The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources has refused to change the protection regime for the Akhunsky Pine Forest in Penza.

Federal Ministry of Natural Resources refused The regional Ministry of Forestry requested changes to the protection regime for the Akhunsky Pine Forest. It currently has the status of a natural monument—here grow 150-170-year-old pine trees up to 38 meters tall. Regional officials wanted to allow construction of roads through the pine forest to the future cottage communities of "Akhunsky Bor" and "Green Village." 

Meanwhile, the issue of a protected area around the forest has not yet been resolved. Local activists are pushing for the area to be approximately 200 meters in circumference, with any construction prohibited there. Officials, however, have prepared a plan for a protected area of ​​only 50 meters. It has not yet been signed by the regional governor. Oleg Melnichenko. 

Environmental activists Reported, that the equipment was already working in the forest, and everyone uses the forest roads anyway. Urban preservationist Stanislav Blinov went out to picket in defense of the pine forest and demanding the resignation of the Minister of Forestry of the Penza Region Rishata AltynbaevaWhether there will be construction and logging around the pine forest remains an open question. However, there will definitely no longer be a full-fledged transport infrastructure within the forest itself. And that's a victory!

Photo: ecology58.ru  and Penza Post