Peculiarities of recreational infrastructure development in forests in Lithuania

Abstract

Society complains about week recreational infrastructure in forests. The paper discusses the experience and peculiarities of recreational infrastructure development in Lithuania forests. Weakness, planning and implementation of this activity are explored. GIS technologies, comparative analysis, questionnaire, results logical interpretation methods are used. According to obtained questionnaire data of all state forests enterprises just few of existing and foreseen recreational facilities of forests management plans are integrated into national strategical programs and spatial plans of recreational and tourism development. This fact could be the reason of quite week implementation of Programs of Recreational Infrastructure Development in State Forests in 2003-2005 and 2006-2008. Analysis of implementation of Recreational Infrastructure Development Program 2006- 2008 showed too week establishment of tourism tracks. Too little recreational environment promotion in forest was applied during program period thought these measures should predominate in forests of recreational purpose. Suggestions for improvement of recreational infrastructure development and recreational environment are offered while seeking better implementation of goals and tasks of General Plan of Lithuanian Republic Territory (2002), as well others strategical planning documents of national interest. Suggestions could improve the dislocation of recreational facilities and quality of forests while applying EU structural funds more purposefully and promoting quality of human life in Lithuania.