Government puts green light to tree felling for army training grounds

The government's resolution allows changing the intended use of the areas involved, thus allowing tree felling. The status of 191.15 ha of state forest in the territory of the Pabrade training area will be changed. And 43.95 ha of state forest near the Gaiziunai training area will also see its status changed.

The Ministry of National Defense says only part of these forest lots will be cleared for new roads and the construction of new military infrastructure. The exact areas to be cleared is not disclosed yet but the ministry vows to take environmental requirements into account.

Now the forest territories cannot be fully used for the movement of Lithuanian army or allied units and prevent infrastructure development.

Chairing the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Energy Ministry Zygimantas Vaiciunas expressed hope that cleared forest lots will be traditionally replanted elsewhere.