Bilgoraj

The Biłgoraj Commune, located in the Lublin Voivodeship within Biłgoraj County, was established on January 1, 1973, as a result of an administrative reform that reintroduced communes in place of smaller administrative units known as gromadas. At that time, the commune incorporated the territories of the former Puszcza Solska, Kocudza, and Sól communes, as well as several villages from the Tereszpol Commune. The largest locality within the commune is Sól, while the seat of local authorities is located in the town of Biłgoraj. It is the most populous rural commune in the county, with a population of 13,355 according to 2019 data. The commune covers an area of 261.41 km², dominated by forest land (59%) and agricultural land (35%). Within the commune lies the Obary Nature Reserve, which protects rare peat bogs and numerous valuable plant and animal species, including the endangered western capercaillie and various bird species such as the common crane and the northern lapwing. Rare plants like the marsh lousewort and sundew also grow in the reserve. A significant point in the commune's history is its administrative affiliation, which changed between 1975 and 1998 when it was part of the Zamość Voivodeship. The commune comprises numerous village administrations (sołectwa), such as Andrzejówka, Bukowa, Dereźnia Solska, and Wolaniny, as well as several smaller settlements. It borders communes such as Aleksandrów, Biszcza, and Tereszpol. In a cultural context, the Biłgoraj Commune boasts unique heritage and local traditions worth exploring. It is also worth noting that the demographic structure of the commune is evolving, bringing various challenges and changes to the local community. Interestingly, the Biłgoraj Commune is a place where traditional forms of rural life can still be observed, along with a rich natural environment that supports biodiversity. Nature conservation and educational activities related to ecology and local natural resources are key focuses of the commune's initiatives.