In the Pashkivets Forest District, where trees are being actively felled to make way for power lines, environmental activists have discovered rare species, including red-listed salamanders. The state-owned enterprise ‘Forests of Ukraine’ has responded by suspending the felling operations. A new commission is being formed there “to investigate the circumstances”.
According to the state-owned enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”, work is currently underway to form the new commission. It is to include representatives from a number of scientific institutions, local authorities, the Transcarpathian Department of Ecology, and public environmental organisations.
“We are committed to an objective establishment of the facts, an impartial analysis of the situation and a constructive dialogue with all interested parties!” — the state-owned enterprise insists.
Explaining the background, "Forests of Ukraine" reported that, by law, they were obliged to consider the application from PJSC "ZAKARPATTYAOBLENERGO", which intended to construct a power line through the forest.
Blindfolded survey
The state enterprise reported that the areas designated for the transmission lines had already been surveyed by a commission. The commission included representatives from PJSC “ZAKARPATTIAOBLENERGO,” the State Forest Agency, the state forest inventory organization, and nature reserve authorities. They also mentioned public representatives who, by agreement, joined the forest inspection.
However, “Forests of Ukraine” omitted a crucial detail – when the survey was conducted. The forest area was examined in early March, when most plants had not yet begun their growing season, and rare reptile species were still inactive.
At that time, activists directly stated that the survey was deliberately scheduled when it was difficult or even impossible to spot protected species. Nevertheless, the public still recorded the presence of snowdrops and lunaria.
Dubious second attempt
In May, after activists reported finding rare plant and animal species listed in the Red Book, another survey was conducted. “Forests of Ukraine” noted that the areas were inspected following appeals from the Ukrainian Herpetological Society and the NGO “Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group.”
Ironically, representatives from these very organizations were not invited to participate in the survey. This is according to comments from veteran and environmentalist Andriy Tupikov, author of a petition to preserve the Carpathians.
Thus, the salamanders observed by activists were not noticed by the commission from the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine.”
“Probable biotopes suitable for the habitation of the spotted salamander are located approximately 100–150 meters below the lower boundary of the transmission line route,” stated the state enterprise.
However, on June 2, activists again discovered rare animals.
“It seems that the foresters either have poor eyesight or are continuing their dirty game by falsifying inspections,” stated the “Save Pikuy” community.
EcoPolitic previously reported that land plots within the Svidovets ridge and Krasna meadow were "subdivided" so they would meet the parameters for sale. “Wind Parks of Ukraine” also has plans for these territories.
At the end of May, a series of fires was recorded near the summit of Pikuy. According to activists, the forest fires started as a result of arson. Polish tourists witnessed these events and are ready to give testimony.
