Naju City Conducts Intensive Crackdown on Illegal Harvesting of Forest Products

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Han-hyuk] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu) is cracking down on indiscriminate illegal activities within the forest by visitors as the season for harvesting wild vegetables and medicinal herbs begins in earnest.

The city announced on the 14th that it will conduct intensive crackdowns on illegal harvesting of forest products by deploying about 30 forest judicial police officers and fire watch personnel from towns, townships, and neighborhoods until the 31st of next month to prevent damage to forest resources.

The crackdown targets include illegal harvesting of wild vegetables and medicinal herbs from collective growth areas owned by others, areas at risk of forest fires, and major hiking trails without the owner's consent, as well as acts that damage the forest.

If caught illegally harvesting forest products without the owner's consent, penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment or fines up to 50 million KRW will be imposed according to Article 73, Paragraph 1 of the Act on the Creation and Management of Forest Resources.

Additionally, unauthorized entry into restricted forest areas will result in fines up to 200,000 KRW under Article 57 of the Forest Protection Act, so caution is advised.

Jeon Gwang-hoon, Director of the Forest and Park Division, stated, “Harvesting forest products without the consent of the forest owner is clearly illegal and punishable by law, so thorough compliance and voluntary participation by citizens are necessary,” and added, “To protect precious forest resources, we ask visitors to refrain from carrying flammable materials such as lighters when entering the forest.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.