Medvezhino Forest Park: Sanitary Felling in 2025 to Combat Bark Beetles

At the beginning of 2025, residents of Minsk noticed that in Medvezhino Forest Park, people with saws and axes were actively working. This raised questions and concerns among the citizens, as the forest park has long been a favorite place for recreation. What is happening? We looked into the situation and found out the reasons for the tree cutting.

Why are trees being cut down in "Medvezhino"?

The main reason for the cutting is the drying out of trees caused by an infestation of stem pests. Medvezhino Forest Park has faced a serious threat from the top and six-toothed bark beetles, as well as the spruce bark beetle. These insects feed on the subcortical tissue of coniferous trees, disrupting their ability to transport moisture and nutrients. As a result, the trees turn yellow, lose their needles, and eventually die. The problem is exacerbated by several factors:

• Climate change. Global warming creates stressful conditions for coniferous forests, making them more vulnerable to pests.
• Anthropogenic pressure. The forest park is surrounded by dense residential development, which increases pressure on the ecosystem due to active use of the area for recreation.
• Spread of pests. Bark beetles reproduce quickly, affecting more and more trees if no measures are taken.

According to specialists from the Institute of Forest of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the drying out of coniferous trees is a nationwide problem. If previously mainly spruces were affected, since 2016 the trouble has reached pine forests as well.

What is being done to save the forest?

To stop the spread of pests, sanitary felling is being carried out in "Medvezhino". This is a necessary measure that includes:

• Clear cutting – complete removal of affected forest areas.
• Selective cutting – cutting down individual diseased trees.
• Area cleanup – specialists clear fallen trees, clutter, and burn logging residues to destroy the habitats of bark beetles.

Why is this necessary? When visible signs of damage appear on the trees – yellowed needles or dying branches – it is already impossible to save them. Sanitary felling helps preserve healthy stands and prevent mass forest death.

Official position of the authorities

The Minsk City Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (Mingorcomprirod) assured that all work in the forest park is being carried out legally and under strict control. The cutting is carried out on the basis of logging tickets issued in accordance with:

• The Forest Code of the Republic of Belarus;
• Sanitary rules in forests;
• Rules for forest cutting.

The committee emphasized that sanitary work will continue, as bark beetles spread quickly. This is not a one-time action, but a long-term process aimed at preserving the forest park.

Why does the problem concern everyone?

Medvezhino Forest Park is not just a green area of Minsk, but an important part of the city's ecology. High anthropogenic pressure and climate change make it particularly vulnerable. If pests are not combated, the forest may lose its biological resilience, leading to irreversible consequences. Residents of the capital annually contact Mingorcomprirod with questions about the cuttings. Specialists assure: each cutting is a step towards saving the forest, not destroying it. The situation is being monitored by experts from the Minsk Forest Park Management and the Institute of Forest of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

What is the outcome?

The cutting of trees in Medvezhino Forest Park is a forced response to the threat posed by bark beetles and the drying out of coniferous plantations. Despite the concern of citizens, the work is being carried out to preserve this corner of nature for future generations. In 2025, sanitary felling will continue, and their success depends on the timeliness and professionalism of the specialists. If you are walking in "Medvezhino" and see people with saws, know that this is not destruction, but a fight for the life of the forest.