抄録
In this paper, a prototype of a public participation handbook is presented. This proposal can become a reference for producing official handbooks of the national forests in Japan. Procedures for public participation in the planning process are divided into following seven stages. (1) Pre-planning (2) publicity of the planning system and public participation process, (3) explanation of the present states and problems of forests, (4) collection of opinions, discussion and analysis, (5) preparation of assessments and alternative plans, (6) determination, explanation and recording of the final plan, (7) promotion of acceptance of the final plan. Under the present planning system in the national forests, an acceptable handbook is required, because public participation in the forest planning process is an essential factor.
