1 Impacts of Farm Road on Forest Cover: The Case of Menchuna- Tsholingkhar Farmroad, Tsirang, Bhutan Purna Prasad Chapagai, Department of Sustainable Development, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Punakha, Bhutan Email:purnaprasadchapagai@gmail.com Abstract This research was conducted to find impact of farm road on forest cover. It answered if the general perception that farm road cause vast destruction of forest cover in Bhutan was true. The site of study was Menchuna-Tsholingkhar farm road in Kikhorthang and Tsholingkhar Gewogs (blocks) of Tsirang Dzongkhag (districts) in southern Bhutan. The main aim was to assess if the plant species diversity, tree height, tree diameter, and canopy cover are affected within and beyond the road corridor of the farm road. A social research method was incorporated to combine qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitatively; focus group discussion, key informant interview and social resource mapping were carried out. To quantify them, field survey using GPS was conducted. About 42 plots of 20 m squares were studied along the farm road. The findings were statistically analyzed and interpreted. The hypothesis put forward was that farm road impacts forest cover. Main finding showed that there is no significant impact on forest cover from the farm road. This could be attributed to a limited study of woody plants only early assessment of the area and exclusion of access of way. However the impact is visible when the right of way is included in the study. In order to prevent adverse effects of farm roads on forests in future, this study has provided policy recommendations which could be adapted by concerned agencies. The study findings could contribute to sustainable rural Bhutan which is in line with development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Key words: Impact, forest cover, Menchuna-Tsholingkhar farm road, species diversity, tree diameter, tree height, canopy cover. Introduction The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) adheres with ensuring the maintenance of a minimum of 60% of the country’s geographical area under forest cover for all times to come as mandated by the Constitution of Bhutan through development and implementation of forestry programs. Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC) of Bhutan has to reduce rural poverty and reach equitable development as the main objective in the 10 th Five Year plan (FYP). Under the FYP RGoB policy of providing maximum market connectivity to villages (Chiwogs) through Farm Roads (FR) is the main focus. Bhutan follows a unique procedure in issuing the environmental clearance to projects like farm road construction. The National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS) issues the Competent Authority (CA) to issue the Environment Clearance (EC), (The Environmental Assessment Act of Bhutan, 2000). An environmental