An investigation of roads in forest for the recreational usage (The case of Bartın-Amasra)

Activities carried out in protected areas and environmental effects are very important with respect to forestry operations. There are a lot of potential recreation sites in forests of Bartın-Amasra region. This study was conducted in Amasra, Kuskayasi Road Monument, a Picnic Area and a High Vantage Point, which is a potential recreation site. Recreation areas, extending along a hillside in the forest, transportation systems and technical aspects are examined. 122 surveys consisting of 30 questions were given to tourists and people living in the region in order to determine the problems regarding land use and transportation in the recreation areas. Strengths and weaknesses for the potential recreation areas have been determined by SWOT Analysis. The data obtained from computer and field studies were combined and information system-based Geographical Information System (GIS) was created. Information maps such as slope, altitude and road were formed for current and potential recreation areas. In addition to current transportation systems, all data attributes related with unpaved roads and paths were added into the digital map. Also, longitudinal profile charts were formed for the current and potential transportation systems. According to the SWOT analysis; high tourism potential, proximity to Amasra town center and the lack of adequate recreation areas in Amasra are strengths aspects. The short seasonal conditions and insufficient information of the people living in the region about tourism are weakness aspects. According to survey analysis; the participants noted that recreational areas are insufficient (80.4%) and new recreation areas and roads are a need for the region (90.1%). The path planning in the monument routes is 1905 m long, 60-80 m wide and %10-30 slope. It takes about 55-minutes from the monument to the picnic area on foot. The road length from picnic area to high vantage point is 1985 m and its slope is 15%. Asphalt road was preferred by the participants for all 3 recreation areas (52.3%) for transportation. Due to the extreme slope and current roads' being too narrow, they should be maintained (44.3%) according to the standards. As a result, the standard of current roads should be increased in the potential recreation areas and infrastructure facilities should be established to meet the needs of the people in the area. Kuskayasi Road Monument, Bakacak and the Picnic Area should be evaluated as a whole transportation network and technical standards of the region need to be improved. Key Words Amasra; Picnic place; Recreation; Road in forest; SWOT analysis; GIS.