Prediction of the amenity of a tree stand

Slides and computer drawings of 100 managed stands were evaluated for scenic beauty and recreational value by 121 people. The size and age of trees increased the beauty and recreation scores as well as a big share of pines and birches. A great number of stems per hectare indicated low amenity. Characteristics describing the tree population explained 70 % of the variation in slide ratings. Ratings of computer illustrations of stands accounted for about the same proportion of the variation in slide ratings indicating that they can be used as successfully as the regression models for estimating the amenity of a tree stand. The ratings of forestry students did not differ from those of biology students nor the ratings of foresters from those of urban citizens.