The Museum of Intelligence Officer Nikolai Kuznetsov presents a photograph showing the future Hero of the Soviet Union and legendary partisan during his time as a forest inventory specialist for the Kudymkar Land Administration.
In the spring of 1930, Nikolai Kuznetsov arrived in Kudymkar, the administrative center of the Komi-Permyak National Okrug. He began his career with a forestry survey crew as a forest inventory specialist. It was here that he first experienced the hardships of fieldwork, learned to value human camaraderie, and put into practice the knowledge he had acquired at the Talitsa Forestry College. These early months marked his first independent steps into professional life.
By order of the district land administration dated April 20, 1930, Kuznetsov was officially appointed as a forest inventory specialist and tasked with conducting forest surveys. His forestry crew traversed nearly the entire taiga region of the district. He supervised the clearing of survey lines, conducted forest assessments (calculating timber volume), and prepared descriptions, forest compartment records, and afforestation maps.
Kuznetsov was known for his cheerful disposition, friendliness, and remarkably even temperament. He neither smoked nor drank alcohol. He was an accomplished dancer, took care of his clothing — often wearing a neat gray suit on weekends and keeping his boots highly polished — and was an avid reader.
Fate kept Nikolai Kuznetsov closely tied to the forest region for several years. He lived in Kudymkar from 1930 to 1934. He always lived modestly and never owned a home of his own. Over those four years, he moved four times, residing at Lenin Street, 8; 12; 22; and Permyatskaya Street, 7.
Despite the challenges of daily life, his time in Kudymkar was rich and fulfilling. He attended political education classes and participated in amateur arts circles. He competed in skiing and shooting events, prepared for university entrance exams, and continued studying German and the Komi-Permyak language. His exceptional linguistic talent enabled him to master new languages with ease. Even earlier, while studying in Tyumen, he had joined an Esperanto club — a pursuit he continued during his time at the Talitsa Forestry College.
