Unknown perpetrators have cut down a number of poplars planted as a windbreak on the road to the “Yavorov” hut near Razlog.
The trees were felled and demonstratively left on the roadway, creating a real danger to passing cars.
The signal was raised on Saturday morning, when local residents sent photos to the municipality.
The mayor of Razlog Krasimir Gerchev described the case as “an outrage and an encroachment on municipal property“.
He emphasized that the poplars were planted about 15 years ago by municipal employees as part of an important windbreak that protects the road from snow drifts in winter.
Their absence could lead to new closures of the section, additional costs for equipment and increased risk for tourists and locals.
“I cannot explain the meaning of such an encroachment, especially since the wood was left in place. It's not about the need for wood, but about a demonstration of arrogance and impunity“, Gerchev said.
The municipality and the police are already working on the case. There is video surveillance in the area, and the cameras will be checked to identify the perpetrators. “I hope we find them and that they are severely punished“, the mayor added.
Despite the act of vandalism, the local authorities said that they would repair the damage. New trees will be planted in the spring, with the ambition being that their number will be even greater than the destroyed ones.
“Such actions will not stop us. On the contrary – "We will plant many times more trees and continue to take care of our region," Gerchev assured.
The incident caused strong public outrage, and the local government appealed for more responsibility towards nature and municipal property.