Les loisirs en forêt : un service de proximité(s)

Forests recreational demand analysis frequently consider forests as physical assets described by generic and interchangeable attributes. Consequently, they consider space as an exogenous factor. We believe that this does not fully reflect the diversity of socio-spatial configurations in reality. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to analyze the spatial dimensions of forest recreational demand from an economic perspective. To do so, we used concepts stemming from environmental economics and proximity economics. We implemented a hierarchical clustering methods imposing spatial constraints (ClustGeo) on a representative sample of forests recreational users in South Western France. Our results show various definitions of forests recreational places as expressed by recreational users, i.e. as a generic asset as well as a subjective construct. Recreational uses are one of the main factor that explain such a diversity and permanent geographical proximity with the forests seem to favor stronger attachment to sites compared to temporary proximity. Our analysis also reveal that the spatial definition of the forests depends on the environmental forest attributes at stake. In the paper, the individual preferences for local forest landscapes illustrate this point. We suggest that approaching forests as relational places will offer land use planers a better assessment of users? preferences and new opportunities to further involve outdoor enthusiasts? in the management of forests? recreational services.