Identification of scenically preferred forest landscapes

Abstract

This study identified manipulated forest landscapes with a low understory shrub density as being esthetic-ally preferred over non-manipulated, dense understory landscapes. This landscape pattern was identified both qualitatively, by preference ratings of respondents, and quantitatively, by measuring the physical components of each landscape. Forest sites were selected to show physically and vegetatively similar landscapes differing only by the presence or absence of a vegetation manipulation treatment. Color slides of these landscapes rated by groups of respondents revealed a consistent preference for manipulated scenes. Examination of the physical characteristics of the preferred scenes revealed reduced shrub density to be the major differing factor.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of our national landscape: a conference on applied techniques for analysis and management of the visual resource [Incline Village, Nev., April 23-25, 1979]

Citation

Patey, Roberta C.; Evans, Richard M. 1979. Identification of scenically preferred forest landscapes. In: Elsner, Gary H., and Richard C. Smardon, technical coordinators. 1979. Proceedings of our national landscape: a conference on applied techniques for analysis and management of the visual resource [Incline Village, Nev., April 23-25, 1979]. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-35. Berkeley, CA. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Exp. Stn., Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: p. 532-538