Ukraine's 2026 Rules for Collecting Firewood from Fallen Trees.

Firewood Collection from Fallen Trees in Ukraine for 2026

According to Novyny.live: Heavy snowfall early in the year caused numerous trees to fall across Ukraine, sparking increased public interest in gathering wood. This article examines the legality of collecting firewood from these fallen trees in 2026, stressing that taking wood without authorization is illegal. This year, harvesting firewood without a special logging permit, known as a 'lisorubnyy kvytok,' is prohibited.

Regulations for Gathering Firewood

Current legislation states that if a tree falls on private land, the property owner has the right to use it. However, the unauthorized collection of wood from state or communal forests is a violation of the law. A logging permit is mandatory for legal firewood collection and serves several key functions:

• It authorizes the special use of forest resources;
• It sets and records the permitted volume of wood to be harvested;
• It enables control over forest conservation and natural regeneration;
• It provides for the accounting and calculation of fees for forest use;
• It establishes timelines for felling, wood removal, and site cleanup.

Fines for illegal firewood collection range from 102 to 25,500 Ukrainian hryvnias. Forestry expert Oleg Kozlyak notes:

“In such cases, even a fallen tree remains the property of the state or the local community. The unauthorized collection of so-called 'deadwood' or 'windfall' without a logging permit or forestry service authorization is considered a breach of the law.”

Without special permits, individuals are only allowed to gather:

• Pine needles;
• Fallen leaves;
• Small, dry twigs;
• Bark that has naturally peeled off.

In summary, it is crucial to adhere to legal requirements to avoid fines and help preserve forest resources. These regulations are particularly relevant as climate change increases the frequency of tree falls, highlighting the state's role in managing forest use. The laws aim not only to prevent illegal logging but also to maintain ecological balance and protect forests vital for national biodiversity and climate stability. Being informed of these rules helps citizens avoid penalties and promotes responsible stewardship of natural resources.