Massive actions against the unregulated riding of snowmobiles and motorbikes, adapted for winter conditions, were carried out over the last week on the territory of all three national parks - – „Rila“, „Pirin“ and „Central Balkan“, the press center of the Ministry of Environment and Waters reported.
The actions were carried out by park guards in the national parks with the assistance of the Ministry of Interior authorities to establish the identity of the detained persons.
In the area of the „Begovitsa“ hut in the “Pirin“ National Park, four snowmobile violators were caught, against whom the relevant legal measures were taken.
On March 15, in the area of “Bukova Mogila“, employees of the “Central Balkan National Park“ Directorate, after repeatedly observing traces of unauthorized entry into the territory, identified five violators.
They were traveling on motorcycles on a road prohibited for motor vehicles according to the provisions of the National Park Management Plan. Two of the drivers were detained on the spot. The remaining three managed to leave the area before their identities were established.
In the “Rila“ National Park, on March 11, the action lasted more than 10 hours in the area of Mount Mechit. Violators have been sent invitations to draw up and serve acts establishing administrative violations.
The specialized actions to control compliance with the regimes in the three protected areas are part of the regular efforts by the national park directorates to limit the unregulated movement of motor vehicles outside the permitted roads with free access, which poses a serious threat to natural habitats, fragile mountain ecosystems and the peace of mind of visitors.
The Ministry of Environment and Water once again reminds that the use of motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, on the territory of the three national parks is prohibited. Exceptions are allowed only when carrying out urgent activities in the forests or when conducting rescue operations.
Control activities in the mountains continue. Citizens are urged to be responsible and, if they notice violations, to report them to the duty phones of the park directorates or by calling 112.