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The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of access roads on the process of spontaneous colonization of virgin forest land in the tropical lowlands of Bolivia. An access road in the Department of Santa Cruz serving an area opened up by spontaneous colonization was studied. The interpretation of aerial photographs and data collected in the area were used to illustrate the importance of access roads for successful spontaneous colonization. General conclusions were drawn with regard to the role that spontaneous colonization as a dynamic force was playing in the development of Bolivia's tropical lowlands.