Current Status, Attitude, and Issues around Preserved Tree Systems, Identified through Surveying the Operators Managing the Trees

Abstract

The "preserved tree system" and "preserved forest system" aim to preserve trees and forests in cities in Japan, and are operated by local governments. We conducted a questionnaire of the operators of the preserved tree system to examine their awareness of the systems in Nagoya (215 operators) and Shizuoka (60 operators), and clarified the relationships among operators, local governments, and community residents not involved in tree management. Questionnaires were returned by 117 (Nagoya) and 30 (Shizuoka) operators. The results were as follows: 1) Although local governments and operators agreed on the goals of the system (green preservation, improving aesthetic appeal, and preservation of trees with historical and cultural value), there were concerns over the associated costs and economic burden faced by the management; 2) There was a risk of conflict between the operators and community residents because calls for preservation by neighboring residents increased when operators stopped tree management. For sustainable preservation of designated trees in the local environment, promotion of cooperation between community residents and operators is crucial.