Implementation of multi-criteria evaluation for mapping the spatial variability of optimal forest road network

The forest road network is considered as a crucial factor for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and the socio-economic growth of mountain settlements. It provides benefits but also has a significant impact on the natural environment. The goal of forest ecosystem managers is to optimise the design of the forest road network in terms of density and spatial distribution. The present research demonstrates the utilisation of multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) for the assessment of the spatial distribution of forest roads and their impact in the environment. The aim is to assess whether the existing forest roads have been optimally constructed or improvement projects need to be carried out. The main categories of criteria which were taken into account for the implementation of the method are the intensity of human intervention and the absorbency of the effects from the natural forest environment.