An Interdepartmental Council on Forestry is being created in the Omsk region

Representatives of the government, supervisory authorities and public organizations discussed the issues of effective use of forest resources in the region.

26 October at the meeting «the round table» A detailed analysis of the existing forest management practices in the Omsk Irtysh region was conducted in the Main Forestry Department of the Omsk Region under the leadership of Deputy Chairman of the regional Government Tatyana Vizhevitova. According to GULH experts, in recent years 20 In recent years, the size of logging for pine has halved, for birch – in 5 Once, on an aspen tree in 7 once. Previously , only the Northern Forestry Enterprise (one of the seven operating in 80-the years of the twentieth century) harvested 2 million cubic meters per year, now this volume is not being developed throughout the region. Sanitary logging must be carried out regularly, otherwise the number of old and diseased trees and dying stands increases, which leads to the spread of pests, fires and littering of territories. Omsk forests also often freeze up and rot on the vine, and meanwhile «business» The region has to buy wood and lumber from its neighbors.

The lease relations stipulated by the forest legislation do not save the situation. To date, it has been concluded with forest users 77 contracts for the lease of forest plots. In total, there are about 250 lease agreements for all types of use of green areas with a total area of 311 ha, - This is one of the lowest rates in the Siberian Federal District. In addition, tenants do not always meet the conditions for the effective use of land and restoration of forests, simply because they often do not have the professional skills for this. The Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Omsk region instructed to compile a register of unscrupulous tenants. It is worth noting that as of today, more than 30 contracts.

The state of the green areas is monitored by forest inspectors, whose number, with the adoption of the new Forest Code in 2006 the year in the Omsk region decreased from 1,5 thousand people before 137 human. One specialist accounts for 44 thousand hectares of forest fund lands. In addition to their supervisory activities, foresters are engaged in allotment of plots for the needs of the population, conclude contracts with tenants, monitor the performance of forestry work, and participate in raids to curb illegal logging. Over the past three years, targeted surveillance activities have reduced the number of violations of Forest legislation by 17%, and the volume of illegally harvested wood - exactly half, but it's too early to calm down. 

To solve the identified problems in forestry, it is necessary to coordinate the efforts of authorities, the public, law enforcement and supervisory services. Acting Governor of the Omsk region Alexander Burkov instructed to develop a comprehensive program to identify illegal logging and combat crimes in the forest fund. The head of the region has already discussed with «by the security forces» tasks for «Bringing black lumberjacks out of the shadows», and during the trip to the Tarsky district, he instructed local leaders to correct the situation.

«An interdepartmental Forestry Council is being established in the Omsk Region, and Regulations for interaction between all participants are being developed to prevent offenses and curb illegal harvesting and trafficking of timber. A comprehensive action plan will be adopted in the near future, and work on the formation of a timber cluster will resume. It is necessary to involve the investigative committee, concerned residents and community groups in the protection and restoration of Omsk forests. We need to do everything possible to work together to preserve and effectively use our green wealth.», - stated   Tatiana Vizhevitova.