Lithuania Investigates Irregularities in Forest Clear-Cutting Permits

The State Forest Service (VMT) is taking a firm stance against systemic issues that have plagued the issuance of sanitary clear-cutting permits. Director Mindaugas Tarnauskas stated that these problems have been developing for years and that his administration is committed to identifying and rectifying them.

"I view this situation on principle and without reservation," Tarnauskas said. "I want to be clear – we are talking about systemic problems that have been forming for years. This is one of the past loopholes I encountered when I started leading the State Forest Service. Today we have to identify them and fix them fundamentally."

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I view this situation on principle and without reservation. I want to be clear – we are talking about systemic problems that have been forming for years. This is one of the past loopholes I encountered when I started leading the State Forest Service. Today we have to identify them and fix them fundamentally.

Initial checks revealed that permits for sanitary clear-cutting in private forests, especially in the Vilnius region, were issued without following legal requirements. The VMT has initiated internal investigations into these potential violations. Tarnauskas emphasized that all possible violations will be thoroughly investigated, responsibility assigned, and decisions made accordingly. The service is also implementing systemic changes to prevent such practices in the future.

This proactive approach by the VMT underscores a commitment to transparency and accountability within the forestry sector. While the investigation focuses on specific cases, the broader goal is to overhaul the entire permit-issuance process, ensuring stricter controls and clearer standards for responsibility. The public will be informed of the investigation's outcomes and subsequent actions.

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We are consistently reviewing processes and strengthening control. All possible violations will be investigated to the end, responsibility will be named, and decisions will be made. In parallel, we will implement systemic changes so that such practices are impossible in the future.