2026 Volume 108 Issue 4 Pages 93-105
Forest roads serve multiple purposes, such as supporting forest development, facilitating the day-to-day lives of mountain villagers, and providing emergency routes during disasters. However, the current state of maintenance and management of privately owned forest roads in Japan remains ill-defined. We analyzed statistical data, interviewed relevant parties, and conducted a questionnaire survey of the municipalities to understand the current state of maintenance and management of privately owned forest roads. We also examined the measures adopted by each municipality and region to address the challenges they encountered. Our findings reveal mounting challenges in maintaining these roads due to manpower shortages in municipalities, delays in digitizing road data, and, aging and declining populations in communities residing along the roads. In particular, lack of basic data hinders patrols and disaster response and impedes efficient maintenance management. The development of digital data and GIS linkage will enable “visualization” and “prioritization” of routes based on cost-effectiveness, resulting in more efficient maintenance and management. Additionally, collaboration with outside entities can address the issue of the aging population and population decline. To establish this system, technical support, financial support, and the dissemination of best practices by prefectures, the national government, and private sector companies are necessary.
