Residents of the Ruza urban district in the Moscow region have issued a video appeal to Investigative Committee head Alexander Bastrykin and President Vladimir Putin, urging them to halt the deforestation of a forest containing Red Book species. The residents are seeking the inclusion of the forest area into a protected reserve.

The appeal comes in response to the ongoing felling of trees for the development of sand pits, which residents say threatens rare plants and animals. Activists claim the green area was designated for geological exploration, leading to the deforestation that has been ongoing for several months.

An examination conducted in 2021 of three forest plots near the villages of Oreshkino, Annino, and Vishenki revealed the presence of over 30 species of rare plants and animals. Subsequently, a decision was made to classify these areas as specially protected natural areas (SPNA). However, one plot was excluded from the nature protection zone and included in the list for geological exploration and mining.

According to the chairman of the Ruza Municipal District Ecology Commission, Igor Popov, the ongoing work is being carried out without the necessary permits. Popov emphasizes the significant damage being inflicted on the natural environment, including the active nesting of birds, and the violation of citizens’ rights to a favorable environment.

Heavy equipment was brought to the forest at the end of April, and logging has continued since.