The damage was discovered during a patrol in Compartment 211 in Dam Rong 1 Commune, where officials found trees had been felled across an area of almost one hectare. Stumps and traces of timber being removed from the site were also found.
Police, forest rangers and local authorities have sealed off the area, collected evidence and launched an investigation to identify those responsible and determine the motive.
Patrols would be stepped up in high-risk areas to prevent further forest encroachment, while accountability would be reviewed if any organisations or individuals were found to have failed in their forest protection duties.
Illegal logging and forest land encroachment have remained a persistent problem in parts of Lam Dong Province, placing increasing pressure on forest protection efforts, accoring to local authorities.
