RSU Expert: Berry Picking, Mushrooming and Swimming on State and Private Land

In summer, we usually go swimming, fishing, berry picking and mushrooming, however, we must remember that we don't have ownerless rivers, lakes and forests. Inga Kudeikina, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) recaps what is and is not permitted on state and municipally-owned and privately-owned land. 

There are no restrictions on berry picking, mushrooming and collecting of medicinal plants in state and municipally-owned forests, swimming and fishing are also permitted. "Of course you should take your rubbish with you and you should only light fires in specially marked areas. As the forest is state-owned, this means that all the people of Latvia are owners of this resource and we should treat our property just like a caring steward would," explains RSU academic Inga Kudeikina.

There are 203 state-owned lakes in Latvia. The most popular of these are Usmas Lake, Burtnieku Lake, Kaņiera Lake, Cirīša Lake and others. The status of a public lake has been given to 43 rivers, for instance, Salaca River, Gauja River and Daugava River. We must bear in mind that some rivers are for public use for their entire length, others – only certain sections. The largest manager of state forests is Latvia is joint stock company Latvia's State Forests, and the company logo is clearly visible in all their state forests.

We should be particularly mindful when relaxing in protected areas or territories that have the status of micro-reserves, for instance, Ķemeru, Gaujas or Rāznas National Parks. "Offences for breach of regulations may incur administrative fines. Monetary penalties for certain offences could amount to 1000 eiro. Also if your actions have caused harm to the environment, the health of others, to property or someone's business, then this could be classed as criminal liability."

Relating to forests, lakes etc. that are on private land, without permission from the owner you are not permitted to go berry picking, mushrooming, swimming or engage in any other activities. Even if the territory is not enclosed. "Legislation does not require that the owner must enclose or mark the territory in any other way, however, to avoid disputes, it is advisable for the owner to place informative signs in their forest or near their lake," the lawyer recommends." As private owners have the right to detain offenders, as well as to confiscate their personal property as security, I suggest you only go berry picking, mushrooming and spend your leisure time only on land that is owned by Latvia's State Forests." The location of forests managed by joint stock company Latvia's State Forests can be easily located on a map, available on www.mammadabakarte.lv

When land near a public lake, river or sea is privately-owned, the owner must ensure free access to the body of water. This is provided for by the towpath – the land zone right located near the shore which may be used freely by hikers without the need to ask permission from the owners. "Along the shores of private waters the towpath is 4 metres wide, while along the shores of public waters – 10 metres, and by the seashore – 20 metres. I must stress that the towpath for private individuals is meant to be the territory that is available to people for hiking, sunbathing, swimming; however, without the owner's consent you may not set up tents, light fires etc." the lawyer adds.