Illegal felling, transportation of conifer trees identified in western regions ahead of festive season

Georgia's State Sub-Agency Department of Environmental Supervision on Wednesday said its inspectors had identified cases of illegal felling and transportation of conifer trees in Adjara and Shida Kartli regions of the country ahead of the festive period. 

The body said the illegally cut trees and branches, found in the village of Erge in Khelvachauri municipality in the west and in the town of Agara in Kareli municipality in central-eastern Georgia, had been sealed.

The Agency added control over illegal tree felling and sale ahead of the holiday season had been tightened and noted fines of up to ₾2,000 ($743.59) for the first offence and ₾5,000 ($1,858) for repeat acts. 

The Georgian National Forestry Agency said offenders would be responsible for damages caused and face criminal charges if damage exceeded ₾1,000 ($371.79). 

The Environmental Supervision Agency said the regions with coniferous forests were under “stricter” control and “special” attention, while places of sale were “actively” monitored in the capital city of Tbilisi. 

It added conifer trees could be harvested legally from dedicated plantations and homesteads, or imported from abroad.