Suncheon-si Conducts Special Spring Crackdown on Pine Tree Movement

Until the 17th: For Pine Tree Handlers and Firewood Farmers

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Suncheon City (Mayor Heo Seok) announced on the 5th that it will conduct a special spring inspection on the movement of pine trees until the 17th to proactively prevent pine wilt disease and prevent artificial spread.

This inspection will be carried out alongside public awareness campaigns, focusing on preventing artificial spread by blocking the movement of pine trees where the pine sawyer beetle, a vector that transmits pine wilt disease, overwinters.

The city plans to conduct intensive inspections of 639 businesses handling pine trees and farms using wood boilers until the 17th.

In particular, the city will focus on inspecting whether businesses handling pine trees have prepared and kept records related to the production and distribution of pine trees, and will promote the prohibition of pine tree movement to farms using wood boilers.

A Suncheon city official stated, “If caught illegally moving pine wilt disease-infected trees, one may face up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million won according to the law.” He added, “We ask for active cooperation from local residents to prevent the spread of pine wilt disease in the region through voluntary participation.”