People’s perceptions of well-being aspects related to forest roads and roadsides in Latvia

The area of ecosystems that are anthropogenically created or heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities is increasing globally. A notable example is forest roads, which may have positive impacts on the economy but potentially adverse effects on biodiversity, for example, changes in plant species and animal behaviour. Aiming to assess the benefits and potential negative impacts of forest roads, we carried out a representative nationwide survey on societal attitudes towards forest roads and road verges. The survey included general perception of forest roads, their importance in providing non-timber forest products, recreation opportunities and amenity services, as well as their role in enhancing negative aspects of nature related to health and safety. Our research results highlighted the significance of transportation network functions of forest roads, especially of wide gravel motor roads with managed roadsides. At the same time, smaller roads covered with vegetation and without managed verges had higher scenic value. The tick-borne diseases were the most important disservices; however, the recognized disservices did not affect the stated use of forest roads. Our study also revealed gender differences, for example, greater female activity in the use of almost all ecosystem services, except hunting. Female respondents also assigned greater importance to all ecosystem disservices than male respondents. Our study explored the importance of forest roads and their verges from the perspective of people’s lifestyles. By including environmental aspects in the planning and management of forest roads, we could enhance their wider societal importance in facilitating people’s connection with nature and increasing their multifunctional use.