Twenty-liter buckets and cars full of blueberries. Šumava battles berry-picking gangs

Šumava National Park is grappling with an influx of organized groups harvesting blueberries, leading to significant environmental damage. These groups, often operating in the park's quiet zones, extract thousands of liters of berries daily. Park rangers are attempting to curb the activity by issuing fines, but their efforts are hampered by legal loopholes and the transient nature of many offenders, particularly those from abroad.

The scale of the operation is evident, with reports of twenty-liter buckets and cars filled with the harvested fruit. This intensive harvesting threatens the delicate ecosystem of the Šumava region. The park's management faces a challenging battle to protect its natural resources against these organized efforts.

The legal framework surrounding such activities appears insufficient to deter or effectively punish the perpetrators. This situation highlights a broader challenge in managing natural resources when faced with organized exploitation, especially when international elements are involved. The park's administration is seeking ways to strengthen its enforcement capabilities and protect the Šumava's unique biodiversity from further harm.