Vitebsk region forestry enterprises plan to sell about 30,000 New Year trees at Christmas tree markets
"In total, the forestries of the northern region plan to sell about 30,000 New Year trees at pre-holiday Christmas tree markets. Over a third of this volume will be prepared by the Vitebsk, Postavy, Polotsk, and Orsha forestries. For the convenience of the public, the operating hours of the markets will be extended as much as possible. The assortment of retail outlets will traditionally include fir trees, pines, as well as Christmas tree bouquets and potted fir trees. Potted fir trees are traditionally in high demand among the public, so we plan to increase their sales volume. The cost of such a New Year's symbol up to 1 m in height will average from Br15 to Br30," the GP LCHO reported.
The cost of a cut New Year tree at the forestries' Christmas tree markets in Vitebsk will be uniform. Thus, a fluffy beauty up to 1 m tall can be purchased for Br11.5, up to 2 m - for Br14.5, up to 3 m - for Br21.
In Vitebsk, Christmas tree markets will be organized at 16 locations in the city this year - at all markets, near large shopping centers ("Yevroopt" in the Bilevo microdistrict and "Trio"), as well as near large stores and busy public transport stops. A complete list of New Year's fir and pine tree sales points can be found on the website of the Vitebsk GP LCHO.
"During the period before the main winter holiday, patrol work aimed at preventing illegal logging of New Year trees becomes relevant for state forest protection workers. Forest patrols will be organized near settlements, roads, and young coniferous stands. Posts will also be set up, including joint ones with traffic police officers. In the pre-holiday days, the state forest protection intends to actively use photo and video recording cameras," the GP LCHO warned.
Citizens transporting New Year trees will be required to present documents confirming their purchase. Unauthorized felling of a New Year tree is punishable by a fine of 5 to 30 base units (1 BU - Br29) for individuals, 20 to 200 BU for individual entrepreneurs, and 50 to 300 BU for legal entities.