Five activists were detained by security forces on Thursday, July 31st, during a confrontation with construction workers and equipment in the “Losiny Ostrov” (Elk Island) National Park in Korolyov. The activists were protesting road construction activities they believe are damaging the protected natural area.

The incident occurred after local residents observed heavy equipment, including excavators and trucks carrying asphalt millings, entering the park. Residents attempted to block the trucks, leading the construction workers to call the police. According to the residents, the workers were acting rudely.

Following the activists’ removal by security forces, a dump truck allegedly deposited asphalt millings onto the park’s soil. Activists claim the contractor’s documents pertained to a different construction site altogether.

The regional government has earmarked 700 million rubles for the road reconstruction project near the national park. The Moscow Region Road Construction Directorate announced the tender for the project, which includes renovating a kilometer of Vodoprovodnaya Alley, 370 meters of Kaliningradskaya Street, 180 meters of Kommunalnaya Street, and constructing a 950-meter bike path.

Residents express concern about the project’s impact on the forest. One resident stated that a path deep into the forest was being destroyed, with trees and bushes being cleared. Detainees were reportedly told they would be released with a fine after two hours.

A police officer at the scene allegedly stated that the contractor possessed the necessary documents and that the work was being conducted legally. A contractor representative also attempted to assure residents of the project’s legality.

The confrontation in “Losiny Ostrov” is a continuation of protests that began in late July, when locals gathered to demand construction documents and a logging permit from the workers.

In December 2024, Moscow authorities issued a decree removing Specially Protected Natural Area (OOPT) status from most parks, allowing construction in these areas. “Losiny Ostrov” and its lime grove were exceptions.