Active recreational and silvicultural co-use of forested areas: an innovative forest management study

ISSUE: Forests are crucial in the sustainability transition to a biobased modern society. However, forests may also be recreational sites, and positively affect human health and well-being. Modern silvicultural harvesting practices alters the landscape overnight, and hence may affect the recreational and public health promoting use of it. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: Municipalities, as owners of urban forest areas, may actively support inhabitants’ recreational use of near-by forested areas by 1) allocate resources to local voluntary organizations who facilitate for recreational users and 2) actively facilitate for continuous recreational use while practicing modern silviculture. In 2020-2022, an innovative integrative forest management approach was tested in a municipality in mid-Norway. This study explores how the local forests are used for recreational purposes, and how potential conflicts in land use can be mitigated or prevented. RESULTS: The forest areas are mostly used for health-promoting activities like exercise, walking, general recreation, and seasonal harvesting of wild berries and mushrooms. Half of the users get to the forest by foot or bicycle. Easy access, closeness to home, free parking arrangements and access to maps of the areas is important to users. Most users were well-informed about local forest-based businesses and carbon sequestration in wood and held that forests should be harvested and regenerated. They showed a high tolerance for forestry if the footpaths were cleared immediately. However, three out of four users want to be informed before harvesting. A small share of users wants educational posters about forest ecosystems. LESSONS: A pre-existing low conflict level between modern forestry and recreational forest use may be maintained by quite simple and modest means. In this municipality information posters were placed by the footpaths and an arena for discussions, information and co-creation of recreational facilitation was established in 2022. KEY MESSAGES: • Near-urban forests are frequently used for exercise and recreational activities, especially if easily accessible. • Harmonious co-use of forest areas, even in times of timber harvesting, is supported by rapidly recovering the footpaths and by notifying inhabitants in advance.