Forest recreation as a governance problem: four case studies from Switzerland

Abstract

Recreational activities have undergone a change from mainly passive forms (e.g. rest, relaxation, reinvigoration, solitude and escape) to more active forms (e.g. mountain biking, climbing and running). Correspondingly, the demand for forest recreation infrastructure to support the more active forms has increased. However, very little is known about what features characterise the planning and management of forest recreation infrastructure. This study takes four in-depth mountain-bike trail cases in Switzerland to characterise the planning and management of forest recreation infrastructure. The analysis is performed using the institutional analysis and development framework (Ostrom in Governing the commons: the evolution of institutions for collective action, Cambridge University Press, New York, 1990) and qualitative data based on cases and interviews. We argue that by considering the identified external features (formal and informal rules, location) and process features (partnerships, public participation, conflicts, profitability perspectives, time frame of process, funding of process and approval), we can better plan and manage active forms of forest recreation. Conflict situations and response strategies associated with mountainbike-trail planning and management are also identified. The findings are relevant for other regions facing the growing use of forests for recreational and leisure activities.

Analyzing Visitors’ Preferences and Evaluation of Satisfaction Based on Different Attributes, with Forest Trails in the Akasawa National Recreational Forest, Central Japan

“…We used "SPSS 21 for Windows" to analyze the differences among visitors with different attributes and different selection preferences. Specifically, our analytical steps were as follows: (1) We used SPSS to test whether the overall data were normally distributed to determine the appropriate analysis method and differential test. (2) We used previous studies to analyze the different attributes of visitors, given that the above test results show that the data set of the survey follows a normal distribution [11,70].…”

“…In traditional forestry, the value of forests is mainly reflected in the economic benefits from the direct use of wood. However, in recent decades, people's understanding of and demand for forests have undergone subtle changes [1]. The health and fitness function, recreational value, and landscape appreciation gained from forest visits have attracted increasing attention [2][3][4][5].…”

“…With the increase in demand for forest tourism and for forest recreational space, the demand for spatial planning technology is also increasing [20]. However, our knowledge and technology related to the planning and management of forest recreation facilities still need be improved [1]. Investigations regarding forest recreation can improve the planning and management of forest resources [1], especially with respect to forest landscapes, which are among the most important components of forest recreation [20].…”

“…However, our knowledge and technology related to the planning and management of forest recreation facilities still need be improved [1]. Investigations regarding forest recreation can improve the planning and management of forest resources [1], especially with respect to forest landscapes, which are among the most important components of forest recreation [20]. Effective trail planning and aesthetic landscape design play an important role in improving the attractiveness of forest parks [20] while supporting forest recreation, such as by mitigating conflicts between users and improving the profitability of operators [1].…”

Forest as a place for recreation but also the source of allergenic plant pollen: to come or avoid?

“…Due to urbanization and the related spread of urban lifestyle, a very large part of the human population spends most of the time indoor. Therefore, the need to have contact with nature is increasing and nowadays there is a great interest in forest recreation (Lee and Lee 2015), which is accompanied by the growing demand for recreational infrastructure (Wilkes-Allemann et al 2017). Forests provide important recreational services, and popular forms of recreation primarily include forest walking, running, Nordic walking, cycling, and wildlife watching, e.g., birdwatching or butterfly watching, while in winter cross-country skiing (Krzymowska-Kostrowicka 1997;Hansen et al 2017).…”