The city has about 1,050 hectares of forests. These are found in barangays Stimson, Abordo, Trigos, Guingona and Guimad. These forested areas, which forms part of the Mt. Malindang National Park, is home to the Philippine Eagle and other wildlife such as wild pigs, monkeys, snakes, hornbills, among others. Tree species like the white Lauaan, Tanguile, Makausim or Polayo, Mayapis, Bagtikan, and Almon Natto are also found there.

There are also upland areas with natural and scenic values worth preserving. These include the Labo River Canyon, Tipan Ridge and Waterfalls as well as the Guimad, Tipan and Gala Heights. These were once forested but the trees are now gone as settlers have moved in to do farming activities in these locations.

Efforts are underway to preserve the biodiversity of these forests.

In place are government programs for the protection and conservation of the biological resources, critical ecosystems and the environment in general. These include contract reforestation, forest resource conversation and nurseries for tree seedling production. The DENR’s Integrated Social Forestry Program is implemented in barangays Montol, Trigos and Guingona covering an area of 63 hectares and 10 hectares of mangrove areas at Malaubang.

Forestry regulation and protection activities have been intensified. Regular patrols are conducted by forest guards to protect the forests from fires, poachers, kaingineros and illegal loggers. Road checkpoints are established to apprehend illegal transported forest products. Illegal logging hotspots are identified and periodic anti-illegal logging operations have been conducted to neutralize said activities. Fire brigades have been organized to combat forest fires in reforestation projects.

CLEAN & GREEN PROGRAM