Studies on a History of Flood Damages and Land Use on Wetlands in the lsikari Plain, Hokkido, Japan

Abstract

In the lsikari Plain, farmlands have been developed on wetlands. These farmlands, however, have been damaged by the frequent occurrence of floods. This study attempts to understand land use history on wetlands in the lsikari Plain and to consider how to minimize flood damages through land use control.
History of flood damages on lowlands is discussed in connection with the land reclamation processes. in particular, inundated areas by the flood in August 1981 are compared with the distribution of wet and waste lands in 1905 when the areas were undeveloped. As a result, it is pointed out that wetlands with high potential risk of flood damages are generally unsuitable for housing developments. Therefore, the areas having the characteristics of wetlands are to be maintained as openspaces with the functions of both retarding run-off and producing rices or offering high amenity value for recreational purposes.