A fine of 500 to 5,000 złoty is fined. Never buy such a decoration for a grave.
Every year, in the last weeks of October, intensified Forest Guard patrols comb the forests, access roads, and ornamental shops. Their goal is clear: to stop the illegal cutting of fir, spruce, and pine branches, which are widely used for making flower arrangements.
Foresters remind us that such activities not only harm nature but also cause losses for the State Forests, which conducts planned felling and maintenance of stands. These are the legal sources from which the wreath comes, and it can be purchased without risk.
According to the Olkusz Forest District, as part of the "Stroisz" campaign, the Forest Guard is conducting increased inspections in areas particularly susceptible to theft, as well as on surrounding roads. The legality of the stroisz is being verified and traffic is being monitored by vehicles that may be transporting illegally harvested branches.
Last year alone, the Forest Guard conducted over 4,000 inspections , resulting in nearly 500 fines . Each fine could amount to up to 500 PLN . However, as officers emphasize, the goal is not to punish, but to educate and protect nature.
When purchasing branches for centerpieces, it's worth being vigilant. Legal plant material only comes from:
- Christmas tree plantations,
- forest maintenance procedures (e.g. thinning, clearing),
- sales conducted by the State Forests or authorized suppliers.
Sellers should have documentation confirming origin. The lack of such a certificate may indicate that the branches have come from an illegal source. When in doubt, it's best to ask to see documentation or buy from sources recommended by local forestry authorities.
The Forest Guard reminds us that theft or destruction of trees is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to PLN 500. In cases of more serious violations, the case may be taken to court, with a fine of up to PLN 5,000.
Additionally, people caught red-handed may be required to repair the damage, which means not only paying a fine but also compensation for the damaged trees.
Foresters appeal: Let's not remain indifferent when we see illegal logging. This is our common good.
The State Forests encourage everyone to report any suspicious situations to the nearest forest district or Forest Guard. Thanks to the "Stroisz" campaign, the scale of thefts is reduced every year and a reminder that the forest belongs to no one—it belongs to all of us.
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