Iksan City Launches Special Crackdown on Pine Tree Movement in Autumn

Checking Issuance of Pine Tree Production Certificates and Related Documents

Iksan City in North Jeolla Province will conduct a “Special Crackdown on the Movement of Pine Trees in Autumn” until November 28.

According to the city on November 14, this crackdown is being implemented to protect healthy forests and will focus on businesses that process or handle pine trees infected with pine wilt disease as logs.

A view of Iksan City Hall. Provided by Iksan City

The crackdown will concentrate on checking whether documents related to the production and distribution of pine trees are maintained, as well as whether pine tree production confirmation certificates are issued.

When transporting pine trees, including those infected with pine wilt disease, administrative procedures such as obtaining a certificate confirming infection status or a pine tree production confirmation certificate must be strictly followed in accordance with the Special Act on the Prevention of Pine Wilt Disease.

In addition, moving pine trees without permission from restricted areas can result in imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

A city official stated, “The protection of forests requires active interest and cooperation from citizens,” and added, “Through this special crackdown, we will thoroughly block the spread of pine wilt disease and do our utmost to protect sustainable forest resources.”

Meanwhile, the city is also actively promoting control projects alongside the crackdown on pine tree movement. The “Second Half Control Project,” which began last month, involves cutting and shredding approximately 15,300 dead pine trees in infected areas and converting 30 hectares to other species such as cypress as part of a species conversion control method.