A Research on the Evaluation of Multifunctional Usage Features of Bolu Urban Forest from Expert Perspective

Urban forests are the basic building blocks of the urban green infrastructure system with its multifunctional features (ecological, aesthetic and architectural, physical and climatic, social and economic benefits). In this article, the natural and recreational usage characteristics of Bolu Urban Forest are determined by Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Later on, 75 specialist surveys were conducted in order to contribute to multifunctional planning of the Bolu Urban Forest and to measure the social, aesthetic, ecological and economic benefits of the area. The data obtained were analyzed by correlation analysis in Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) 17.0 program. As a result, although the Bolu Urban Forest has significant potential in terms of its multifunctional use characteristics, the urban forest has not been able to see the expected disturbance due to the fact that most of Bolu is composed of forest areas. In addition, it has been found that the operator and maintenance work are not performed regularly and thus are below the standards required. Bolu Urban Forest should be planned holistically and sustainable proposals have been introduced that will shed light on multifunctional planning and management, taking into account the protection-use balance.