Woodlans and Roads

Hi Everyone,

I've recently sealed the deal on my very own 52 acres of woodland property in Southern New Brunswick, Canada. Lots of plans for the next 5 years leading to what I hope will be making it my permanent permaculture paradise.

BUT first things first. ROADS. This property has some old twitching trails here and there but no real entrance or motor vehicle-able trail from the road side. The prime building location is at the top of the 120 meter south facing cliffs on the far side of the property...that means that I need a whole lot of road if I wanna catch all that sun.

I've been searching the forums for some info or old threads on the permie processes by which we build roads through woodlands but haven't turned up much.

My initial plan is to get to know the property, do a lot of walking and tape out the path of least resistance, then begin cutting..I assume I will have to get a dozer involved at some point but am open to all options! Any pointers, info, threads or other resources available on the subject would be much appreciated!!

Thanks

-jay

Jay P.: Welcome to Permies, consider checking out Author Rob Roy who has several books on the owner built home and home owning w/out a Mortgage !
He can also be found here in the Permies Forum Threads - Good luck ! PYRO/Big AL

Jay, one of the things that Geoff Lawton talks about is using roads as swales. Sort of killing two birds with one stone. Will you be building any ponds at any point? Then swales/roads can be used to gather water to fill the ponds.
Paul also talks about the proper grading of roads.