribution of damages was as follows: 83 instances on primary roads, 61 on secondary roads, and 36 on tertiary roads. This distribution suggests that primary roads, which are the main transportation routes with higher traffic volumes, are more susceptible to damage. In contrast, the damage distribution differed in Neka County: 108 instances on primary roads, 469 on secondary roads, and 273 on tertiary roads. Notably, secondary roads in Neka exhibited the highest frequency of damage, likely due to their weaker substructures and lower traffic volumes than primary roads, which, although receiving less traffic, tend to suffer from structural weaknesses, rendering them more prone to damage. Conclusion: In Behshahr, the majority of damage is concentrated on primary roads. These roads are more vulnerable to damage due to their greater length and higher traffic volumes. As key transportation routes, they bear significant pressure from daily traffic, resulting in various forms of deterioration, such as slippage and structural wear. Conversely, the most severe damage in Neka is observed on secondary roads. This is primarily due to the relatively consistent traffic flow on these roads, coupled with their weaker substructures than primary roads. Although secondary roads generally experience less traffic pressure, their less robust construction and substructure make them more prone to damage and failure. The results of this study indicate that the cessation of forest utilization and the prolonged lack of maintenance have led to significant deterioration in the condition of forest roads. Specifically, in the counties of Neka and Behshahr, the damage is more prevalent on secondary and tertiary roads, underscoring the need for targeted intervention and budget allocation for their repair and upkeep. These findings suggest that immediate action is necessary to restore and maintain forest roads in these areas to prevent further degradation and the loss of natural resource productivity. Furthermore, the implementation of rehabilitation programs and improvements to road infrastructure should be prioritized in forest management policies to not only improve road conditions but also facilitate the sustainable management of forest resources.