It became known how many people were caught illegally felling Christmas trees this year
Alexander Uhryn, head of the forestry department of the Ministry of Forestry of Belarus, announced at a press conference how many violations related to the illegal felling of New Year trees were recorded during the holiday period.
Illustrative photo. Photo: Nasha Niva
From December 15 to January 8, the state forest guard worked in enhanced mode to prevent illegal felling. Among other things, raids were organized in forests — primarily in young coniferous stands, near roads, settlements, and garden cooperatives, where the risk of illegal felling is highest.
Photo and video recording devices – so-called camera traps – were used to detect violations. There are more than 2,100 of them in the Ministry of Forestry system.
As a result of the measures taken, more than 1,700 field inspections were organized. During this time, approximately 5,600 vehicles, 1,100 sites for harvesting New Year trees, and almost 900 permits were inspected.
In total, more than 160 offenders were caught, with 7 cases of illegal felling of New Year trees.
Alexander Uhryn reminded that administrative responsibility is provided for illegal felling or damage to tree-shrub vegetation. Fines are:
- for individuals — up to 30 basic units;
- for individual entrepreneurs — up to 200 basic units;
- for legal entities — up to 300 basic units.
In addition to the fine, offenders will have to compensate for the damage caused to the environment, as well as the cost of illegally harvested products. Payment in the amount of one basic unit is provided for each New Year tree.
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