The 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 whatever they like.
The 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 whatever 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. Violating this procedure entails not only fines but also the confiscation of harvested products and the obligation to compensate for the damage caused. All of this can spoil your festive mood if you decide to play the role of a violator.
The Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate reminds you: A specific procedure is established for those harvesting New Year trees within the forest fund territory. According to the Rules for harvesting secondary forest resources and carrying out forestry:
The harvesting of coniferous New Year trees, including Christmas trees, is carried out:
- on specially created plantations of coniferous New Year trees, including Christmas trees;
- when carrying out silvicultural thinning in forests, from among the trees felled in accordance with silvicultural requirements;
- during the clearing of routes, glades, rights-of-way, power lines, in logging areas of main use and clear sanitary felling, if the undergrowth in these logging areas is not subject to preservation.
To prevent illegal logging and violations of environmental legislation, the Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate will conduct raid operations, and patrols of forest areas and city territories will be intensified to identify and prosecute citizens illegally felling and trading in New Year trees. Jointly with the Department of Internal Affairs and the State Automobile Inspectorate, posts will be organised on roads to stop vehicles and check for illegally harvested New Year trees.
To purchase
New Year trees can be purchased at special Christmas tree markets organized by legal entities engaged in forestry (forestries) and individual entrepreneurs. For inquiries regarding the purchase of New Year trees, please contact the forestries and forest districts at your place of residence.