In addition, a survey was performed to determine actual road closure and obliteration effectiveness in the district. Research has demonstrated the negative impacts of roads on biological integrity in a number of habitats. The most obvious effect of roads is the increased access they provide for humans. Forest road networks open areas of normally inaccesable forest to human activites that may threaten wildlife habitat and thus species long-term viability. This factor has several implications.
Snags are critical habitat for many species of birds, mammals, and arthropods.
Even more damaging may be the effects of increased human use on wildfire frequency and seasonality. The Carson National Forest includes the southern extensions of the Rocky Mountains and supports several species of wildlife that are especially sensitive to high road densities. Another species that is not only an indicator species but is critical to the economy of Northern New Mexico is the American Elk. These patterns are caused in part by several factors related to roads including edge effects, habitat fragmentation, and increased human access. Habitat fragmentation can result from road networks in previously intact wildlife areas.