Lower Ustrzyki

Ustrzyki Dolne is an urban-rural municipality located in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, within Bieszczady County, with its administrative seat in the town of Ustrzyki Dolne. The municipality was established on January 1, 1973, and covers an area of 477.7 km², predominantly forested, with woodlands accounting for 62% of its territory. As of December 31, 2014, the municipality had a population of 17,650. The region is home to numerous historical monuments, particularly 18th and 19th-century wooden Orthodox churches, with the most beautiful examples located in villages such as Równia and Smolnik. Jasień features an 18th-century Marian sanctuary housing the image of the Mother of God of Bieszczady, underscoring the area's cultural significance. The municipality has a rich history dating back to the pre-war period when the collective commune of Ustrzyki Dolne was formed in 1934. After the outbreak of World War II, the area was incorporated into the USSR and underwent multiple border changes until 1951, when it was reintegrated into Poland. Following several administrative reforms, the municipality merged with the town of Ustrzyki Dolne in 1992. Local authorities are currently focused on developing tourism, as evidenced by plans related to Arłamów Airport, although public consultations revealed opposition from residents of the neighboring Bircza municipality to these changes. Ustrzyki Dolne borders several other municipalities, including Bircza, Czarna, and Solina. Local self-government authorities are actively engaged in administrative matters and fostering regional development.