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Mendocino National Forest

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Road Analysis Process

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The National Forest system Road Management Rule (Road Policy), issued in 2001, shifted emphasis from developing forest roads to improving their management. The rule was developed in response to public demand and the need to better utilize funds available for road management.

The rule requires each National Forest to conduct science-based roads analysis process (RAP) at appropriate scales as needed to support road management decisions. It specifically requires that forest-scale analysis be completed by January 12, 2003.

RAP involves (1) describing the existing situation, (2) identifying significant issues, (3) assessing benefits, problems and risks, (4) describing opportunities and setting priorities, and (5) reporting findings.

[Photograph]: Forest road lined by trees on either side. The Mendocino National Forest has completed its forest-scale analysis. The purpose of the forest-scale RAP is to provide the context for road management within the overall resource management framework. It deals in general terms with the significant issues related to management of the overall Forest road system. It deals in specific terms only with the key routes (routes of major importance for accessing NFS lands). No specific project decisions are made by the forest-scale RAP.

The forest-scale RAP is documented in a report that includes: (1) locations and management objectives of all classified roads, (2) identification of key routes for accessing NFS lands, (3) guidelines for addressing road management issues and priorities, (4) identification of significant environmental and social issues to be addressed in project level decisions, (5) documentation of coordination with other government agencies and jurisdictions.

The Forest will conduct roads analysis at watershed and project scales as needed to inform future road management decisions. Also, road management proposals will be listed in our Schedule of Proposed Actions. We welcome continued involvement in roads analysis by interested members of the public, other government entities, and tribal governments.

Approximate transportation system described in miles of roadway that currently exist on the Forest
Maintenance Level	Description	Miles
1	Service roads, usually closed all year	1039
2	For high clearance vehicles	1164
3	Dirt or paved surface; for standard passenger car	340
4	Provide higher degree of user comfort and maintenance	39
5	Normally double-lane and paved	3
	Total	2585

For additional information, contact:
Mendocino National Forest
825 North Humboldt Avenue
Willows, California 95988

Mike VanDame, Forest Planning Officer, (530) 934-1141; mvandame@fs.fed.us.
Phebe Brown, Public Affairs Officer, (530)934-3316; pybrown@fs.fed.us.
Mark Stevens, Forest Transportation Planner, (530) 934-1188, mstevens@fs.fed.us.

January 2003

(Page Modified 2/7/06 )

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