Regional Decree No. 592-pa validating the Regulation on nature monument of regional significance “Balka Surki”. Country/Territory Russian Federation Territorial subdivision Kursk Document type Regulation Date 2019 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Management/conservation Protected area Ecosystem preservation Wild fauna Protection of habitats Endangered species Protection of species Research Monitoring Education Geographical area Arctic, Asia and the Pacific, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), Eastern Europe, Europe, Europe and Central Asia, North Pacific, North-West Pacific Abstract Nature monument of regional significance “Balka Surki” was created with a view of protecting the habitat of the population of the common steppe marmot (Marmota bobak) inserted in the regional Red Book. Special interest represents the population of petrophytic-steppe with well-preserved vegetation. The following activities are prohibited on the territory of the protected area: (a) activities that violate the conditions of growth and habitats of flora and fauna species; (b) forest planting on the steppe slopes; (c) littering of the territory; (d) washing of vehicle; (e) passage and parking of motor vehicles not related to the functioning of the natural monument; (f) activities entailing disturbance of the soil cover; (g) activities that entail a change in the hydrological regime of the territory; (h) construction of main roads, pipelines, lines of power transmission and other communications, as well as construction and operation of household and residential facilities without obtaining positive conclusion of the state ecological audit; (i) destruction and damage of special information signs and notice boards; (j) plowing up of land (with the exception of fire-fighting arrangements on the territory); (k) arrangement of livestock camps, summer milking, corrals and other forms of long-term maintenance of livestock; (l) change in the species composition of vegetation, including introduction of species and digging up species of native flora; (m) making of tourist camps; (n) burning of vegetation; and (o) making fires. The following arrangements shall be authorized on the territory of protected area: (a) fire preventive arrangements; (b) application of biological pest control means; (c) organization of bird nesting places; (d) scientific research, including environmental monitoring; and (e) educational activities. Full text Russian Website oopt.aari.ru