To protect this diverse ecosystem, a dedicated team of officers tirelessly patrols the woods, searching for, selecting, and breeding native species. They are the silent guardians of the green, cultivating a future for this vast wilderness.

The Management Board of the reserve often speaks of three specific species: Sâng, Dổi găng, and Chò chỉ. These familiar names of the deep forest carry a long narrative of the journey to find, preserve, and affirm the value of native seed sources. Transforming these trees into officially recognized “plus trees” (superior mother trees) fit for forestry seed sources requires immense perseverance and countless hardships from the forest keepers.

Lã Văn Nguyện, an officer at the Mường Nhé Nature Reserve Management Board, recalls the arduous days of trekking through jungles and wading across streams to measure each tree. He explains that investigating plus trees is not a short-term task; in some forest plots, it takes days just to complete the measurements. Every minute detail, from the canopy spread and diameter to the estimated age, must be recorded with absolute precision, leaving no room for negligence.

Behind these accounts lies a challenging journey where every figure must be accurate and every assessment must be grounded in clear evidence. These investigative trips typically begin in the early morning mist. Teams carry heavy measuring equipment, notebooks, and food supplies for several days, making every step through the rugged terrain a test of endurance. Once they reach the survey area, the teams stay deep in the forest, setting up temporary shelters to maintain continuous work for days on end.

The work does not stop at simply “finding the tree.” It involves a process of evaluation, analysis, and comparison across multiple surveys. Some trees must be observed seasonally or through specific growth cycles to reach an accurate conclusion. Despite harsh weather, sudden jungle rains, and slippery paths, no one wavers. To these guardians, every selected plus tree serves as the foundation for multiplying the forests of the future. Their persistence has finally yielded results: currently, three rare native species, Sâng, Dổi găng, and Chò chỉ, within the Mường Nhé Nature Reserve have been officially recognized as plus trees. This milestone marks the tireless efforts of the entire staff.

Đào Công Tiến, Deputy Director of the Management Board, notes that the unit began the certification procedures for these seed sources in 2024. The process involves many steps, from investigation and selection to the final appraisal. Each stage requires strict adherence to professional regulations. Once recognized, these plus trees are managed under high security, each assigned an identification number and an individual monitoring profile. Forest protection teams are tasked with regularly checking their growth and fruiting cycles to ensure a stable and high-quality seed supply.

Using these recognized mother trees, the unit focuses on harvesting and preserving seeds to produce seedlings. Standards are strict: Dổi găng seeds are harvested only when the fruit turns brown, followed by careful incubation and screening. For Chò chỉ, timing is critical; seeds must be gathered at the exact moment of fruit fall, as they quickly lose their ability to germinate. Sâng seeds must be processed immediately after collection to maintain peak quality. Each step demands caution and a wealth of experience.

The Management Board has begun experimental nursing of these native species right on-site. Every indicator, including germination rates, height, root collar diameter, and overall growth vigor, is meticulously recorded. Once the seedlings meet technical standards, they are moved to suitable trial planting areas. Nursing seedlings locally not only reduces transport costs but also ensures they adapt more effectively to the natural environment.

In the stories shared by the Mường Nhé foresters, a sense of pride is evident whenever they mention a newly recognized plus tree. It is more than just a professional duty; it is a testament to the dedication of a collective. Each selected tree is a landmark of months spent deep in the forest and footsteps that never shied away from hardship. Amidst the vast expanse of the Mường Nhé wilderness, these superior trees stand tall, carrying the potential for future generations of forests. As the green spreads from these carefully selected seeds to cover the mountain slopes, it brings hope for a sustainable ecosystem at the Western frontier.