Evaluation of the social and environmental function of the National Forest of Canela, RS

Study carried out in the city of Canela, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with the application of several instruments had as objectives to evaluate the social function of this UC and its use as a subsidy to Ecotourism and Environmental Education projects. The methodology is based on the evaluation of applied instruments. The tourist attraction was considered 'good' regarding its accesses and with 'regular' signalling. The FLONA was pointed out as a protection area with Tourist Potential. The evaluation of the landscape by the tourists revealed that they are multiple with semi limited range, and determined three factors in the perception of the landscapes, such as: anthropic scenery and vegetation. In the Trilha do Veado the visual quality of the elements present were perceived as partially defined lines, organic forms, medium texture degree and random order, with few colours and little variation in the shades of green. It was proposed a load capacity for the Trail that varies with the seasons of the year and the number of group members. The analysis of the attractions of the Deer Trail determined the possibility of use in Ecotourism and its application in themes inherent to Environmental Education.