Forestry Permits and Special Licenses: Regulations for Forest Business
Georgia's forest fund is a national wealth, and its use is strictly regulated by the new "Forest Code". A forest use license (or special forest use right) is required not only for timber logging but also for using forest territory for tourism, recreational, hunting, or agricultural purposes. In recent years, setting up tourist infrastructure (cottages, trails) in forests has become particularly popular, requiring special procedures and long-term leases. Illegal forest use or violation of license conditions leads to severe fines and often criminal prosecution. Assistance from a lawyer is necessary to correctly select the form of use and ensure business sustainability amidst strict environmental regulations.
What Does This Service Cover?
Specialists on Legal.ge offer services in all directions of forest use:
- Timber Logging License: Legal support for participating in auctions to obtain a long-term timber logging license.
- Special Forest Use: Obtaining the right to use forest fund territory for placing communication structures, pipelines, or other infrastructure.
- Tourism and Recreation: Leasing specific plots of the forest fund to set up tourist shelters, camps, or eco-tourism facilities.
- Hunting Farms: Preparing documentation for the license required to organize a hunting farm.
- Timber Origin Document: Consulting on managing documents confirming the origin of timber and registering in the electronic system (EMIS).
- Forest Management Plan: Developing and approving a 10-year forest management plan at the Forestry Agency together with forestry experts.
Common Situations When You Need a Lawyer
Activity in the forestry sector is subject to constant monitoring. You need a lawyer if:
- Tourist Cottages in the Forest: You want to set up "glamping" on state forest fund territory and don't know how to legally execute the lease.
- Compensation Measures: You are implementing a project (e.g., road construction) requiring tree cutting, and you are obligated to carry out compensatory planting or pay a compensation fee.
- Transportation Issues: Your vehicle with timber was stopped, and you are accused of lacking or having inaccurate origin documents.
- Sawmill: You want to register a sawmill, which requires strict registration and electronic accounting.
- License Suspension: The National Forestry Agency suspends your license due to non-fulfillment of license conditions (e.g., forest restoration obligation).
Georgian Legal Framework
The main regulatory document is the Forest Code of Georgia. Also applicable is the Government Decree "On Approval of the Rule for Forest Use", which defines procedures for auctions and timber issuance. Transporting timber and regulating sawmills are subject to technical regulations. In terms of environmental impact, the Environmental Assessment Code is relevant.
Process: How Collaboration with a Specialist Works
The process includes:
- Territory Selection: Selecting a specific plot of the forest fund and checking its status (whether it is a protected area).
- Negotiation with Agency: Submitting an application to the National Forestry Agency requesting an auction or direct use right.
- Auction/Contract: Winning the auction and signing a forest use agreement.
- Management Plan: Forest inventory and preparation of a management plan (in case of a long-term license).
- Operation: Starting timber logging or tourism activities in compliance with regulations.
Why Choose Legal.ge?
The new edition of the Forest Code contains many innovations, including regarding multipurpose forest use. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers who are familiar with forestry reform and will help you use forest resources legally and profitably. Avoid environmental fines and develop an eco-friendly business with the help of our experts.
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