環境教育からみた河畔林の価値 山梨県金川の河畔林を例として

Abstract

The study of the relationship between forests and human life is an important part of environmental education. In this study, with the aim of clarifying the value of the riparian forest in environmental education, the history of the utilization of the riparian forest of the Kane River in Yamanashi Pref. and its landscape, was investigated.Historically, the forest along the Kane River has been utilized as a flood control forest, and was also utilized as a source of firewood and of fallen leaves for fertilizer. However, with the progress of technology, the value of the forest as a source of firewood and fertilizer has decreased over the past three decades, and several parts of the forest have been lost to development or have become unmanaged dumping grounds. In addition to the problem of dumping, in recent years there has been a growing demand for recreational areas, and a higher estimation of the historical value of the forest; and in 1996 the riparian forest became a forest park.In this forest park, the different landscapes show the history of the relationship between the river, the forest, and humans. For example, abandoned channels and sediment in the forest show the flood type on fan and the flood prevention function of the forest. Landscapes of open banks, flood control forest and groins are indicative of activities by residents to protect life and property from flood. Forest of oak and Japanese oak used appropriately as a source of firewood and fertilizer shows that the forest has been preserved. The recreational forest shows the value of the forest in offering spiritual well-being.In conclusion, the landscapes and the history of the riparian forest are suitable aids for the study of the relationship between the river, the forest, and humans, and for the study of the meaning of forest preservation. The riparian forest provides valuable teaching material in environmental education.