ZLV Online

Abstract

Growing urban populations started to pay more attention to non-production services of forests in developed countries. Thus foresters are faced a task to balance different views of urban forests use. These can be for instance (1) gaining profit from wood production, and (2) provision of place for leisure activities. To optimize both views, a questionnaire survey was conducted. Visitors were asked 14 questions focused on their needs, views and preferences concerning transport, forest use, tree species composition, recreation facilities, view of silviculture measures and harm caused by visitors. Roughly half of the respondents were willing to spend 30 minutes maximally when travelling to urban forests. Having a rest and doing sports were the most frequent answers. Because of the urban character of the forest and urban origin of the locals, activities such as gathering fuelwood and collecting berries were marginal. Respondents preferred mixed forest; spruce and pine were the most preferred species. When getting to the forest, visitors preferred walking and biking. Forest roads were good and dense enough to satisfy visitor’s needs. Information boards and resting facilities were also satisfactory. In most cases, silviculture did not hinder visitors’ use of the forests. The most frequent harms to the environment were leaving waste in the forest and damaged recreation facilities.