Christmas tree markets in the Vitebsk region will open on December 21
In total, the forestry enterprises of the northern region plan to sell about 50 thousand New Year trees. For the convenience of the public, the operating hours will be extended as much as possible. The product range of the outlets will traditionally include fir trees, pines, as well as Christmas tree bouquets and potted fir trees. The latter were in high demand among the public last year, so their sales volume is planned to be almost tripled. The average cost of a New Year tree up to 1 m will be Br10, 1-2 m - Br12, 2-3 m - Br17, 3-4 m - Br30.
In the pre-New Year period, raid work aimed at suppressing illegal logging of New Year trees becomes relevant for state forest protection workers. Forest patrols will be organized near settlements, roads, and young coniferous stands. Posts will also be set up, including joint ones with the State Automobile Inspectorate. Citizens transporting New Year trees will have their documents confirming their purchase checked. In the pre-New Year days, the state forest protection intends to actively use "digital sentinels" - photo and video recording cameras. "Over a hundred cameras are in operation on the forest fund territory of the Vitebsk VGPPLHO. Since the beginning of the year, they have helped detect more than 60 violations. The most effective work of camera traps is noted in the Vitebsk, Orsha, Postavy, and Polotsk forestry enterprises," specialists emphasized.
The association reminded that the unauthorized felling of a New Year tree is punishable by a fine of 5 to 50 basic units (one BU - Br25.5).
To prevent forest depletion, almost 4 thousand hectares of forest crops, which is more than 14 million trees, are created annually in the Vitebsk region. In addition, so that everyone can please themselves and their loved ones with the aroma of a forest beauty on the eve of the winter holidays, New Year trees are grown on special plantations.
BELTA. Photo from the archive of the newspaper "Vitebskiye Vesti".