© Anton Denisov / Mushrooms. Archival photo.
Russian citizens face significant penalties, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment, for collecting mushrooms in specially protected natural territories, such as nature reserves and national parks. This stern warning has been issued by State Duma deputy Sergei Kolunov.
As a warm autumn extends the mushroom season in Moscow and the surrounding Moscow region, leading to an abundance of fungi like honey mushrooms, Kolunov underscored the necessity of a highly responsible approach to foraging. He elaborated that “It is crucial to understand precisely where you plan to gather mushrooms. Collecting them in nature reserves, national parks, and other specially protected natural areas can lead to administrative fines under Article 8.39 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.”
For individuals, these administrative fines range from three to four thousand rubles. Officials caught violating these rules can face penalties of fifteen to twenty thousand rubles, while legal entities may be fined considerably more, between three hundred and five hundred thousand rubles.
The parliamentarian further highlighted even graver consequences for collecting endangered species. Should the mushrooms collected be classified as “Red Book” species (endangered and protected), individuals could face criminal charges under Article 260.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, provided that intent is proven. The most severe punishment under this article includes imprisonment for six to nine years, accompanied by hefty fines ranging from 1.5 to 3 million rubles. The specific list of such particularly valuable mushrooms is determined by the Russian government and regional authorities.
Kolunov emphasized that the fundamental goal behind these stringent measures is to safeguard Russia`s rich biodiversity and protect unique flora species that are currently under threat of extinction. He concluded with practical advice for mushroom enthusiasts: “Therefore, if you are not knowledgeable about identifying different mushroom species, it is advisable to find an experienced companion or avoid taking the risk of foraging altogether.”
