Forest reclamation framework of the Steppe Pre‐Urals, Russia: Classification of elements and assessment of environmental and recreational potential

Abstract

Aim. Creation of a brief description of the elements of forest reclamation framework of the model area of the Steppe Pre‐Urals (Belyaevsky district), Russia and allocation of ecologically and recreationally valuable forest terrain. The research was carried out using the cartographic method (mapping of forest vegetation using remote sensing data (ESRI, Google Earth), a digital model of the earth's surface (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) and maps of the forest management system of the Federal State Information System of the Forestry Complex). Field studies were conducted to assess the recreational potential and environmental value. The forested area of the research area is 121 km and the forest cover is 3.2%. The classification of forests of natural origin (according to the conditions of formation) and forest plantations (according to their purpose) of the Steppe Pre‐Urals and a brief description of forests of various types are given. The most ecologically valuable forests are marked. The forest terrain with the greatest recreational potential and the main problems of their recreational use have been identified. Despite the low forest cover, forested areas play an important role in the formation of the nature conservation and recreational land fund. They are of great importance for the functioning of a network of protected areas and hunting grounds; many of them are used or can be used as places of recreation and tourism.