Rekreacyjna funkcja lasów Nadleśnictwa Krynki w opinii publicznej

The paper presents the research carried out using a questionnaire survey in Krynki Forest District, a forest area constituting an important place of rest for the residents of Białystok (NE Poland). A sample of 239 respondents was divided into two groups: 135 (56,5%) people visited the forest district for the first time, while for 104 ones (43,5%) it was the subsequent visit. To verify the differences in the responses between compared groups, the structure similarity index (P) and the test for the difference of the structure indexes (W) were used. To assess the significance of the difference in the average age of the respondents and the length of their visit Student’s t−test was used. For variables such as education, income and gender the Mann−Whitney test was used. There was no significant difference in opinions and declarations related to recreational management of forest areas as well as in the established structure of activities in the forest between analysed groups. The dominant form of spending free time in the Krynki Forest District is a walk and visits to several places in the forest with the passage of a car between them because of the limitations in the amount of free time indicated in the survey. In addition, the respondents value recreation in the forest managed, but at the same time expect silence and peace, indicating the limitations of collective and noisy forms of use of forest areas. The results allow to optimize the length and location of existing walking trails, so that the time necessary for their passage does not exceed 100 minutes declared for this type of activity. Respondents noticed the lack of viewpoints and designated safe places for grilling and lighting fires. The area with high tourist potential, which is an important attraction for visitors in the Krynki Forest District for the first time is the existing reservoir. For tourists who have knowledge about the attractions offered by the entity, an element encouraging a repeat visit could be planned and promoted periodic outdoor events.