The purpose of this study was to examine protective forests, their effect on rockfall hazard and to determine the endangered sections of transport infrastructure in Soteska gorge near Bohinj. For rockfall simulation, we used RockyFor3D model. We set up 49 sample plots. We recorded live trees with breast diameter % 10 cm. Beech (59%), spruce (26%) and hornbeam (8%) dominated the growing stock. Number of beech and spruce trees showed a lack of trees in the lower diameter at breast height classes. Endangered areas were determined using energy data, as recommended by the program%s authors. Forest effect was too small to adequately reduce energy of falling rocks, and thereby ensuring protection against 1 m% falling rocks. Data on the number of deposited rocks suggested that the forest provided a better protection against rockfall, than non-forested area. Forest effect on rockfall increased with increasing length between the rock source and threatened infrastructure. Silvicultural measures should be focused primarily on ensuring permanent forest protective function. In uniform stands or older stands trees should be cut down, regardless of skidding conditions. In areas where silvicultural measures cannot provide sufficient protection, dynamic fences and extension of the railway anti-avalanche galleries are needed.
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