Visual impacts of bark-beetle infested forests on recreation

Extensive outbreaks of introduced and native forest insects are globally increasing and can result in both tourism revenue and timber value losses. Little research exists on visitor response to visual changes in forest... [ view full abstract ]

Extensive outbreaks of introduced and native forest insects are globally increasing and can result in both tourism revenue and timber value losses. Little research exists on visitor response to visual changes in forest recreation settings. Few, if any, studies have examined how forest visitors weigh trade-offs between social factors such as visitor numbers and physical factors of bark beetle-impacted forests and how these vary nationally or internationally. This study examines these trade-offs in Germany, Austria and the USA.

This study used a stated preference approach. A discrete choice experiment employed digitally-calibrated images to simulate forest stands with varying levels of bark beetle outbreaks, different management practices in response to the infestation, and varying visitor uses. On-site surveys with more than 750 visitors were conducted in 2014.

Results revealed the condition of the immediate forest surrounding was the most important attribute for visitors’ landscape choices. Visitors preferred vital, mature and mixed forest stands, and disliked scenarios with substantial dead wood. The number of visitors was the most important social factor for visitors’ choices. Differences between study sites were observed. This study shows that forest insects have a negative impact on cultural ecosystem services, in this case, on landscape preferences and recreation. Study results provide implications for protected area, forest and visitor management.