Abstract:

This paper evaluated the aesthetic quality of forest scenery in Kanas tourism district by using scenic beauty estimation method（SBE）,and studied its relationship with natural fire disturbance. The results indicated: 1）The scenic beauty value of forest scenery was universally high, and people preferred the forest scenery with rich tree species and orderly storey. 2）There was a close relationship between forest scenery aesthetic quality and the time occurring natural fire disturbance. The earlier natural fire disturbance occurred the lower aesthetic value forest scenery was, vice versa. Fire disturbance was one of the main factors which influenced the forest scenery aesthetic quality by controlling formation of tree structure. This knowledge would provide reliable theoretic guidance and feasible scientific approaches for sustainable management of forest landscape and protection of biological diversity in terms of scenery aesthetic quality.

Key words: Kanas, forest scenery aesthetic quality, scenic beauty estimation method（SBE）, natural fire disturbance