Residents in Greater Yei were asked to grow trees for their own profit.
Deputy Director of Forestry in Yei River County Cosmas Luwuya Manase told Radio Easter that tree growing is one of the most lucrative economic activities that could help locals to raise income.
He added that though the benefit from tree growing comes in the long run, people should take a positive initiative and plant trees.
Mr Luwuya cautioned smugglers and foreigners who illegally enter into the forest reserves with their power saw machines to cut trees without official permission.
He said people should avoid cutting the trees because they help attract rain and protect houses from heavy winds.
Mr Luwuya added that the citizens of the County do not benefit from the forest because foreigners and a few individuals entice the local chiefs with goats to cut the trees.
He cited Kurumbe Forest as one of the reserves which has been massively cut in recent months.
Mr Luwuya urged people to grow more trees and replant them after cutting.
He appealed to the state government to cooperate with the County authorities to address the problem rampant illegal tree cutting in Greater Yei.