Will there be a fine for collecting fallen trees in the forest for firewood

Many Ukrainians still believe that fallen trees or large branches from the planting can be taken for firewood without any restrictions. In fact, this is prohibited: any wood in the forest belongs to the state or the forest user, and a permit is needed for its removal. UNIAN reported this by lawyer Anastasia Rudenko.

What can be collected at all

The law clearly defines which forest raw materials can be collected without permits. It only concerns small natural residues that have no economic value:

• fallen leaves, needles, bark, small twigs and branches with a diameter of 3–5 cm

Any larger fragments of wood — fallen trees, large branches, dead wood or windfall — are forest resources. They can only be harvested by forest enterprises within the framework of specified logging.

What are the fines for illegal wood collection

If a person independently takes wood from the forest or planting, this is classified as illegal logging and carries punishment.

Administrative fines:

• under Article 64 of the Code of Administrative Offenses — 102–238 UAH for citizens and 170–272 UAH for officials

• under Article 65 of the Code of Administrative Offenses — 510–1020 UAH for citizens and 2550–5100 UAH for officials

• under Article 65-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (plantings and forest belts) — 510–680 UAH for citizens and 1020–1530 UAH for officials

Criminal liability:

If the actions caused significant harm to the forestry, the case may fall under Article 246 of the Criminal Code. Then a fine of 17–25.5 thousand UAH or restriction/imprisonment for up to three years may be possible. In addition, the offender is obliged to compensate for the damages caused — sometimes the amount significantly exceeds the fine itself.

Can firewood be collected in plantings

Just like in the forest, it is prohibited to collect wood in protective strips and other plantings without permission. A document from the body that has these plantations on balance is needed: local council, community, forest enterprise or road service.

How to legally obtain firewood

The law does not allow taking any firewood in the forest without permission. There are two options:

• buy firewood from «Forests of Ukraine» or from the state service «FirewoodЄ»;

• issue a felling ticket through the forest enterprise.

Before independently harvesting firewood, it is necessary to pay for the wood or service and obtain an official ticket — this is the only document that allows legal logging.