Lesson 2: Entertainment and Recreation
Unit 4 - The Social Importance of Forests
Lesson 2: Entertainment and Recreation
When considering the social importance of forests, entertainment and recreation must also be discussed.
Many people all over the world value forests for their grandeur and natural beauty as well as for the recreational opportunities they offer.
For example, hiking, exploring, camping, canoeing, skiing, hunting, fishing, and bird watching are just a few of the many leisure activities that depend on forested areas.
However, sometimes disagreements can develop about how the forest areas are to be used. On one side of the debate are the people who want to protect the forested areas; on the other side of the debate are the people that want to use the forests for recreation, which includes off-road vehicles. They feel the area can be used by off-road vehicles while still protecting the wildlife.
One such area includes the Castle Mountain parks in southwest Alberta. In 2017, the provincial government started to define boundaries of the protected area and began talks to phase out off-highway vehicles in the area. This has upset quad enthusiasts who were accustomed to using the area for their recreation.
To read more about this ongoing debate, click on the links below:
After reading some of these articles, you can see that there are two sides to this debate. Which side of the debate do you find yourself on: the provincial
government or the off-highway vehicle riders?
Did you know that spending time in a forest can also help reduce stress levels and improve overall health and well-being?
There are many interesting articles about the importance of spending time in the forest.
Now, try to imagine a world without trees and forests.
Imagine the world without the flora and fauna that forests harbour.
How would this affect your quality of life?
You
have completed Unit 4; continue to the next page for Assignment 1.