Project funded
by theEU–DGEnvironment
L
andsurfacerelevant
forapplication
Artificial surface
Agriculture land
Forest and semi-natural areas
Wetlands
F
inancialcosts
(C
apital
,
operation
&
maintenance
)
There can be increased capital costs for retrofitting forest harvesting
equipment
with GPS systems to link with computerised maps of areas where driving damage
is likely, or for modifying equipment by the addition of extra wheels or tracks
so as to reduce the amount machinery compresses soils. Success of this measure
requires also additional planning.
D
esign
Typically, this measure in its easiest form will be most effective in relatively
flat areas
where water tends to accumulate in the forest landscape, and on
wet soils
and in areas where groundwater is close to the surface. However
mountainous areas require specific attention regarding erosion control. Compared
to conventional forest harvesting, greater care must be taken to identify wet or
fragile soils and to plan harvest roads and tracks.
S
cale
Water sensitive driving has extremely
local effects. However, the benefits asso-
ciated with water sensitive driving can
be seen at larger spatial scales.
Off road driving has potentially severe negative consequences for water quality, through rutting and enhanced erosion. Some damages can be minimized or
mitigated if drivers exercise a few simple precautions.
Avoiding driving in wet areas
whenever possible will limit soil compaction and rutting. In colder
regions of Europe, driving on frozen soils will reduce the potential for compaction and damage. Driving
parallel to contour lines
of hill slopes will reduce
the potential for rut formation and concentration of flow paths.
Case studies:
Diversehabitat reconstructions in theOrségnational park inHungary
Water sensitive driving in agricultural areas may
be related to “A11 Controlled Traffic Farming”.
FORESTRY
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