DENR goes high-tech in Caraga logging watch

BUTUAN CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently deployed more units of the Trex Vista global positioning system (GPS) to allow foresters and land management personnel to better monitor squatting and the cutting of trees in timber lands.

The Trex Vista GPS is equipped with an electronic compass important in gathering data.

It also has a barometric altimeter with elevation and graphic profiles that provide altitude data to the GPS satellite tracking page when properly calibrated.

The barometric altimeter will accurately report elevations ranging from 2,000 to 30,000 feet

The GPS system, installed by the Natural Resources and Development Corp. (NDRC), the marketing arm of the DENR, will help field personnel closely monitor logging operations, especially in Agusan del Sur.

The NRDC funded the purchase of the equipment from the proceeds of the sale of more than 2,000 cubic meters of confiscated logs.

DENR regional director Benjamin Tumaliuan distributed the GPS units to community environment and natural resources officers (CENROs) in Agusan del Sur, led by provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO) Carlito Vertudez.

The intensified campaign launched early this year has gained headway with several confiscations of illegally cut logs and lumber towed along the Agusan River or transported in 20-footer vans.

"These GPS units will give more teeth to our campaign," Tumaliuan said.