In the village of Krasna, Tyachiv district, at the Krasniaanske Forestry Management Subunit of the Brusturianske Management Unit, branch “Karpatskyi Forest Office”, an 18‑metre bridge over the Krasnoshurka River was destroyed at the end of 2023. Floodwaters undermined the concrete river‑bank abutment, and the steel span supporting the wooden deck collapsed into the river.
This caused serious problems for the local population and complicated the work of the foresters.
For several years, local residents living on the opposite bank or owning agricultural land had to wade across the river or drive through a nearby shallow crossing.
Staff of the Krasniaanske Forestry Management Subunit were unable to fully conduct forest‑management activities on nearly 90 percent of their territory. Contracting organizations began refusing to provide services because they could not deliver fuel or their personnel to the logging sites—there was simply no alternative route.
As a result, timber harvesting in the Krasniaanske Forestry Management Subunit fell sharply. In 2023, the volume exceeded 6,500 m³ for the year. In the first half of this year, only 938 m³ were harvested.
The price of timber from the forestry management subunit has increased. The cost of firewood for non‑industrial use rose from UAH 850 to UAH 1,086 per m³. This hike was driven by the longer delivery distance from other forestry management subunits, which raised fuel expenses. Accordingly, the cost of transporting firewood from storage to the customer’s yard also went up—from UAH 3,000 to UAH 5,000.
In the event of a large forest fire, neither the foresters nor the State Emergency Service units would be able to extinguish it, as no heavy equipment could cross the river and the ditch. This could have catastrophic consequences.
Immediately after the bridge collapse, branch “Karpatskyi Forest Office” set up a commission to inspect the site. Based on its findings, a reconstruction design was produced. An external expert organization then assessed the cost of restoration.
At the beginning of this year, SFE “Forests of Ukraine” launched a tender for these services through Prozorro. The winning bidder offered the lowest price—UAH 7.7 million, yielding savings of nearly UAH 500,000. For over a month, the contractor has been carrying out the restoration work.
The new bridge will feature a robust design: a strong, reinforced monolithic concrete slab will ensure its longevity. A drainage system has been incorporated to prevent rainwater from accumulating or damaging the structure. The riverbank will be reinforced with specially designed gabions to stop water from eroding the embankments and bridge supports. Road signs will also be installed.
Currently, the first phase of construction is complete—the two river‑bank abutments of the bridge have been built. The contractor plans to finish all remaining work before winter.
As a result, the Krasniaanske Forestry Management Subunit will gain unobstructed access to its logging fund. The social sector will receive an adequate supply of timber at reasonable prices. Raw materials for local businesses will be delivered without interruption. Proper forest maintenance will be ensured. Village residents will be able to reach their homes and agricultural lands freely and safely.