Accessibility of the Swiss forest for economic wood extraction (2021)

Two raster maps (10m resolution) of: I) the most suitable extraction method for wood in the Swiss forest, and II) the overall suitability of the Swiss forest for economic wood extraction and transport. A modern forest road system is important for the efficient management of forests. In order to assess the current forest accessibility in Switzerland on a comprehensive basis, the entire Swiss forest was investigated using a consistent methodology. In our model, wood extraction from the stand to the road and on-road transport are analysed in combination. Suitable extraction methods for each forest parcel (10m x 10m) were determined using an approach in which ground-based, cable-based and air-based transport are distinguished. First, the areas for ground- and cable-based extraction were delineated. The trafficability of the forest areas was assessed based on the terrain and soil characteristics; trafficable areas also had to be connected to a forest road. To evaluate the suitability for cable-yarding (up to a maximum distance of 1500 m), terrain and possible obstacles (e.g., power lines) were considered. The remaining forest area, which was not suitable for either ground-based or cable