札幌市における路傍の巨木保全対策の問題点

「シンボル樹木」制度を事例として

抄録

This research identifies problems with the “symbol tree” conservation system through interviews with Sapporo City Government officials and 13 residents living near the trees. “Symbol trees” are 324 giant roadside trees that have been owned by Sapporo City and examined by tree doctors since 1995. In the Chuo ward of Sapporo, 43 of these trees were felled in the past 7 years for safety reasons. There are residents who voluntarily tend to manage “symbol trees” at their own cost. This conservation system is problematic for two reasons. 1) The administration and the residents lack communication on tree conservation, and thus lack a common understanding of that ownership. 2) There is no system for paying residents who tend to manage trees, even though Sapporo owns the trees. In managing trees under the present system, the role of local government is unclear. Conserving these trees as community landmarks requires greater discussion between administration and residents.