The first spring flowers have bloomed in Sevastopol forests: inspectors warn of fines

In the nature reserves of Sevastopol — Baydarsky, Laspi and Cape Aya — mass flowering of primroses has begun. Senior State Inspector of the Directorate of Specially Protected Natural Areas Ivan Filatov reminds city residents: snowdrops are listed in the Red Book, and their collection is strictly prohibited.

When a person picks snowdrops, he often tears out the root system along with the flower. After this, the plant may not grow in this place next spring. But it takes more than one year to restore the population, — explains Ivan Filatov.

There is administrative responsibility for collecting Red Book plants. Fines are calculated based on the number of flowers picked and can amount to significant amounts. However, as inspectors note, the main emphasis is on preventing violations by conducting preventive conversations.

Patrolling of specially protected areas is carried out daily at different times of the day — from early morning to evening. Inspectors focus their attention on areas with mass flowering: this is where “flower tourists” most often appear.

Every spring we track where snowdrops begin to bloom, then bluebells, and later peonies. Where there are more flowers, we increase patrolling. Last year, no serious violations were recorded — the territory is large, but people have become more conscioussays the inspector.

Environmentalists urge city residents to admire primroses in their natural environment, photograph them, but not pick them. Even one plucked flower can upset the delicate balance of the population of a rare species. A bouquet from a store or flowers grown at the dacha will become an equally beautiful and legitimate home decoration.

source: press service of the Government of Sevastopol