Logging planned in Baldone near walking trail with “Forest Gallery”
The state-owned company Latvijas valsts meži plans to cut part of a forest in Baldone beside a trail displaying artists' works. Residents worry about the future of the “Forest Gallery” and say another area could be chosen.
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Latvijas valsts meži, the company that manages Latvia's state forests, plans to cut down part of a forest in Baldone, a town in Latvia, next to a walking trail where artists' large-format works are displayed. Locals call the site the “Forest Gallery”. Residents are concerned about the future of this popular recreation spot and believe the forestry work could take place in a different area. TV3 Ziņas reported on the situation on 5 November.
What the “Forest Gallery” is
The idea for the gallery came from Tālivaldis Muzikants, director of the Baldone Art School. Along a stretch of forest trail a few hundred metres long, more than 30 works by various artists have been placed. They depict Baldone's history, symbols, significant places and striking personalities.
Muzikants knows each of the gallery's artworks and can talk about them.
Residents' position
Locals regard the trail with its artworks as a favoured place for walks and relaxation. They want a different forest to be chosen for logging rather than the territory by the gallery.
The source does not say how large the area to be cut is, when felling might take place, or whether the artworks would be moved. It also gives no comment from Latvijas valsts meži.
