Yushan's Legendary Ranger Retires After 41 Years Guarding Mountain Trails

After 41 years of dedicated service, Fang You-shui, a legendary park ranger at Taiwan's Yushan National Park, is retiring at the age of 65. As the sole remaining member of the park's original ranger cohort, Fang has become an integral part of the park's history, witnessing its growth and contributing significantly to its safety and conservation efforts.

Throughout his long career, Fang has been involved in countless mountain rescue missions, earning him the title of a "beacon" in the mountains. He has repeatedly been recognized as a national search and rescue model, with three such accolades to his name. His willingness to venture out, even in the dead of night, to carry injured hikers back to safety has made him a symbol of hope for many.

Originally from the Bunun indigenous community in Nantou County's Xinyi Township, Fang joined the Yushan National Park administration when it was being established 41 years ago. His role initially involved trail maintenance and waste removal. However, as hiking gained popularity and environmental awareness grew, rangers like Fang underwent specialized training in snow, mountain, and rope rescue techniques to enhance their mountain rescue capabilities. They also began assisting with ecological records and accompanying researchers in high-altitude studies.

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Mountain rescue is 'risking life to save life.' Even with good physical strength, one cannot be reckless. If leading a rescue encounters difficult terrain, one must never force it; actions must be within a safe range to save people.

Fang often emphasizes the critical nature of mountain rescue, describing it as "risking life to save life." He stresses the importance of careful planning, analyzing weather conditions, travel times, and personal physical limits before embarking on a rescue. He also advises younger rangers against recklessness, urging them to operate within safe parameters and ensure proper safety measures are in place before attempting a rescue.

Reflecting on his experiences, Fang highlighted the profound respect for nature that is deeply ingrained in indigenous traditions, such as the Bunun practice of speaking with reverence in the mountains. He believes that humans are small in the face of nature and that approaching the mountains with humility and respect is paramount. His cautious and diligent approach over four decades has ensured his safe return from every mission, a testament to his enduring commitment to protecting both the mountain environment and its visitors.

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Humans are very small in the face of the mountains. Engaging in mountaineering is like 'us disturbing Them,' so we should maintain a humble and respectful attitude towards the mountains.