This year, public interest in collecting forest logging residues, which is offered free of charge by SIA Rīgas Meži, has nearly doubled. The company has already received over one hundred applications from people wishing to collect tree stems with a diameter of no more than 30 cm, as well as tops and branches left behind after forestry work. Residents may also collect undergrowth and shrubs cut down during the tending of young stands for firewood. The company offers this opportunity to the public only after logging, branch collection and chipping have been fully completed in the specific area.

Important to note:

• Obtaining a permit: to begin collecting logging residues, you must obtain a permit from the specific forestry district. Afterwards, a forestry representative will designate the area where collecting materials for heating is permitted, specify the timeframe, and provide other instructions that must be followed in that location (for example, the roads that may be used to transport the collected wood).
• Logging residues are: tree branches or small trees left on the forest floor after logging and forest tending work. These are not individual standing dead trees or fallen logs, which provide habitats for birds and insects and are significant for the survival of many plant and animal species and for ensuring biodiversity, including serving as feeding grounds.
• Safety requirements: a helmet, safety footwear and appropriate clothing must be worn while working. Wood collectors must also ensure that the safety of other forest visitors is not compromised. Furthermore, when heading into the forest, Rīgas Meži urges everyone to observe fire safety measures and follow the principle: “Whatever you bring into the forest, take it out with you!”

Collecting the specified heating materials without a permit, authorisation and adherence to safety requirements is prohibited. Rīgas Meži forest rangers carry out daily patrols to monitor what is happening in the forest.