Unauthorized Entry of Motor Vehicles and Blueberry Picking Without a Permit
17 July 2026
Unauthorized entry of motor vehicles into Central Balkan National Park and collection of blueberries without the required permit were identified during an inspection.
The park's video surveillance system detected vehicles entering the park boundaries. By order of the Director of Central Balkan National Park, Georgi Krastev, inspection teams from Kalofer, Karlovo, Stokite and from the Mobile Park Ranger Unit arrived on site.
During the operation, it was established that the individuals were collecting blueberries without the required harvesting permit. Inspectors found approximately 160 kg of blueberries, a significant portion of which had not yet reached the necessary level of ripeness for harvesting.
As a result of the violations, 10 violation reports were issued for unauthorized entry into Central Balkan National Park, along with additional reports for the illegal collection of blueberries. The harvested berries were confiscated in accordance with the applicable procedures.
During the operation, tensions escalated, and assistance was requested from officers of the Troyan Police Department via the national emergency number 112. We express our gratitude to the officers of the Troyan Police Department for their professionalism and support.
We would like to remind that from 20 July 2026 (Monday), the application campaign for permits authorizing the commercial collection of blueberries (quantities exceeding 3 kg) will begin in the Beklemeto and Skoka areas.
We appeal to all visitors to comply with the established regulations so that, together, we can preserve the natural heritage of Central Balkan National Park.
The park's video surveillance system detected vehicles entering the park boundaries. By order of the Director of Central Balkan National Park, Georgi Krastev, inspection teams from Kalofer, Karlovo, Stokite and from the Mobile Park Ranger Unit arrived on site.
During the operation, it was established that the individuals were collecting blueberries without the required harvesting permit. Inspectors found approximately 160 kg of blueberries, a significant portion of which had not yet reached the necessary level of ripeness for harvesting.
As a result of the violations, 10 violation reports were issued for unauthorized entry into Central Balkan National Park, along with additional reports for the illegal collection of blueberries. The harvested berries were confiscated in accordance with the applicable procedures.
During the operation, tensions escalated, and assistance was requested from officers of the Troyan Police Department via the national emergency number 112. We express our gratitude to the officers of the Troyan Police Department for their professionalism and support.
We would like to remind that from 20 July 2026 (Monday), the application campaign for permits authorizing the commercial collection of blueberries (quantities exceeding 3 kg) will begin in the Beklemeto and Skoka areas.
We appeal to all visitors to comply with the established regulations so that, together, we can preserve the natural heritage of Central Balkan National Park.
