Southern Pine Beetles Infestation Affects Esthetic Values of Forest Landscapes
Buhyoff GJ, Leuschner WA, Wellman JD. 1979. Southern Pine Beetles Infestation Affects Esthetic Values of Forest Landscapes. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 3(2):48-49
ABSTRACT: Viewers preferences for forest landscapes suffering from varying stages of southern pine beetle (SPB) infestation were measured. Subjects with different forestry backgrounds evaluated slides of SPB-damaged areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Half were told they were viewing SPB damage; half were not. Results indicate that people prefer undamaged landscape, preferences do not differ according to forestry backgrounds, foreknowledge of SPB damage influenced viewers negatively, and most esthetic impact occurs before 10 percent of the forested area shows insect damage. We present management recommendations based on these findings.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Buhyoff, Gregory; Leuschner, W; Wellman, J
- Units
- BLRI
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, BLRI, Blue Ridge Parkway, Dendroctonus frontalis, esthetic impact, landscape dimensions, landscape preferences, paired comparisons, reliability, scenic beauty, SER, social science, Southeast Region, southern pine beetle, visitor experience