Ukraine's Firewood Laws: Legal Cutting Distances from Water Bodies and Penalties.

Regulations for Firewood Collection Near Ukrainian Water Bodies

According to Novyny.live: Ukrainian law strictly regulates and controls the gathering of firewood in coastal zones near bodies of water. The legislation explicitly prohibits any firewood harvesting within designated protective shoreline strips. This ban applies to all water bodies, which are categorized by size, each with a specific prohibited buffer zone. For small water bodies, this no-cut zone extends 25 meters from the shore; for medium-sized ones, it is 50 meters; and for large water bodies, the protected strip is 100 meters wide. These rules are part of broader environmental protections for Ukraine's waterways and ecosystems.

Legal Requirements and Penalties

Legally cutting trees for firewood is permitted only in forest areas located outside these water protection zones and requires an official permit. It is crucial to note that the unauthorized collection of deadwood or windfallen trees—often called 'dry standing' or 'windfall'—without a forestry ticket or permit from the local forestry authority is also a violation of the law. As expert Oleh Kozliak states,

"Compliance with these norms is mandatory for all persons engaged in firewood harvesting."

If violations are discovered, penalties for unauthorized cutting are imposed. For private citizens, fines range from 30 to 45 non-taxable minimum incomes, which translates to between 510 and 765 hryvnias. For officials, the fines are significantly higher, ranging from 60 to 90 non-taxable minimum incomes, equivalent to 1,020 to 1,530 hryvnias. Adhering to these firewood harvesting laws is vital for preserving the ecological balance and protecting Ukraine's natural resources. The enforcement of these rules reflects the country's commitment to sustainable forestry and watershed protection.