Baldone residents oppose clear-cut near Forest Gallery

Residents of Baldone are opposing a planned clear-cut of just under 2.5 hectares next to the Forest Gallery, a woodland walking trail featuring art. LSM reported the plans, citing Zemgale Regional Television.

The proposed logging would affect a forest strip more than 250 metres wide. Residents say the loss of trees would damage the landscape that makes the trail special.

“The trail is its pictures, its works of art, the forest, and the walk itself is simply a good way to relax,” Baldone resident Biruta said. “It is a pleasure to walk this forest trail. It would be a pity if it were gone.”

The Forest Gallery was created in 2019 through cooperation between the municipality and the local community. It features dozens of artworks reflecting Baldone’s nature, history and culture.

More than 30 people attended a meeting of the Baldone residents’ council to discuss the logging plans. Locals want the existing trail route preserved, not just the artworks displayed along it. Council member Raimonds Eglītis said the residents had sent Ķekava municipality a protocol setting out their decision on how to preserve the story trail.

Latvian State Forests says the stand has reached logging age and its condition is deteriorating. The company plans to replant the area with pine trees, but says it is open to discussing the size of the planned clear-cut.