Spatially explicit assessment of forest road suitability for timber extraction and hauling in Switzerland

Abstract Efficient forest management, and wood production in particular, requires a road network of appropriate density bearing capacity. The affects the choice suitable extraction method length transport route from forest, while standard defines truck type that can be used. We evaluate network’s economic suitability for harvesting operations entire Swiss an area about 13,000 km 2 covering range topographies, based on National Forest Inventory’s (NFI) dataset. This dataset is information interview survey with local services includes all roads Switzerland capable carrying trucks. Extraction options hauling routes are analysed together; thus, logging process examined. Model results include maps most method; costs; map combination results. While larger part classified as “suitable” operations, significant portions also fall into “limited suitability” “not suitable” categories. Our analysis provides objective, country-wide, spatially explicit assessment timber accessibility. resulting helps identify areas where using current network, it not. model used planning example, by comparing road-network re-design scenarios, compared to spatial distribution available volume.