９月２７日、木島平村和栗地区にて、クマの出没防止に効果が期待される緩衝帯の整備活動を実施しました。この活動は、環境創造コース３年のツキノワグマ研究班が昨年度より取り組んでいる「クマが人里に近づきにくい環境づくり」を目的とした企画であり、人身事故の未然防止を強く願って実施されたものです。
当日は、地域のボランティア１１名と生徒有志１０名が参加しました。参加者は、背丈を大きく超えるオオブタクサが密集する場所で悪戦苦闘しながらも、根気強く雑草の刈り取りを進めました。刈払機の活用もあり、最終的には30アール以上にわたる広範囲な緩衝帯の整備を完了することができました。
今後も研究班による継続的な草刈りを通じて、緩衝帯の有効性の検証を進めてまいります。ご協力いただいた皆様に、心より感謝申し上げます。
On September 27th, a buffer zone maintenance activity was carried out in the Wakuri area of Kijimadaira Village. This buffer zone is expected to help prevent bear appearances near residential areas.
The activity was organized by the Asiatic Black Bear Research Group, a third-year team from the Environmental Creation Course. Since last year, the group has been working on a project to “create an environment that makes it harder for bears to approach human settlements,” with the strong wish to prevent accidents before they happen. On the day of the activity, 11 local volunteers and 10 student volunteers took part.
articipants worked persistently to cut down tall weeds, including dense clusters of giant ragweed that grew well above their heads. With the help of brush cutters, they were able to clear and maintain a wide buffer zone covering more than 30 are.
The research group will continue regular mowing activities to examine the effectiveness of the buffer zone. We sincerely thank everyone who cooperated and supported this project.
