In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), while many people are busy preparing for the new year, forest rangers from the provincial to the local level maintain a 24/7 duty schedule. Patrol teams take turns traversing the forest, strictly controlling key areas prone to forest fires, illegal logging, and timber transportation. Their tireless footsteps continue to regularly trek through the forest, cross streams, and closely monitor these critical areas. Protecting the forest in the spring is therefore not only a professional duty but also a responsibility and a deep love for the forest.
According to statistics from the Forest Protection Department, the province currently has over 580,000 hectares of forested land, including natural and planted forests, many of which have complex terrain and border multiple communes. The risk of forest encroachment is always present before, during, and after the Lunar New Year, especially when the demand for timber, forest products, and slash-and-burn agriculture increases.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Hung, Head of the Provincial Forest Protection Department, stated: "Every year as Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, illegal exploitation and trading of forest plants and animals become more complex. Furthermore, this period marks the beginning of the dry season, and the risk of forest fires is very high. To effectively manage and protect forests, the department has issued a plan for a high-intensity campaign against smuggling and commercial fraud in the forestry sector before, during, and after the Tet holiday in 2026. This includes directing forest protection units to develop Tet duty plans, deploying personnel on duty 24/7; strengthening patrols and controls; and closely coordinating with local authorities, functional forces, and the public to promptly control the situation of smuggling and commercial fraud in the forestry sector and forest protection; preventing the formation of illegal trading, transportation, and storage networks for forest products within the province."
In the regional forest ranger districts, the atmosphere becomes even more hectic as Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches. The districts have been seriously implementing forest protection and fire prevention measures, regardless of whether it's a normal day or a holiday. This dedication stems not only from their duty but also from their long-standing affection for the forest. Many forest rangers have spent many years working there, knowing every trail, stream, and forest area like the back of their hand. For them, protecting the forest means protecting the livelihoods of the people, preserving water sources, and maintaining peace in their villages.
For example, in the Chi Lang Forest Ranger Station, which manages over 35,000 hectares of forest, the story of "celebrating Tet late" has become very familiar to forest rangers. Ms. Duong Thi Ut Nham, Deputy Head of the Chi Lang Forest Ranger Station, said: The unit has 19 officers and forest rangers in charge of the area. It has become a tradition for the staff to celebrate Tet late. Every Tet holiday, the unit assigns specific duty shifts for each day and each area, ensuring that there is always a force ready to handle any situations that may arise. On New Year's Eve, the officers still diligently work, but everyone clearly understands their responsibilities.
On the front lines, the image of local forest rangers becomes even more familiar and approachable. They are the ones who "share three things" - eating, living, and working together with the local people. Every spring, local forest rangers travel throughout the villages, both wishing people a happy new year and gathering information to promptly detect and prevent potential forest encroachment.
Having been involved with the forest for nearly 8 years, and knowing every patch of forest and slope by heart, Dang Minh Tuan, a forest ranger in charge of Thien Tan commune, said: "In 2018, I started working at the Huu Lung District Forest Ranger Station (now the Huu Lung Area Forest Ranger Station) and was assigned the task of protecting the forest. My main job is to monitor the forest situation, coordinate with villagers to patrol, protect, and prevent violations of forestry laws. Especially during Tet (Lunar New Year), we have to be even more cautious, not daring to be negligent, and increase forest patrols because during this time illegal logging may be more active or the dry weather easily causes forest fires."
Speaking about his commitment to the profession, Mr. Tuan shared: "Every profession has its own unique characteristics and difficulties, but as long as you have a sense of responsibility and love for the job, you will always stay committed. In nearly eight years in this profession, I've spent almost every New Year's Eve at work. Sometimes it's a little sad, but partly because of my duty, and partly because I've fallen in love with the flavors of the mountains and forests, and because the locals love and cooperate with me, I'm even more attached to this job."
This collaborative effort has created a strong "green shield" for the forests. As a result, the spring forests retain their pristine, peaceful beauty, providing a long-term ecological and livelihood support for local people. Preserving spring forests is not only about protecting natural resources but also about safeguarding sustainable values for the future.
Amidst the spreading spring colors across the mountains and forests, the figures of forest rangers silently patrolling become a beautiful, quiet, yet noble image. The forest's new foliage is the result of the efforts and dedication of the forest rangers and the local people. Spring returns, the forest remains green, and those who protect it remain silently there – an indispensable part of spring in this mountainous region.
Source: https://baolangson.vn/bai-xuan-giu-rung-mua-xuan-5070440.html
Comment (0)