Christmas and New Year holidays are approaching. Artificial Christmas trees can be bought in stores now, but many still prefer a real, natural one.
Christmas and New Year holidays are approaching. Artificial Christmas trees can be bought in stores now, but many still prefer a real, natural one. Citizens often wonder: where to get a fir or pine tree to decorate their homes. Many, without thinking, rush to the nearest forest and cut down what they like.
It is important to remember that a Christmas tree is not just a decoration, but a natural resource, the harvesting of which is strictly regulated by law. Violation of this procedure entails not only fines but also confiscation of harvested products and the obligation to compensate for damage caused. All this can spoil your festive mood if you decide to play the role of a violator.
The Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate reminds: A specific procedure for harvesting Christmas trees in the forest fund territory has been established for harvesters. In accordance with the Rules for harvesting secondary forest resources and forest use:
Harvesting of coniferous Christmas trees, including fir trees, is carried out:
- on specially created plantations of coniferous Christmas trees, including fir trees;
- during tending felling in forests from among the trees cut down in accordance with silvicultural requirements;
- for the purpose of clearing tracks, glades, rights-of-way, power lines, in logging areas of main use and clear-cutting sanitary felling, if young growth is not subject to preservation in these logging areas.
To prevent illegal logging and violations of environmental legislation, the Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate will conduct raid operations, increasing patrols of forest areas and city territories to identify and prosecute citizens illegally felling New Year trees and engaging in their illegal trade. Jointly with the Department of Internal Affairs and the State Automobile Inspectorate, posts will be organized on roads to stop vehicles and check for illegally harvested New Year trees.
New Year trees can be purchased at special Christmas tree markets organized by legal entities engaged in forestry (leskhozes) and individual entrepreneurs, as well as regarding issues
to purchase New Year trees, you should contact the forestry enterprises and forestries at your place of residence.