The Scale of Recreational Assessment of Suburban Forests in Lviv (On the Example of Briukhovychi Forestry)

Abstract

Using the comprehensive assessment proposed by the authors of the article, a study of recreational and health forests in Lviv was conducted on the example of the Bryukhovychi forestry. The presented methodology combines 29 indicators, which are grouped into blocks: attractiveness, comfort, and sustainability. Each of the indicators is evaluated on a 5-point scale (from 0 to 4). The methodology combines environmental, biological and anthropogenic factors. The calculated average score of the integrated assessment for the three blocks of indicators for the plantations of the Bryukhovychi forestry is 2.7, which indicates an average degree of recreational potential. The average score for the attractiveness block indicators is 3.0, which indicates a high level of landscape aesthetics. The studied stands are complex and multi-tiered in their composition. Among the dominant species, the following should be noted: Pinus sylvestris L., Fagus sylvatica L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Acer platanoides L., Tilia cordata Mill., Betula pendula Roth., Quercus robur L., Q. rubra L., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth., Carpinus betulus L., Larix decidua Mill., Ulmus glabra Huds. The tree stands of the Bryukhovychi forestry belong to the category of ripening and mature, such plantations are rated with the highest score due to their attractiveness and decorative appearance The average score of the studied quarters for the comfort block indicators is 2.7, which indicates an average indicator that reflects the level of improvement and the degree of comfort of recreationists. Most of the recreational and health forests of the Bryukhovychi forestry have hilly and undulating terrain, and in 60-61 blocks, ravine and gully terrain, which is quite attractive but poorly suited for recreational activities. The average assessment of the comfort of recreational and health forests by the indicator "relief" is 2 points and is characterized as moderately suitable for active recreation According to the indicators of the sustainability block, the average score is similar to the comfort block, namely 2.7. The comfort of stay is significantly affected by the noise factor, the condition of the road and trail network, and the presence of annoying insects. In the blocks that are at the III-IV stage, the stability of the lower forest components is estimated at 1-2 points, and the success of natural regeneration is insufficient. In areas at the I-II stage of recreational degradation, the average sustainability score is 3.7, which is quite high and indicates a low level of human intervention. The condition of the undergrowth is characterized as "good" and natural regeneration as "reliable". This methodology of integrated assessment is dynamic because it includes variable parameters that depend on the time of day and season and is suitable for use throughout the calendar year.