VietNamNet Bridge – Hundreds of 20-50 year old pine trees have been illegally cut down or poisoned with chemicals in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong.

Hundreds of pine trees were illegally cut down in the Phi Lieng protection forest in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong. — Photo sggp.org.vn

Some 460 three-leaf pine trees were cut down and 556 others carved and injected with pesticides so that they would gradually die in Subdivision 216 of the Phi Lieng protection forest, Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper reported.

The bark of several trees was peeled off so as to cut off nutrient supply.  

Many of the trees were cut into pieces in different areas of the subdivision.

Many roots with diameters measuring 20-60cm were also burnt as if to erase the evidences of the crime, according to Le Van Tan, head of the Phi Lieng forest management board.

The total damaged area is 40sq.m, including sections that were grown in 1997.  

Hundreds of other pine trees were subject to the same treatment in Subdivision 215, including those of more than 50 years old.

The case is under investigation.

The prosecution process started on Wednesday, according to the forest protection branch of Dam Rong District.

Source: VNS