Investigation of damages to residual trees due to outdoor recreational activities in Fandoghlou forest, Ardabil

Temperate broad-leaved forests have a high conservation value. Recreational activities, particularly the use of fire places, can cause extensive damage to shrubs and trees. We develop a practical sampling method to estimate damages to residual trees due to recreational activities in Fandoghlou forest of Ardabil, Iran. So, the line intersect method was used in a coppice hazel (Corylus sp.) forest with free access in northwestern Iran. Results showed that in the study area, 4ha (6.8%) of 59ha were heavily impacted by recreational use, 8ha (13.6%) moderately and another 25ha (43.7%) slightly impacted by recreational activities. Heavily impact areas in most cases situated near the forest edge. The monetary benefits of forest recreation in these areas, however, by far exceed the damage to trees.