This year 60,000 trees will be cut for Transcarpathian New Year

"The tradition of decorating houses with Christmas trees brings troubles not only to the owners of houses, but to the state forest protection service" – complained today, December 5, at a briefing in RSA the Deputy Head of Regional Forestry and Hunting Department Vasyl Pukman. 

This, above all, concerns the unauthorized felling of trees. This year, the department forms mobile teams who will raid the forests catching "Christmas tree poachers." This offense is punishable by administrative penalty. The amount depends on the diameter of the felled tree. The fine for the smallest tree is 85-170 UAH, plus at least 189 UAH for damage caused. In total it is 274 UAH for one tree. Criminal responsibility is also provided, therefore, warns Vasyl Pukman, it is better not to risk.

The forestries provided 59,600 trees for cutting. Although this number seems rather exaggerated, given that last year less than 10,000 official Christmas trees were sold at the limit of more than 70 thousand.

They will be sold on a specially equipped venues. There will be 59 points of sale.

In addition, the department conducts propaganda work. "We want to break the stereotypes and try to celebrate with live trees in pots or artificial trees. The plea is aimed primarily at the department staff who are advised to refuse from felled trees," – said Vasyl Pukman.