Abstract: In order to understand the life history characteristics and the pattern of the spatial distribution of Betula platyphylla population in the Qiliyu region of Shanxi Province, the life table characteristics, age structure, survival curve and spatial distribution of the B. platyphylla population were studied. The results showed that, 1) the age structure of the B. platyphylla population of the Qiliyu region followed a spindle shape, which indicated that the population was declining; 2) the survivorship curve of B. platyphylla population approximated the type of the Deevey I; 3) selfthinning was common in this population, because of the high interspecific competition for space and sunlight, which led to a higher death rate in age class III; 4) the spatial distribution in different growth periods was clumped or random. To be specific, the distribution pattern tended to be clumped when interspecific competition was not intense, and the clumping distribution became more significant with age increase. Based on our findings, we concluded the spatial patterns of the B. platyphylla population in this area of uniform environment conditions were controlled by biotic interactions and local ecological characteristics.

Key words: travel cost interval analysis, recreational value, willingness-to-pay, travel cost model, zonal travel cost model, Beijing Olympic Forest Park