The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources has proposed a new classification of forest roads in amendments to the regulations.

The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources has prepared amendments to the Rules for the Creation and Use of Forest Roads. The document was published on the federal portal of draft regulatory legal acts and proposes a change in the approach to forest road infrastructure effective September 1, 2026.

The key innovation is a clear division of forest roads into two categories.

Forest roads are intended for the movement of specialized equipment during forest conservation and management activities. They can be created for any type of forest use, but their use for timber harvesting will be prohibited. Thus, the agency is strengthening their auxiliary and environmental protection functions.

Forest transport roads are designed to provide access to logging areas and for timber transportation. This network will support the movement of vehicles related to logging activities.

In addition to the functional division, it is proposed to classify roads into permanent and temporary. Rights-of-way, improvement elements, and road signs are also being introduced, which should make the use of forest roads more transparent and manageable.

The Ministry of Natural Resources notes that the proposed changes are aimed at streamlining forest infrastructure and clearly delineating the purposes of road use. This approach should reduce conflicts between different types of forest management and create more understandable rules for all industry participants.

Work on the law regulating the creation of forest roads began in December 2023. The State Duma adopted the law in the first reading in March 2024, and in the second in June 2025. Throughout this time, the Russian Forest Association has repeatedly raised this issue and, together with OPORA RUSSIA, has made specific proposals for improving the project.