Tay Con Linh forest rangers

09:09, 20/08/2025

At more than 2,400 meters above sea level, the Tay Con Linh special-use forest, known as the roof of the Northeast, unfolds in majestic, pristine beauty. Behind that splendor are the quiet efforts and sacrifices of rangers who safeguard its greenery.

Tay Con Linh special-use forest has an area of 20.663 hectares, covering 11 communes. This is a region with high mountains, steep inclines, and rugged terrain. This is the most biodiverse nature reserve in the North, possessing more than 162 higher plant families, many birds, and wild animals.

This vast area has been protected by officers of the Tay Con Linh Forest Management Board together with local people from 77 villages. They wade through streams and scale cliffs to patrol the forest, clearing firebreaks to prevent wildfires. For them, protecting the forest is not only a duty but also a labor of love, a source of pride, ensuring that the forest remains evergreen.

Members of the Tay Con Linh forest patrol carefully plan their route, starting from a guard post at 1,830 meters in Lao Chai commune.
Members of the Tay Con Linh forest patrol carefully plan their route, starting from a guard post at 1,830 meters in Lao Chai commune.
The patrol team trekked across the mountains to reach an altitude of 2,010 meters on the Tay Con Linh range.
The patrol team trekked across the mountains to reach an altitude of 2,010 meters on the Tay Con Linh range.
Because of steep slopes and jagged rock ledges along the forest path, the patrol team had to move slowly, pausing to rest along the way.
Because of steep slopes and jagged rock ledges along the forest path, the patrol team had to move slowly, pausing to rest along the way.
Pausing amidst layers upon layers of forest, the team found rare plant species quietly thriving.
Pausing amidst layers upon layers of forest, the team found rare plant species quietly thriving.
Wherever they go, the patrol clears firebreaks to prevent forest fires - an ongoing task.
Wherever they go, the patrol clears firebreaks to prevent forest fires - an ongoing task.
The higher they climbed, the harsher the weather was, with layers of dry undergrowth and thick fallen leaves.
The higher they climbed, the harsher the weather was, with layers of dry undergrowth and thick fallen leaves.
According to Cao Dao Quang, Director of the Tay Con Linh Special-Use Forest Management Board, prolonged dry weather easily causes forest fires. Therefore, protecting the forest requires sharp vigilance and absolutely no complacency.
According to Cao Dao Quang, Director of the Tay Con Linh Special-Use Forest Management Board, prolonged dry weather easily causes forest fires. Therefore, protecting the forest requires sharp vigilance and absolutely no complacency.
Each step reveals more clearly the hardships, dangers, and relentless challenges faced by those who guard the forest day and night.
Each step reveals more clearly the hardships, dangers, and relentless challenges faced by those who guard the forest day and night.
Every step of the forest patrol is a test of endurance and willpower. Yet with determination, responsibility, and love for the forest, the team members never hesitate to overcome every hardship.
Every step of the forest patrol is a test of endurance and willpower. Yet with determination, responsibility, and love for the forest, the team members never hesitate to overcome every hardship.
A rare moment of rest for the patrol team after a long day climbing through the forest.
A rare moment of rest for the patrol team after a long day climbing through the forest.

Moc Lan – An Duong


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