Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Introduction. Urban forests are highly valued for their recreation potential (Konijnendijk, 1999). For this reason, urban and suburban forests should be accessible to society as much as possible. However, the more access is provided the more damages to natural environment might be observed. Taking into account recreational capacity and average recreational capacity of forests may be the element of sustainable forest management and planning.

Aim of the study. The aim of this study was to determine the recreational capacity and average recreational capacity of the municipal forests in Poznań.

Methods. The first stage of the study was the valorisation of municipal forests located in Poznań. It was based on the assessment of 9 features that characterize stands and forest environment (forest habitat type, the age of dominant species, the diversity of species composition, stocking level, undergrowth, the type of cover, crown closure, landform, and the occurrence of water reservoirs). The source of data was the current Forest Management Plan for the years 2013-2022. Then, according to the method elaborated by Dudek and Kuziak (2017) the recreational capacity and average recreational capacity of the municipal forests were determined. The results were presented for each forest range as well as the total area of study.

Results. The biggest share (84%) have stands moderately suited for recreational purposes (1 788,12 ha). While the smallest share (3%) have stands with the least useful features (62,76 ha). The recreational capacity of municipal forests in Poznań is 4 472 man-hours per 24 hours. The average recreational capacity is 2,1 man-hours per ha per 24 hours.

Cocnclusions. Exceeding the average recreational capacity of forests may cause damage to environment. Sustainable forest management as well as the planning of recreational development may prevent potential damages.