The recreational needs of Lithuania people, forest loads and activity of resting people were determined by sociological studies. The regularity of regional digression of forest are analyzed on the basis of 200 permanent and temporary research plots. Theoretical fundamentals of assessment of these processes, criteria of assessment and methodical requirements are reviewed. A general conclusion on the optimization of recreational forest’s use is presented. On the basis of these studies it was possible to prepare a system of organizational – economic means and standards of forest use for recreation.
Keywords: recreation, digression of ecosystems, ecological capacity, optimization of use.