Log Traders Rush to Buy Rare Wood at $127/kg: Quang Tri Forest Rangers Step In

The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri Province has issued a document urging several units and localities within the province to strengthen forest management and protection, addressing the illegal exploitation of man dia trees.

Recently, in the northern forest areas of Quang Tri Province, locals have been venturing into the forests to hunt for man dia trees to sell to traders. The reason cited is that Chinese traders are offering to purchase this type of wood by the kilogram, with prices ranging from 1 to 3 million VND per kilogram, depending on quality.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri, this activity poses a risk of forest encroachment, disrupts security and order, and complicates forest protection efforts.

In response, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri has requested forest management boards and forestry companies to increase patrol forces in areas where man dia trees are distributed, particularly in border areas, trails, and locations frequently exploited for forest access.

Upon discovering illegal exploitation, units must record the incident, gather information, and immediately report it to local forest rangers and commune police for coordinated handling.

The Provincial Forest Ranger Force is tasked with directing Forest Ranger Stations to closely collaborate with local authorities and forest owners in educating and guiding residents to comply with forest protection regulations. They are also to monitor trader activities, collection points, and establishments trading man dia tree products.

Forest Ranger Stations must intensify patrols in natural forests containing man dia trees, promptly detecting and addressing illegal logging, exploitation, and transportation activities.

The People’s Committees of communes, wards, and Con Co Special Zone are required to enhance awareness campaigns in villages, hamlets, and neighborhoods, urging residents not to exploit this tree species in natural forests. Simultaneously, localities must collaborate with forest rangers and relevant authorities to inspect, verify information, and monitor trader and collection facility activities to prevent violations.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment notes that the man dia tree, scientifically known as Archidendron clypearia (Jach.) I. Niels, belongs to the Mimosa family (Mimosaceae). It is a medium-sized tree, growing 18 to 20 meters tall.