OPINIONS AND PREFERENCES OF FOREST VISITORS TO THE PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AREA BLANÍK

In the beginning of the 21st century, still more people want to spend their leisure time in nature, especially in forested areas. The objective of the present survey was to find out the public opinion on forests and forestry in the Czech Republic, especially in protected areas. The case study, including an on-site questionnaire inquiry, was held in the Protected Landscape Area (hereafter referred to as PLA) Blaník. The research yielded a lot of interesting information, including how often the respondents visit forests and why, how they perceive different types of forest, and what they think about forest management. For instance, when planning the trip, more than 4/5 of them choose their route depending on whether it passes through the forest. Direct asking the visitors about their opinions and preferences is an important informational tool for planning in the area.