On the 15th, Buk-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province announced that it is conducting crackdowns on illegal harvesting of forest products within the forest until the 31st, coinciding with the harvesting season for forest products.
The main targets of the crackdown are forest products such as mushrooms including Neungi and chestnuts, specifically the act of harvesting without the consent of the forest owner. In addition, to prevent forest fires, smoking within the forest and carrying fire sources such as lighters are also being monitored.
The Buk-myeon Office is cooperating with forest protection monitors and village chiefs to focus crackdowns on areas vulnerable to forest product theft, and has posted notices prohibiting illegal harvesting of forest products on major hiking trails and forest roads to provide related information to hikers and others.
Lee Jin-mo, head of Buk-myeon, stated, “Illegal harvesting of forest products causes significant damage to the forest ecosystem and forestry workers, so cooperation from citizens to eradicate this is essential.” He added, “We will continue strong crackdowns to raise awareness about illegal harvesting of forest products.”
Meanwhile, if illegal harvesting of forest products is detected during the crackdown period, offenders may face up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won under the 'Act on the Creation and Management of Forest Resources.'
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