Homilsha Forests

Today a mailing came through social media from one of our biology faculty members: Meanwhile, while dozens of conscious citizens are picketing government agencies at various levels, and scientists from all over Kharkiv are preparing and sending dozens of letters regarding the situation at the Homilsha Forests National Nature Park, news has emerged that the State Agency of Forest Resources of Ukraine today, May 23, 2012, signed a contract with Siverin. With the very same "poacher" whose appointment the entire nature conservation community of Ukraine opposed. Thus, we can state that the representatives of the State Forest Agency – Makarchuk and Musiienko – who told the public they knew nothing about Siverin and that the documents were merely being reviewed – were BLATANTLY LYING!!! The "inauguration" of the poacher-director is scheduled for tomorrow, May 24, at 9 a.m. on the territory of the Koropivske forestry (village of Koropove). He is to be officially introduced to the staff by "bosses" from the Kharkiv-Forest Regional Administration. We ask all who care to come tomorrow to the village of Koropove and organise a noisy picket during this so-called "inauguration"!!! It is especially important to film and photograph this event!!! You can get to Koropove by commuter train (departure at 7:23 a.m.) to the town of Zmiiv, and from there take a taxi, or pool together and drive from Kharkiv. Bring signs saying "We are against the poacher-director," "State Forest Agency – LIARS," and others, and most importantly – a megaphone. Do you know anything about the events described? Is it wise to participate in the picket?