Forest road network

The Finnish forest road network (150 000 km) gives value not only to forestry but enhances recreational utilization of forests and serves for preventing forest fires and for rescue services. It contributes also to putting out fires if needed. Half of the private roads in Finland are forest roads. Forest roads allow access to forest assets allover Finland.
The forest road networks enable efficient wood procurement from forests. Access to forests are easier and the long-distance transportation is simple. Distances to forests are shorter and in the countryside, forest roads are used for other transportation as well and as links between villages. The recreational users (berry picking, hunting) benefit from roads also.

It is important to keep the road clear of bushes and prevent water from resting on the road. Heavy vehicles are not allowed to utilize the roads during frost heave. Constant maintenance of forest road network and the connected road networks and bridges would be essential, since roads have been built lightly and cost-efficiently.
In the forest road maintenance, utilization of side steams from forest industry, heat plants and mines, for example, would advance actions or circular economy and contribute to preventing emissions and waste.
Heavier vehicles require constant maintenance of forest roads. New method for maintenance need to be applied as well. Mild winters and rainy summers add to the need for maintenance.