Aesthetics

The term "aesthetics" refers to the visual impact of a landscape. It is often referred to simply as "scenic beauty." It is a forest resource that differs for all people, and is highly valuable in recreational and spiritual terms, but extremely difficult to quantify in monetary terms.

Research has indicated that forest scenes are rated high in aesthetic quality when they contained large trees, low to moderate stand densities, grass and herbaceous cover and a variety of species and colors. Perceptions of a forests scenic beauty are negatively impacted by small trunks, dense shrubs, bare ground, woody debris, and evidence of fire or human disturbance (Ribe 1989).

It is important for forest managers and landowners to understand aesthetics because public support of management practices often depends on how management practices affect aesthetic qualities. It is also important to realize that aesthetic preferences often differ among different ethnic groups.

See also:  Aesthetics and Ethnicity.