The Perception and Self-Concept of Suburban Foresters in Their Role as Forest Recreation Managers

The study aimed to explore the perception of foresters in relation to forest recreational management in the Czech Republic. Using qualitative research methods, specifically semi-structured in-depth interviews, the study gathered data to uncover the positive and negative factors influencing the work...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sabina Autratova, Jitka Fialova, Katerina Sedlackova
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Land
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/2/215
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850229942573334528
author Sabina Autratova
Jitka Fialova
Katerina Sedlackova
author_facet Sabina Autratova
Jitka Fialova
Katerina Sedlackova
author_sort Sabina Autratova
collection DOAJ
description The study aimed to explore the perception of foresters in relation to forest recreational management in the Czech Republic. Using qualitative research methods, specifically semi-structured in-depth interviews, the study gathered data to uncover the positive and negative factors influencing the work of foresters as recreational managers. Fifteen respondents from across the country, all involved in the development and management of forest recreation, participated in the study. Content analysis and grounded theory were applied to analyze the interviews with the aid of ATLAS.ti software (Student Semester License). The findings highlight foresters’ perception from two perspectives: as forest users and as professionals. The professional perspective also revealed challenges, benefits, and obstacles in managing recreational activities. A key theme that emerged was the relationship and communication with the public. The study found that foresters’ views on recreation management are complex, encompassing both positive and negative aspects. While they value contributing to the public good, they face issues such as environmental pollution, conflicts with visitors, rule enforcement, and a lack of recognition for their efforts. These challenges shape their professional outlook. The insights gained could guide future research and inform strategies to enhance forest recreation management.
format Article
id doaj-art-5624f32a4fbf44089be782ee76a3d626
institution OA Journals
issn 2073-445X
language English
publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Land
spelling doaj-art-5624f32a4fbf44089be782ee76a3d6262025-08-20T02:04:01ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-01-0114221510.3390/land14020215The Perception and Self-Concept of Suburban Foresters in Their Role as Forest Recreation ManagersSabina Autratova0Jitka Fialova1Katerina Sedlackova2Department of Landscape Management, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech RepublicDepartment of Landscape Management, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech RepublicDepartment of Landscape Management, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech RepublicThe study aimed to explore the perception of foresters in relation to forest recreational management in the Czech Republic. Using qualitative research methods, specifically semi-structured in-depth interviews, the study gathered data to uncover the positive and negative factors influencing the work of foresters as recreational managers. Fifteen respondents from across the country, all involved in the development and management of forest recreation, participated in the study. Content analysis and grounded theory were applied to analyze the interviews with the aid of ATLAS.ti software (Student Semester License). The findings highlight foresters’ perception from two perspectives: as forest users and as professionals. The professional perspective also revealed challenges, benefits, and obstacles in managing recreational activities. A key theme that emerged was the relationship and communication with the public. The study found that foresters’ views on recreation management are complex, encompassing both positive and negative aspects. While they value contributing to the public good, they face issues such as environmental pollution, conflicts with visitors, rule enforcement, and a lack of recognition for their efforts. These challenges shape their professional outlook. The insights gained could guide future research and inform strategies to enhance forest recreation management.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/2/215forestersforest recreational managementrecreational management practicesself-perceptions
spellingShingle Sabina Autratova
Jitka Fialova
Katerina Sedlackova
The Perception and Self-Concept of Suburban Foresters in Their Role as Forest Recreation Managers
Land
foresters
forest recreational management
recreational management practices
self-perceptions
title The Perception and Self-Concept of Suburban Foresters in Their Role as Forest Recreation Managers
title_full The Perception and Self-Concept of Suburban Foresters in Their Role as Forest Recreation Managers
title_fullStr The Perception and Self-Concept of Suburban Foresters in Their Role as Forest Recreation Managers
title_full_unstemmed The Perception and Self-Concept of Suburban Foresters in Their Role as Forest Recreation Managers
title_short The Perception and Self-Concept of Suburban Foresters in Their Role as Forest Recreation Managers
title_sort perception and self concept of suburban foresters in their role as forest recreation managers
topic foresters
forest recreational management
recreational management practices
self-perceptions
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/2/215
work_keys_str_mv AT sabinaautratova theperceptionandselfconceptofsuburbanforestersintheirroleasforestrecreationmanagers
AT jitkafialova theperceptionandselfconceptofsuburbanforestersintheirroleasforestrecreationmanagers
AT katerinasedlackova theperceptionandselfconceptofsuburbanforestersintheirroleasforestrecreationmanagers
AT sabinaautratova perceptionandselfconceptofsuburbanforestersintheirroleasforestrecreationmanagers
AT jitkafialova perceptionandselfconceptofsuburbanforestersintheirroleasforestrecreationmanagers
AT katerinasedlackova perceptionandselfconceptofsuburbanforestersintheirroleasforestrecreationmanagers