Determination of nature parks' meeting the recreational requirements of local people (case of Çorum province)

This study, which was carried out on the recreational benefits of forest, which is one of the non-wood forest products and services, was established under two main headings. In the first part of the study, the distribution of forest recreation areas (A type recreation area, B type recreation area, C type recreation area, D type recreation area and nature parks) in Turkey and various criteria, (Gross Domestic Product values per capita of provinces) Weighted Overlay analysis was carried out using the number of people per km2, population growth rate, ratio of forest area to general area and total forest rest areas). As a result of the analysis, the provinces were divided into three categories according to the need for recreational areas in the forest. In the second part of the study, the general characteristics of the visitors of the most established nature parks in Turkey, the purpose of use of the nature park, their awareness, etc. A survey study on characteristics was carried out. As a result of the study, on the example of Çorum province, the visitors generally use the nature parks for picnicking purposes, the infrastructure and equipment are sufficient, the visitors do not have enough information about the forest area where the nature parks are established, and the visitors in the nature park are found to be peaceful and happy. feel positive emotions, the proximity of nature parks to the city is important, etc. results have been obtained. As a result of this study, multi-criteria analyze should be made and plans should be made for these results in order to ensure that the people benefit from the recreational benefits of the forest at the country level at an optimal level. In addition, forest awareness of the society should be increased in the use of existing forest recreation areas, and urban people should be attracted to these areas with different tools.