Blaauwberg Nature Reserve Quarterly Report 1 April

TRANSPORT & URBAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

Jacques Küyler Biodiversity Area Coordinator Tel: 021 444 0454 Email: [email protected]

BLAAUWBERG NATURE RESERVE

QUARTERLY REPORT 1 APRIL – 30 JUNE 2018

Photograph: Paul Naylor

Table of Contents

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 2. HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES ...... 2 3. CONSERVATION PLANNING ...... 3 4. FLORA ...... 4 5. FAUNA ...... 5 6. SOIL ...... 6 7. WATER ...... 7 8. FIRE ...... 8 9. PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION ...... 9 10. STAFF MATTERS ...... 10 11. LAW ENFORCEMENT ...... 11 12. INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT ...... 12

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Mr Anton Bredell, under section 23(1)(a)(i) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, (Act 57 of 2003), declared Blaauwberg Nature Reserve in the Provincial Gazette 7837 on Friday, 20 October 2017. The provincially-owned portions of the reserve were proclaimed as Blaauwberg Provincial Nature Reserve by means of P.N. 06/2007 dated 2 March 2007. The City of Cape Town manages both its’ own and the provincially-owned land as a single entity called Blaauwberg Nature Reserve.

Vision of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: To conserve, protect and enhance the unique diversity of natural, historical and cultural resources of this area for the sustainable enjoyment and development of present and future generations through education.

Mission of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Through judicious land acquisition and the development of economically viable conservation and education-related facilities and activities, we aim to secure the protection of the entire area and ensure its long-term sustainability based on sound ecological and cultural values.

2. HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES

 Green Coast is the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa’s (WESSA) newest eco-label, awarded to coastal sites in South Africa where a sensitive species, habitat or cultural heritage site is being sustainably managed, leading to increased tourism along our coastline. To achieve Green Coast status, locations have to comply with a set of site-specific requirements and inspection criteria. The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve coast has been approved by WESSA as the first Green Coast site in the Western Cape. The City of Cape Town (CCT) will be responsible for upholding the criteria and collaborating with the Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area (FoBCA) who will provide specific support with the collection and monitoring of baseline ecological info. As the collaborating interest group, CCT and FoBCA are proud to be working with WESSA, the National Operator of the Green Coast programme in South Africa, to implement this process. For further information on this subject read more on http://wessa.org.za/what-we-do/ecotourism/green-coast/.

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve coast has been approved by WESSA as the first Green Coast site in the Western Cape (Photograph: Paul Naylor).

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

 The Biodiversity Agreement between the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board and the City of Cape Town for the City owned land on Atlantic Beach was signed during this quarter. The Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, City of Cape Town and Atlantic Beach Management (Pty) Ltd, as lessee of the City owned land, recognised the conservation value on this property and signed this co- management agreement in order to protect the biodiversity. The protected area will be known as the Atlantic Beach Conservation Area and managed in perpetuity in favour of biodiversity conservation.

Atlantic Beach Conservation Area (Photograph: Atlantic Beach Estate)

 Caracal (Caracal caracal) occupancy and their influence on domestic cats have been a pressing issue on Atlantic Beach Estate for a couple of years with concern from some parties regarding the loss of pets. The Atlantic Beach Estate (ABE) was specifically planned as a housing development within a nature conservation area and golf estate. This is clear from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which granted environmental approval to the development based on the natural features and connectivity to the neighbouring Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (BBNR). The concepts defined in the EIA are also detailed in the Operational Environmental Management Programme (OEMP) for the Atlantic Beach Golf Course prepared by Ecosense. The natural environment was always intended to be a key feature in the ABE and this was carried through the environmental and planning processes and decisions. The ABE shares a very long common boundary with the BBNR and provides a much needed ecological link via Melkbos Conservation Area to Koeberg Nature Reserve and the Dassenberg Coastal Catchment Partnership to the north.

ABE consists of two principal components; the Residential Estate that is privately owned and managed by the Atlantic Beach Home Owners Association (ABHOA), and the Golf Course and fynbos conservation areas that are a separate, private venture on land leased from, and still owned by, the City of Cape Town. The fynbos conservation areas are managed as part of a contractual Biodiversity Agreement signed between CapeNature and the landowner in favour of biodiversity conservation.

The management of key faunal species within the conservation areas is of key importance. This must be done in conjunction with CapeNature as the custodians of biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape Province and being responsible for its conservation enforces the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1974 (Ordinance 19 of 1974) as amended. Any manipulation of faunal species must be done in accordance with the Ordinance 19 of 1974; especially when hunting and/or translocation/transportation of wild animals is to be considered as one of the management options.

Some interventions regarding management of fauna took place recently and this included camera trapping surveys within the open space at the ABE. One caracal was photographed whereas several domestic cats were recorded, which may suggest a high proportion of domestic cats roaming freely within the ABE. Furthermore, it is important to note that the translocation of a nuisance Caracal if so defined is not a pragmatic, ethical or biodiversity conservation-orientated solution.

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

The recent survey done focusing on domestic cats in the estate, suggests that the majority of the residents agree that domestic cats should be confined to their owner’s properties. We believe this approach if properly implemented could significantly reduce the threat to domestic cats from caracals, cars and all other factors. It would also be good for the natural open spaces as various research results indicate that domestic cats do predate on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds on a regular basis.

The Atlantic Beach Home Owners Association (ABHOA) published their views on Facebook and in the estate weekly newsletters, https://www.facebook.com/atlanticbeachestateofficial.

The Environmental Management Department is not in favour of removing and/or excluding caracal from the natural open spaces of the ABE. It supports the current stance taken by the ABHOA and are committed to working closely with all other parties to ensure that the natural environment within the estate is managed effectively.

 The occupants at Blaauwberg’s valley continued refusal to vacate the property poses a threat to the nature reserve’s fauna and flora, vegetation restoration efforts and archaeological research. The City of Cape Town’s Legal Advisors and appointed Attorneys in this matter served a notice on the occupants reiterating the proclamation of the nature reserve, the occupants’ unlawful occupation of the property, offer of alternative accommodation and listed restricted activities as per the Regulations for the Proper Administration of Nature Reserves R99. The legal matter is on-going.

 Increased incidents of crime and other illegal activities continue to be a challenge for the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve.

3. CONSERVATION PLANNING

 The City of Cape Town intends to renew and revise nine established Protected Area Advisory Committees for 11 nature reserves and protected natural environments and to establish two new committees for four natural areas.

These committees are established in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) and Section 5 of the Constitution of these Advisory Boards. They are constituted in terms of the Regulations for the Proper Administration of Nature Reserves, published under Government Notice R99 in Government Gazette 35021, 8 February 2012. The Constitution for the Establishment of Protected Area Advisory Committees within the City of Cape Town, as adopted by the Portfolio Committee on Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning on 5 November 2014, determines how these committees operate.

Advisory Committees will be renewed and revised for the following nature reserves: Blaauwberg; Bracken (including Perdekop); False Bay (including Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos, Zandwolf and Strandfontein Birding Area); Helderberg; Table Bay (including Rietvlei, Diep River, Milnerton Racecourse and Zoarvlei); Tygerberg (including Bothasig Fynbos); Witzands Aquifer; Wolfgat; Zandvlei Estuary. Advisory Committees will also be established for the following nature reserves: Edith Stephens; Durbanville (including Uitkamp Wetland and Botterblom).

All government organisations, user groups, community organisations, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and residents’ associations of neighbouring communities are invited to apply for membership. Members of any existing advisory committee or management forum for any of the listed 4

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

nature reserves must re-apply for membership of the new Advisory Committees. Committees will be mandated to give advice and input on strategies, management plans and reports, as well as monitor progress of implementation, promote involvement in decision-making and facilitate linkages and integration of Nature Reserves with surrounding communities. Membership will be confirmed in writing by the management authority for a period not exceeding three years. Members will be expected to interact with Advisory Committees according to the Constitution, to disseminate information to their constituencies, and to attend Quarterly Meetings of the Advisory Committees.

 The Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) for Blaauwberg Nature Reserve had its meeting on 18 May 2018. The meeting was attended by 17 representatives from seven organisations.

 The City’s Planning and Building Development Management served notices, by registered mail, on properties in Bato Way, Melkbosstrand which contravened the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, Act 103 of 1977 for the unauthorised erection of boundary walls and structures on a Portion of Remainder Erf 1694 Melkbosch Strand. An onsite inspection on 6 June 2018 by officials of the Biodiversity Management Branch of the City of Cape Town revealed that only 2 out of the 5 properties removed the unauthorised boundary wall and reverted to the property boundary. Legal steps have been initiated and the case has been handed over to the Principal Property Inspector.

 The author commented on the request by the Big Bay Master Property Owner Association (BBMPOA) for the proposed extension of an existing berm along Otto Du Plessis Drive and the information received from Vula Environmental Services on the proposed planting. The request was considered by the Environmental Management Department considering all relevant information and the request to reshape and extend the berm was not supported. The berm is part of the ecological corridor running on the western side of Otto Du Plessis Drive through the Big Bay development area and falls within the boundaries of the proclaimed Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. The BBMPOA cleared most of the vegetation on the berm during the summer of 2018 when watering was stopped and the vegetation started to die off. The BBMPOA was requested to proceed with the steps to revegetate the berm.

The berm on the western side of Otto Du Plessis Drive through the Big Bay development area.

 The author commented on the request by the Big Bay Master Property Owner Association (BBMPOA) to change the layout of parking at the circle, known as the Kite Boarders Node, near the beachfront at Big Bay and management of the run-off of stormwater from the local area. The request was discussed by the City of Cape Town Environmental Management and Integrated Transport Portfolio Departments. To date the City has not received the engineering drawings and therefore approval has not been issued by the relevant department(s). However the work has commenced on site. The matter is ongoing.

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

Work commenced at the parking circle near the beachfront at Big Bay. Several issues were noted during a site inspection.

 It has been brought to the attention of the City of Cape Town Environmental Management Department that a school in Melkbosstrand has removed vegetation on City owned land without prior permission from the relevant authority. A large section of this land has been officially reserved for the Environmental Management Department to be managed for conservation purposes only as it contains endangered Cape Flats dune strandveld and provides a much needed ecological link via Melkbos Conservation Area to Koeberg Nature Reserve and the Dassenberg Coastal Catchment Partnership to the north. A letter was send by the Environmental Management Department addressed to the school ordering the school to cease any and all activities with immediate effect. The school was further required to provide information as to: (i) confirmation of receipt of the letter; (ii) provide written permission from the relevant City of Cape Town department to perform work on this property; (iii) provide details on when, by whom and under which authority the decision was made to perform this work and to; (iv) provide details on the company/organisation responsible for physically doing the work. The matter is ongoing.

4. FLORA

 Blaauwberg Nature Reserve conserves three highly threatened lowland vegetation types: Cape Flats dune strandveld, Swartland shale renosterveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos. The combination of these vegetation types are seldom found in a single conserved area. Over 620 plant species have been identified, of which more than 40 are considered to be threatened with extinction.

 Blaauwberg Nature Reserve and its immediate surrounds are regarded as representing a conservation entity of global environmental, historical and educational significance with Cape Flats dune strandveld (Endangered) being conserved along the coastal section. Due to the deposition of Aeolian sands, a series of dune ridges some older than others, have been formed parallel to the coast as well as inland around the western foot of Blaauwberg Hill. The younger dunes are less compacted and more unstable therefore prone to wind erosion. Stability of these dunes are therefore dependant on the maintenance of the vegetative cover and the management of indiscriminate vehicular and pedestrian movement. Unfortunately visitors to the coastal section have created a number of new paths along the sensitive dunes leading to loss of vegetation cover, soil erosion and loss of habitat for coastal species. Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff commenced with the rehabilitation of the coastal section by closing unauthorised paths, erecting signage and revegetating disturbed areas. The dunes form an integral part of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve ecosystem.

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

Aloe perfoliata Rehabilitation of the coastal section (Photograph: Dr Patricia Holmes)

 The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve Cape Flats sand fynbos ecological restoration project east of Blaauwberg Hill is ongoing. Over 400 ha of dense invasive alien vegetation will be cleared and restored to critically endangered Cape Flats sand fynbos over a period of several years. This project includes an important research component that resulted from collaborations between the Millennium Seed Bank Project (MSB) of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Stellenbosch University and City of Cape Town, initiated at the Fynbos Forum.

 The Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers conducted a botanical survey at Melkbos Conservation Area and recorded 145 plant species of which 17 species are Red Listed.

 The Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers and Tanya Sadler (UNISA student) commenced with the baseline vegetation survey work on the burnt section south of Eerste Steen Resort. Quadrants were set up, species identified and percentage cover determined. The vegetation survey will be repeated over time to allow for monitoring of the changes in species cover and density.

 Invasive alien vegetation monitoring, control and eradication were conducted by the following organisations (Refer to Appendix B for management units): o Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area (FoBCA) hack team. The FoBCA hack team spent 20 person days on initial clearing of invasive alien vegetation in management blocks BCA11 and BCA14. o City of Cape Town Kader Asmal Integrated Catchment Management Programme. 22 persons were employed on the Expanded Public Works Programme for a period of one month to conduct follow-up clearing of invasive alien vegetation in management blocks BCA001; BCA002; BCA003; BCA016; BCA023; BCA024; BCA025; BCA026 and BCA027. o City of Cape Town Invasive Species Contractor. JS Alien Destroyers conducted initial and follow- up clearing of invasive alien vegetation in Melkbos Conservation Area.

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

Invasive alien vegetation monitoring, control and eradication (Photograph: Unknown)

5. FAUNA

 A number of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian observations were recorded during this quarter including Parrot-beaked Tortoise (Homopus areolatus); Ocellated Thick-toed Gecko (Pachydactylus geitje); Crossmarked Grass Snake (Psammophis crucifer) Obese Lily Weevil (Brachycerus obesus); Cape Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis); eland (Taurotragus oryx) and red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus).

 Two sick and injured seabirds, a Kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) and Swift Tern (Thalasseus bergii), were taken to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (https://sanccob.co.za/) Table View Seabird Centre to be treated.

 A number of road mortality observations were recorded during this quarter including a German Shepard (Canis lupus familiaris) on Otto Du Plessis Drive near Derdesteen and Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) on the R27 near Atlantic Beach.

 Biodiversity Management staff planted a new bird perch at Melkbos Pan, Melkbos Conservation Area.

Crossmarked Grass Snake, Psammophis crucifer Bird perch at Melkbos Pan Parrot-beaked Tortoise, Homopus (Photograph: Ruan Strauss) (Photograph: Jacques van areolatus (Photograph: Johan der Merwe) Matthee)

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

Cape Clawless Otter, Aonyx capensis (Photograph: Denzil)

6. SOIL

 Cape Citizen Science (http://citsci.co.za) launched a project about Phytophthora species in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR). Phytophthora species are microscopic plant parasites that can contribute to the loss of biodiversity in the CFR. Phytophtohra cinnamomi, for example, is known to cause root rot of more than 80 indigenous plant species and is considered a top 100 invasive species. It is therefore important to understand how it is affecting our nature reserves and which other species like this are present (introduced or indigenous). Baseline surveys identified Phytophthora multivora, but little is known about its effects in the environment. Surveying nature reserves will alert to possible new invasions and improve the understanding of their effects. This baseline information will also be beneficial for future studies aimed at assessing the impacts of drought or other abiotic factors. To this extend, soil samples were taken in the coastal section of Blaauwberg Nature Reserve from the area where plants were found to be in the process of dying, or healthy plants that are next to a dead plant. The soil samples will be analysed to determine the presence and significance of this threat on the nature reserve.

 Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff implemented erosion control measures at Melkbos Conservation Area at an unauthorised off-road track in Robben Road, Melkbosstrand. The dune was eroding due to indiscriminate off-rad activity. The unauthorised off-road track was closed and erosion control measures put in place to prevent further damage and assist with rehabilitation of the area.

Soil erosion control measures were implemented at Melkbos Conservation Area (Photograph: Gavin Olivier).

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

7. WATER

Drought crisis: Level 6B water restrictions Dam levels remain critically low. The City of Cape Town has implemented Level 6B Water Restrictions effective from 1 February 2018. All water users are required to immediately use less than 50 litres of water per person per day in total irrespective of whether you are at home, work or elsewhere.

The dam level at Melkbos Pan is at the lowest it has been in years (Photograph: Hester Pentz)

Below figures show the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve monthly rainfall for 2018 and total rainfall records from 2013 to 2018.

Monthly rainfall in and around Blaauwberg Nature Reserve for 2018. 140 120 100 80

mm 60 40 20 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (Eerste Steen) Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (Blaauwberg Hill) Atlantic Beach Conservation Area Melkbosstrand

Total rainfall for the period 2013 to 2018. 500 400

300

mm 200 100 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (Eerste Steen) Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (Blaauwberg Hill) Atlantic Beach Conservation Area Melkbosstrand

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

8. FIRE

 Fire Protection Association The National Veld and Forest Fire Act, Act 101 of 1998, Chapter 2 clause 4(8) states that “The owner in respect of State land must join any fire protection association registered in the area in which the land lies. The City of Cape Town being a statutory body is obliged to join the Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Association (http://www.cpfpa.org.za) within the boundaries of the CPFPA, which includes the entire Cape Metropolitan. The City of Cape Town Environmental Management Department (EMD) Biodiversity Management Branch is a fully compliant member of the CPFPA.

 Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff assisted the Joostenbergvlakte and Table Bay Nature Reserve: Milnerton Racecourse Section with prescribed ecological burns during this quarter.

 The author organised Fire Awareness training for the workers employed on the Kader Asmal Integrated Catchment Management Expanded Public Works Programme. The training was presented by the Fire & Rescue Services: Fire and Life Training Education Section.

Fire awareness training for the Expanded Public Works Programme employees (Photograph: Ruan Strauss)

9. PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION

9.1 Internal Meetings

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff attended the following internal meetings during this quarter:  Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff meeting (Weekly)  Biodiversity Management Branch Meeting (Quarterly)  Bi-Monthly Safety Meeting (Bi-Monthly)  North Region Monthly Meeting (Monthly)  Facilities Management: Safety & Security Services – Meeting about the security service provider for the nature reserve  Coastal Management Branch – Table Bay and Blaauwberg Nature Reserve coastal interface management

9.2 External Meetings

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff attended the following external meetings during this quarter:  South African Police Service Station Joint Meeting (Weekly)  Melkbosstrand Community Police Forum Meeting (Monthly)  Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area Committee Meeting (Monthly)  Blaauwberg Nature Reserve Protected Area Advisory Committee Meeting (Quarterly) 11

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

 Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Association North Ward Meeting (Monthly)  Supply Chain Management SP11800149 Repair boundary wall at Melkbosstrand  Atlantic Beach (http://atlanticbeachestate.co/) Home Owner Association Environmental Liaison Committee Meeting (Bi-Monthly)  Sunningdale Phase 13 development – Application to conduct open burning  Property owner at Bato Way – Meeting about unauthorised building work  Big Bay Master Property Owner Association – Vegetating of the berm next to Waters Edge  Transport and Urban Development Authority Communications Project

9.3 Visitor Statistics

Visitor Statistics for Blaauwberg Nature Reserve 2018 DESCRIPTION APRIL MAY JUNE COST QUANTITY INCOME TOTAL Fauna Management: City Wide R 0 Call out fee (Professional Services & Transport -per R 170.00 0 R 0 hour) Trap Hire (per week or part thereof) R 280.00 0 R 0 Permissible Commercial Activities R 1 975 Permissible Commercial Activities (10-20 people) 2 3 R 395.00 5 R 1 975 Permissible Commercial Activities (1-9 people) R 170.00 0 R 0 Daily Entry R 16 487 Adult (18+) 558 273 74 R 15.00 905 R 13 575 Children (3 -17 ) 173 57 14 R 8.00 244 R 1 952 Children (under 3) 4 1 R 0.00 5 R 0 Senior (60+) 85 28 7 R 8.00 120 R 960 Student (with Student Card) R 8.00 0 R 0 Friends of Reserves R 0 Friends of BCA (with proof) 4 R 0.00 4 R 0 Environmental Education R 7 Learner (Gov School) R 0.00 0 R 0 Learner (G FL School) R 5.00 0 R 0 Learner (all other schools) 1 R 7.00 1 R 7 Vehicles and Craft R 7 521 Vehicles 155 135 37 R 23.00 327 R 7 521 Season Tickets R 0 Seniors_Season tickets (60+) R 74.00 0 R 0 Adults_Season tickets R 144.00 0 R 0 Family_Season tickets (parents & 3 children to 13 R 223.00 0 R 0 years) Lecture Room Hire (Subject to availability) R 0 EE related: (08h00 - 17h00 working days) R 0.00 0 R 0 EE related: Outside office hours/weekends/public R 0.00 0 R 0 holidays Non EE-related: (08h00 - 17h00 working days) R 790.00 0 R 0 Non EE-related: (17h00 - 24h00 working days or weekends and public R 1 0 R 0 holidays) 580.00 Overnight Accommodation R 5 803 Blaauwberg Hill: World War II Building (p/night 1-2 persons) Off- 4 3 R 565.00 7 R 3 955 Peak Season Blaauwberg Hill: World War II Building (p/night 1-2 2 R 789.00 2 R 1 578 persons) Peak Season Blaauwberg Hill: World War II Building (p/night per 2 R 135.00 2 R 270 additional person) GRAND TOTAL R 31 793

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

9.4 Environmental Interpretation and Education Full Details

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS DATE NAME OF SCHOOL/ORGANISATION GRADE/AGE PROGRAMME (learners + teacher+ adult) Marine programme and 04/04/2018 Chatsworth Primary Gr 1 – 7 60+10 beach clean-up Foundation Backbone (Parkview & Marine programme and 21/04/2018 Gr. 7 37+2+7 Berzelia primary) beach clean-up 21/04/2018 West Coast Christian School All ages 281 Beach clean-up

05/05/2018 Laurie Hugo Gr 1 - 9 120+10 Beach clean-up Guided hike – Blaauwberg 30/05/2018 WANR EPWP adults 17 Hill TOTAL 544

Eerste Steen Education Cabin usage and benefits to people

Number of DATE NAME OF ORGANISATION Contact person people

09/05/2018 Nature @ heart (Homeschool group ) 25 Lizelle v d Merwe 16/05/2018 Nature @ heart (Homeschool group) 11 Lizelle v d Merwe 18/05/2018 BBNR PAAC 17 Roy Fuller Gee 23/05/2018 Nature @ heart (Homeschool group) 14 Lizelle v d Merwe 28/05/2018 DCCP Viability analysis refinement 10 Cliff Dorse TOTAL 77

Chatsworth primary – Marine programme and beach clean-up (Photograph: Elzette Krynauw)

Foundation Backbone- Marine programme and beach clean-up (Photograph: Elzette Krynauw)

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

Expanded Public Works Programme – Guided hike up Blaauwberg Hill (Photograph: Elzette Krynauw)

9.5 Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area – walks, talks, youth group

 The Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area (https://www.bca.org.za/) is a voluntary group of concerned citizens whose mission it is to contribute to seeing that the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is protected and utilised to the benefit of the general public now and for the future. They are affiliated to the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa Western Cape.

 The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area was held on Saturday 26 May 2018. WESSA representative, Rob Slater, gave a talk on the Green Coast initiative, what it entails and what will be required from responsible parties in order to retain this status. The Blaauwberg coast within the BBNR is the first pilot site in South Africa. The AGM then proceeded with the business part of the meeting starting with the chairman’s report, treasurer's report and election of committee members. The FoBCA revealed an excellent financial year, building its funds through various events, and a substantial increase in membership numbers. A proposal to increase membership fees was accepted and to come into effect from 1 April 2019. With immediate effect, members can now opt to pay membership fees for either 5 or 10 years in advance at the current rates. This means members can avoid having to renew membership each year and, as an added bonus, save on future fee increases.

DATE NAME OF ORGANISATION NUMBER OF PEOPLE PROGRAMME

05/05/2018 FoBCA 15 Two hills walk 26/05/2018 FoBCA 28 Annual General Meeting 24/06/2018 FoBCA 6 Battle of Blaauwberg hike Total 49

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

10. STAFF MATTERS

 Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is managed by the Biodiversity Area Coordinator, three Senior Field Rangers, one Visitor Controller, an Engineering Artisan, two Students and four Field Rangers. The Atlantic Beach Conservation Area is managed by the Site Manager and two Field Rangers. Meet the staff that manages the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, Atlantic Beach Conservation Area and Melkbos Conservation Area:

Jacques Küyler Gavin Olivier Willem Appollis Zieyaad Allie Dale Slabbert Biodiversity Area Senior Field Ranger Senior Field Ranger Senior Field Ranger Visitor Controller Coordinator

Ruan Jansche Van Lamla Sigenu Ruan Strauss Mzukisi Matyobeni Monwabisi Varoyi Rensburg Engineering Artisan Student Field Ranger Field Ranger Student

Hester Pentz Nigel Maart Jerry Khalo Lungiswa Mangcola Pamella Mrebe Site Manager Field Ranger Field Ranger Field Ranger Field Ranger Atlantic Beach Atlantic Beach Atlantic Beach Conservation Area Conservation Area Conservation Area

 The author completed his Skippers License for Category C Inland Waters and 15 Nautical Mile from Shore.  Dale Slabbert, Zieyaad Allie, Gavin Olivier and Hester Pentz attended a three-day Herbicide Applicator course at Durbanville Nature Reserve presented by Invader Plant Specialists.  Lamla Sigenu attended a five-day very basic Fynbos Identification course at Meadowridge presented by Wendy Hitchcock.

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

11. LAW ENFORCEMENT

 Foot and vehicle patrols are conducted on a daily basis in Blaauwberg Nature Reserve and Melkbos Conservation Area. Incidents of illegal dumping, illegal overnight structures, snare hunting, graffiti and damaged fences are observed and reported. During these patrols various other sightings are also recorded, including animal tracks and wildlife sightings.

 Members of the Morning Star Plot Watch foiled an attempted poaching incident on 29 April 2018 on Blaauwberg Farm. Three alleged poachers accompanied by six dogs attempted to gain access to Blaauwberg Farm from the Wolwerivier IDA in an attempt to illegally hunt on the farm. The alleged poachers were prevented from entering the farm and proceeding with the illegal hunt. Despite progressive environmental legislation, the unprecedented poaching of wildlife in South Africa is increasing. Members of the public with information regarding illegal hunting on the West Coast can contact Leandi Wessels on Tel: 021 955 9121/0. For further information on this subject read more on http://www.capenature.co.za/illegal-dog-hunter-guilty/ or https://nspca.co.za/hunting-with-dogs/.

Members of the Morning Star Plot Watch foiled an attempted poaching incident on Blaauwberg Farm (Photograph: Gerhard Engelbrecht)

 On 30 April 2018 at approximately 09:30, JakePro Building Project and Services (the contractor appointed by the City of Cape Town to convert the WWII Generator Building into an interpretive centre for the Battle of Blaauwberg 1806) found that the WWII Generator Building on Blaauwberg Hill was burgled. The contractor informed the management authority of the nature reserve that dispatched senior field ranger Gavin Olivier to investigate the complaint. Mr Olivier discovered and confirmed that the WWII Generator Building on Blaauwberg Hill was burgled with forced entry to and damage caused to the windows and doors of the building. Nothing was stolen from the building as it was empty at the time but significant damage was caused to the building. The burglary was reported to Table View SAPS, CAS No. 577/04/2018.

The WWII Generator Building on Blaauwberg Hill was burgled (Photograph: Faizel Jacobs)

 On Monday 21 May 2018 at approximately 09:30 Zieyaad Allie arrived at the Montispectus overnight accommodation on Blaauwberg Hill, Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. Zieyaad was there to open the building for the contractors to work on the LP Gas installation. Zieyaad noticed that the front window shutter was forced open, window broken and burglar bar forced open. On inspection

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

of the building, it was found that nothing was stolen but significant damage caused to the building. The burglary was reported to Table View SAPS, CAS No 383/05/2018.

 A patrol of the coastal section on Sunday 10 June 2018 revealed that a number of tourism and road traffic signage was vandalised on Otto Du Plessis Drive (M14) between Bloubergstrand and Melkbosstrand. The signage was repaired on 11 June 2018.

Vandalism of road traffic signage on Otto Du Plessis Drive (Photograph: Zieyaad Allie)

12. INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT

 The damaged portion of fence at Melkbos Conservation Area along Bato Way was repaired during this quarter.

 When regulations governing the use of vehicles for recreational purposes in the coastal zone were introduced by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and promulgated in December 2001, simple polywood bollards were planted in the coastal parking areas to prevent vehicles from accessing and ultimately driving on the beach. Over the years, a number of these bollards were damaged during motor vehicle accidents or simply vandalised. Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff replaced a number of these broken / missing bollards during this quarter thereby protecting the sensitive coastal dune ecosystem.

The damaged fence along Bato Way was repaired. Polywood bollards were planted on the coastal road (M14).

CAPITAL/OPERATIONAL/WARD FUNDED PROJECTS COMMENT BUDGET % SPENT

Laundry Services: North Region Nature Reserves Purchase Order (Table Bay Nature Reserve, Blaauwberg Nature 100% Reserve, Dassenberg Coastal Catchment 4503110906 Partnership) R30 000 88% Conversion of the Word War II Generator Building on Purchase Order

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

Blaauwberg Hill into an interpretive centre for the 4503281970 Battle of Blaauwberg 1806. Purchase Order 45032893241 Conversion of the Word War II Generator Building on Purchase Order R70 000 67% Blaauwberg Hill into an interpretive centre for the 4503250470 Battle of Blaauwberg 1806. SP11800120 Preparation and paintwork at Melkbos Purchase Order R36 522 100% House 4503290417 SP11800121 General maintenance work at Purchase Order R15 909.84 100% Blaauwberg Nature Reserve 4503276816 SP11800140 Liquid Petroleum Gas installation at Purchase Order 100% R5 307.25 Blaauwberg Nature Reserve 4503283352 Purchase Order 100% SP11800149 Repair boundary wall at Melkbosstrand R34 000 4503298582 Purchase Order Refurbish shade car ports R17 500 100% 4503250289 Purchase Order Supply and deliver polywood bollards R44 460 100% 4503237272 Supply and installation of signage at Blaauwberg Purchase Order R68 106.86 100% Nature Reserve 4503180453 Repairs and Maintenance of fencing at Melkbos Works Order 400820558 R79 153.20 100% Conservation Area (Bato Way) Montispectus overnight accommodation Repairs Purchase Order R13 175.60 100% and Maintenance Claim 7123313 4503300723 WWII Generator Building Repairs and Maintenance Purchase Order R7 840 In progress Claim 7122805 4503308410

Conversion of the Word War II Generator Building on Blaauwberg Hill into an interpretive centre for the Battle of Blaauwberg 1806 (Photograph: Faizel Jacobs).

For more details with regards to items mentioned in the above Report Document, please refer to the relevant site calendars on www.biodiversity.co.za. For more information on the City’s nature reserves, visit http://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-precious- biodiversity/City-nature-reserves

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

APPENDIX A: MAP OF THE BLAAUWBERG NATURE RESERVE

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

APPENDIX B: BLAAUWBERG NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT UNIT MAP

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018

APPENDIX C: MEDIA RELEASES

ATLANTIC BEACH ESTATE

Weekly News - 27 April 2018

Extension of Blaauwberg Nature Reserve

From our homeowner survey responses received earlier this year it was clear that many of you were concerned about the prospect and potential impact of future developments around the Estate. Of particular concern, was the relatively newly proposed mixed‐use development on erf 1694, Melkbosstrand (opposite the golf course entrance).

In respect of this mixed-use development, many expressed concern with the preservation of the dam situated opposite the golf club entrance. Well, the good news is that the City has approved the preservation of a Portion of the Remainder of Erf 1694 Melkbosch Strand for the Biodiversity Management Branch. The property shall be utilised for conservation purposes only and managed as such by the Biodiversity Management Branch.

The intention is to include this section as an extension of the BBNR to eventually link to Koeberg Nature Reserve and the Eskom Duynefontein Conservation Area in order to provide a viable ecological corridor and ensure the seamless flow of ecological processes.

In the diagram below you will see the borders of the newly incorporated areas shown in orange, and as you can see, includes the dam and a large portion of land along Birkenhead Drive.

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg City of Cape Town Quarterly Report - 1 April to 30 June 2018