The Case for Destroying Old Forest Roads

The Case for Destroying Old Forest Roads | Science  Smithsonian Magazine

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Feb 13, 2024 - 18:00
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The Case for Destroying Old Forest Roads

The Case for Destroying Old Forest Roads

Drive high enough into western Montana’s Lolo National Forest

Protecting Biodiversity through Road Removal

By Ben Goldfarb

Photographs by Tailyr Irvine

  1. Introduction
  • Overview of Lolo National Forest clearing
  • Importance of road removal for protecting biodiversity
  • The Road Removal Process
    • Example of road removal in Lolo National Forest
    • Benefits of road removal for wildlife and vegetation
  • The History of Road Building and its Consequences
    • Expansion of road networks in national forests
    • Negative impacts of roads on wildlife and ecosystems
  • The Road Decommissioning Movement
    • Early efforts to decommission roads in Redwood National Park and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
    • Scientific studies on the benefits of road decommissioning
  • Challenges and Progress in Road Removal
    • Political and financial obstacles to road removal
    • Recent federal legislation and programs supporting road decommissioning
  • The Future of Road Removal
    • Increased funding and opportunities for road restoration
    • Potential for ecological recovery and landscape-level impact

    Conclusion

    Road removal, or road decommissioning, is a crucial tool for protecting biodiversity in national forests. By removing obsolete roads, we can restore habitats for wildlife, improve water quality, and promote the regeneration of native vegetation. While road removal has faced challenges in the past, recent federal legislation and funding have sparked a boom in road decommissioning efforts. This presents a unique opportunity to reshape America’s national forests and create a more sustainable future. By prioritizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use, we can ensure the long-term health and resilience of our ecosystems.

    SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

    1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

    • SDG 15: Life on Land
    • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

    2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

    • SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
    • SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons.
    • SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

    3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

    • Indicator for SDG 15.1: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.
    • Indicator for SDG 11.2: Number of deaths and injuries caused by road traffic accidents per 100,000 population.
    • Indicator for SDG 9.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.

    SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

    SDGs Targets Indicators
    SDG 15: Life on Land Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. Indicator: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.
    SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons. Indicator: Number of deaths and injuries caused by road traffic accidents per 100,000 population.
    SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. Indicator: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.

    Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

    Source: smithsonianmag.com

     

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