Routes of protection

As He Wu and his team have persistently publicized the need for forest protection, local awareness has grown.

Villages have even developed their own conventions for forest preservation, and residents have taken the initiative to implement them, especially after seeing the commitment of He Wu and his team to protecting the forest.

"Today, those who used to rely on the woods for their livelihoods no longer engage in reckless logging," He Wu says.

"Instead, they actively participate in forest conservation efforts, and many people living in wooden houses will report to the forestry work station whenever they need even a single piece of wood," he adds.

Environmental improvement is evident, as indicated by the rising number of wild animals.

"We had never seen the likes of the Lady Amherst's pheasant and dwarf musk deer, but they have been spotted during our forest patrols in recent years," He Wu says.

The restored ecological conditions have, in turn, enabled locals to increase income through harvesting diverse undergrowth resources, particularly under tree crowns.

"For example, the production of edible fungi has increased, and even Tricholoma matsutake has emerged. As a result, the income of the villagers has also risen," He Wu says.

In addition, with proper roads being laid through the forest, it is more convenient for locals to drive to the top of the mountains to collect dried, fallen pine leaves that can be used as fuel for cooking stoves.

"These positive changes have also encouraged locals to be increasingly supportive and understanding of our work," He Wu says.

He Wu considers that to be the best reward for forest conservation workers like him.

"The green mountains and clean waters of Tai'an are the result of a joint effort between the forest conservation workers and the local people," he says.

He adds that such outcome has been a great incentive and has increased his sense of responsibility.

From time to time, he goes to a Pinus armandii forest that covers an area of 166.7 hectares.

The special zone is not only a microcosm of the vast forest area in Tai'an, but is a favorite place for him and his colleagues to recharge their batteries after a day's work.

"The leaves rustling in the wind is dulcet and wonderful," He Wu says.