The Hardships of Forest Rangers Guarding Taiwan's Woodlands: Each Oversees 2200 Hectares, Meager Average Salary of Just 30,000 Yuan
Forest protection officers (commonly known as rangers) are the front line of guarding the mountains and forests. On average, each ranger oversees 2,200 hectares of woodland. Their duties include front-line enforcement against illegal logging, fighting forest fires, and assisting in mountain rescue operations. However, the work is highly dangerous, and the corresponding pay and protections are disproportionately low. Rangers start at only 26,000 yuan, and at most reach 33,000 yuan. Lin Huaqing, Director-General of the Forestry Bureau, stated that last week an official document was formally sent asking the Council of Agriculture to forward it to the Executive Yuan, hoping to increase the professional allowance for forest protection officers.
Rangers hardship guarding Taiwan's natural environment, 15 outstanding and 1 exceptional receive awards
Today (the 21st) is "International Day of Forests." The Forestry Bureau invited Rotary International District 3523 to jointly commend, from over a thousand forest protection officers, 15 outstanding officers and 1 exceptional officer, awarding each a prize of 10,000 yuan and 20,000 yuan respectively.
The Forestry Bureau stated that Taiwan's mountainous areas have steep terrain and rapid rivers, making forest protection work full of hardship and challenges. Rangers have long been on the front line enforcing against illegal logging, fighting forest fires, and assisting in mountain rescue. Even though their duties are heavy and dangerous, they endure hardships without complaint, guarding the natural environment for all of Taiwan's people day and night.
Lin Huaqing stated that after the hard work of reforestation, someone needs to guard this forest, and rangers carry this important task. "Rangers are the group most deserving of our compassion; they are the true unsung heroes protecting Taiwan. Not many people know that rangers guard the forest ecology for us."
Lin further pointed out that the work of rangers is arduous; whether in heavy rain, wind, or snow, they are on duty in the mountains. They encounter many wild animals, such as unintentional attacks by bees and venomous snakes. They also face man-made dangers; to protect precious trees, rangers often encounter intimidation from individuals or groups, and even violence. "But they all stand firm and complete every mission successfully."
Appendix commendation list: The 2017 (ROC year 106) exceptional forest protection officer is He Qiwen of the Hsinchu Forest District Office. The 2017 (ROC year 106) outstanding forest protection officers include: Zhang Dengjie of the Luodong Forest District Office, Shi Yaocheng of the Chiayi Forest District Office, Chen Yizhong of the Luodong Forest District Office, Li Qinhai of the Pingtung Forest District Office, Li Qingliang of the Hsinchu Forest District Office, Zhang Wenshan of the Pingtung Forest District Office, Gu Zhongkai of the Dongshi Forest District Office, Sun Shaozhong of the Taitung Forest District Office, Hong Yanshen of the Dongshi Forest District Office, Chen Junhong of the Taitung Forest District Office, Jin Guohe of the Nantou Forest District Office, Fang Jinming of the Hualien Forest District Office, Zhan Yizhao of the Nantou Forest District Office, Xue Shunxing of the Hualien Forest District Office, and Zheng Mingzhang of the Chiayi Forest District Office.