Woman.wp.pl described the story of Mr. Andrzej, who in 2015 bought a plot of land near Huta Katowice. According to him, the area was in a deplorable condition and there were six ash trees on it. Mr. Andrzej planned to build a company building there. City officials were to ensure that this was possible. Mr. Andrzej was cleaning up the area while waiting for the decision regarding the ash trees in question. He submitted a letter to the city hall asking for permission to cut them down. But before it was granted, the city guard appeared on the plot and accused him of illegally cutting down trees. However, the man claims that he only cut out weeds and small self-seeding plants on the plot. After a few days, an employee of the Department of Environmental Protection paid him a visit.
Running around the plot with a measuring tape, she determined, on what basis it is not known, the circumferences of the cut down 'trees'. By administrative decision, I was fined PLN 75,000. PLN 639. I was devastated. I decided that if I had to pay it, I would give up on the construction and give up on developing the company
– says Mr. Andrzej.
Cutting down the tree cost him dearly. He would have avoided the fee if he had remembered to plant it
Mr. Andrzej appealed, the decision was overturned and sent for reconsideration. The felling case was discontinued, permission was granted to cut down the ash trees and it seemed that was the end of the matter. It was 2017, when there was a huge felling of trees as part of Lex Szyszko.
However, in 2022, the property was again under inspection. As it turned out, the felling permit – received by the representative – obliged Mr. Andrzej to plant 24 replacement trees. Officials came to check it and due to the lack of plantings, they obliged the man to pay PLN 314,000. zloty. Mr. Andrzej appealed, found suitable trees, and spent PLN 30,000 on them. PLN, but ultimately the “fee for removing” the trees was maintained.
Mr. Andrzej feels aggrieved because, as he says, he planned to run a business on the plot, not a park. He appealed against the city hall's decision to the Administrative Court. He also says that the whole situation has taken away his motivation to act because he does not know whether another official will appear in a few years. However, the city assures that no further actions are planned in this matter.
Tree cutting to change. It's going to be harder
In July, the Ministry of Climate notified the establishment of a team to ensure the protection of trees and shrubs, which is intended to connect scientific, expert, governmental, local government and non-governmental communities. Its aim will be to change the tree and shrub protection system to more effectively protect greenery against excessive and unjustified felling or destruction.
The team will also analyze and organize proposals for legislative changes submitted by various social groups. Experts will prepare assumptions for the regulation, which will specify the methods of performing work on the roots, trunk, crown of a tree or on the roots and shoots of a shrub – we read in the ministry's announcement.