Abstract
The function of forest roads in underdeveloped districts was studied by investigating the changes of forest road density with the increase of distance from the timber market center in Imaichi City in relation to the changes of public road density, with data for 1964 and 1977. The relationship between factors of terrain and road density also was investigated. It was found that 1) The magnitude of the density of public roads is overcome by that of forest roads at about 24 km from the market center and that this distance was unchanged from 1964 to 1977. 2) The relationship between the road density and the distance from the center is explained by an exponential equation. 3) Although the average increase of road density during these 14 years is no more than 2. 6 m/ha, the level of road density in the district's development is assumed to have increased from 3 m/ha in 1964 to 5 m/ha in 1977. 4) 50km of forest roads trans{ered to public road and 22 km of forest roads being specified as common-use roads during these 14 years clearly shows the compensatory role of the forest roads for the public roads. 5) The study area is classified into 3 areas by factors of terrain and roads density.
