Residents protest tree cutting in Lithuania's Bukčiai Forest

Residents near Bukčiai Forest in Lithuania are distressed by ongoing tree cutting, particularly during the bird nesting season. Concerns have been raised about the felling of trees and bushes near high-voltage power lines, with locals reporting that the cleared areas are not fenced off, even though pedestrian paths run through them. Some residents also noted that trees are being felled beyond the specified 15-meter limit and that ant hills have been destroyed by machinery.

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It is difficult to see Bukčiai Forest being destroyed. Litgrid is cutting pines, oaks, birches, and bushes along the high-voltage lines for the second time this year, during the bird nesting period.

One resident described the situation as seeing the forest being "devoured piece by piece." She expressed frustration that the cutting is happening without prior notice to residents and that the felling sites are not secured, despite their use as walking paths. The resident also mentioned that workers admitted to cutting trees based on visual estimation rather than precise measurement.

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The cutting work is being carried out without prior notice to residents and without fencing off the felled areas, even though there are pedestrian paths there.

Litgrid, the operator of Lithuania's electricity transmission system, has clarified that the work involves planned maintenance within the protection zone of a 110 kV power line. A spokesperson stated that the aim is to remove trees and vegetation that pose a risk to the reliable operation of the power lines, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to Vilnius and the surrounding region.

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In their current work, the protection zone is not being expanded – only trees and vegetation that could pose a threat to the reliability of electricity transmission are being removed.

Litgrid explained that trees growing within these protection zones can damage power lines, especially during severe weather, leading to supply disruptions. Therefore, regular maintenance and removal of hazardous vegetation are crucial preventive measures. The protection zone extends 20 meters on either side of the power line's outermost conductor. While the contractor, UAB Arbora, stated that warning signs were placed where possible, they acknowledged resident feedback on safety marking and pledged to re-evaluate its adequacy.

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Therefore, constant route maintenance and periodic removal of hazardous vegetation are among the most important preventive measures.