National Forestry Agency tightens control on illegal tree felling, sale ahead of holiday season

The Georgian National Forestry Agency on Monday said it was tightening control over illegal tree felling and sale ahead of the holiday season. 

The body said illegal felling, transportation and sale of conifer trees could result in fines of up to ₾2,000 ($743.59) for the first offense and ₾5,000 ($1,858) for repeat acts. 

It added offenders would be responsible for damages caused and face criminal charges if damage exceeded ₾1,000 ($371.79). 

The Agency noted conifer trees could be harvested legally from dedicated plantations and homesteads, or imported from abroad. 

It also said sale of legally obtained trees or plants required documents confirming ownership, with a certificate of origin issued by local municipalities mandatory for transportation if they were obtained from a privately owned plot of land or an artificially grown plantation.

Celebrities will be joining a campaign to urge the public to use artificial trees for the holiday season instead, it added.