Will fines be imposed before All Saints' Day? Inspections begin at cemeteries

Forest guards in Poland are conducting checks to prevent illegal collection of branches for grave decorations ahead of All Saints' Day. The operation, named "Stroisz 2026," runs from October 19 to 31, aiming to curb theft and environmental damage. Violators face fines up to 500 PLN, with potential court penalties reaching 5,000 PLN. Illegal gathering harms ecosystems, making trees vulnerable to diseases. Authorities encourage purchasing decorations from legal sources and remind the public to seek permission for personal collection. Previous efforts revealed significant illegal activities, prompting increased patrols for prevention.