Current actions and issues of forest and forestry administration in Fukushima Prefecture after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Abstract

This study examined the implementation of forest and forestry administration in Fukushima Prefecture after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The extraordinary circumstances led Fukushima Prefecture to endeavor to solve problems with a focus on local conditions, which resulted in the realization of local forest policies in some cases. Harmful rumors about radioactive substances in timber were counteracted by the performance of hands-on activities by Fukushima Prefecture, including measurement of radioactivity in timber and disseminating the results. The role of the prefectural government needs to be expanded, but the collaboration between the central and municipal governments should be recognized as indispensable.