Logging is banned in specially protected natural areas starting March 15 to protect nesting birds from disturbance and physical destruction of their nests.
Starting March 15, logging activities will be prohibited in specially protected natural areas in Latvia to safeguard nesting birds. This decision is based on expert insights that highlight the detrimental effects of technical noise and direct tree cutting on bird populations. Noise can frighten birds away from their nests, leading to cooling of eggs or even loss of chicks, while tree felling can physically destroy nests and broods, especially since hatchlings are unable to flee danger immediately.
During this prohibition, only forest fire safety and firefighting measures will be allowed in these protected areas, alongside the cutting and removal of dangerous trees that pose a risk to human safety or infrastructure. The removal of timber will only be permitted in exceptional cases under conditions of frozen soil, and this requires written permission from the relevant authority. The aim of these regulations is to create a safe environment for birds during their nesting period, thereby contributing to the overall conservation efforts in Latvia.
The new regulations also include penalties for violations, with fines ranging from 30 to 1000 euros for individuals and up to 2400 euros for legal entities. While the mandatory prohibition specifically targets state-protected natural areas, the Department of Environmental Protection (DAP) urges all forest owners to act responsibly and halt logging activities, emphasizing the broader responsibility to protect biodiversity during critical life stages of wildlife.
