SPATIAL PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
Koos Retief Biodiversity Area Manager: Blaauwberg T: 021 444 0315 E: [email protected]
B L A A U W B E R G N A T U R E R E S E R V E
QUARTERLY REPORT: OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019
CONTENTS Pg.
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2
2 HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES ...... 3
3 CONSERVATION PLANNING ...... 5
4 FLORA ...... 5
5 FAUNA ...... 10
6 SOIL ...... 10
7 WATER ...... 11
8 FIRE ...... 12
9 PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION ...... 14
10 STAFF ...... 19
11 LAW ENFORCEMENT ...... 20
12 INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT ...... 21
APPENDIX A: MAPS OF THE NATURE RESERVE 22
Figure 1. Map of Blaauwberg Nature Reserve.
CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT – 1 OCTOBER TO 31 DECEMBER 2018 1
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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, formerly referred to as the Blaauwberg Conservation Area (BCA), was conceptualised in the 1980s. In 1996, conservation area status in terms of the National Monuments Act (Act 28 of 1969) was conferred on public-owned portions of land, as well as a section of private land comprising the site of the Battle of Blaauwberg. A proposed boundary for the Nature Reserve was also gazetted. In 2000, the Blaauwberg Conservation Area Development and Management Plan (see Figure 2 below) with recommendations were approved by the then Cape Metropolitan Council and Blaauwberg Municipality. One of the key programmes in the plan was the Land Consolidation Programme, which has resulted in three of the five identified private landholdings having been incorporated into the BCA in 2002, 2005 and 2010, respectively. The Land Consolidation is now continuing under the Protected Area Expansion Programme. It was only in late 2003 when on-site Reserve Management was established. The placement of a Reserve Manager in the Nature Reserve by the City of Cape Town coincided with, and was made possible by, the receipt of Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) funding via the Cape Action for the People and Environment (C.A.P.E) programme. In 2006, the Western Cape Member of the Executive Council for Environmental Affairs and Development Planning granted approval for the establishment of the Blaauwberg Conservation Area Local Nature Reserve in P.N. 345/2006 dated 27 October 2006. The provincially-owned portions of the Nature Reserve were proclaimed as Blaauwberg Provincial Nature Reserve by means of P.N. 06/2007 dated 2 March 2007.
Many of the City’s nature reserves were not properly proclaimed or were proclaimed under old and outdated legislation. Following a Public Participation Process (PPP), Council resolved in June 2011 that the City’s Environmental Management Department could proceed with the process to proclaim the City’s 14 nature reserves, including Blaauwberg, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act 57 of 2003). 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 City of Cape Town manages both its own, and the provincially-owned land, as a single entity called Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. The Vision for the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is 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.” The Mission of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is to, “through judicious land acquisition and the development of economically viable conservation and education-related facilities and activities, secure the protection of the entire area and ensure its long-term sustainability based on sound ecological and cultural values.” Figure 2. Blaauwberg Conservation Area Concept Plan, 2000.
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2 HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES
2.1 HIGHLIGHT: Staff wished Senior Field Ranger, Willem Appollis, well on his retirement at the end of November 2019. Mr Appollis worked in the civil service for almost 44 years, of which the last 14 years were in the Biodiversity Management Branch. Mr Appollis was given the opportunity to address the Biodiversity Management Branch at the annual Team Building Day on 15/11/2019, as well as to address the Environmental Management Department at a Departmental meeting on 18/11/2019. Finally, a farewell braai was given for Mr Appollis at the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve picnic site in Jonkershoek on 29/11/2019 (his last working day). The booking of the picnic site was provided with compliments of CapeNature.
2.2 CHALLENGE: Illegal occupants residing in condemned structures at the old Blaauwberg’s Valley farm portion of the Nature Reserve (see Figure 3 right) are continuing to exploit the natural resources of the Nature Reserve by harvesting wood and grazing domestic animals in the Hill Section. The occupants also move around in the Nature Reserve and have left management access gates open overnight. A follow-up meeting with the City of Cape Town’s legal advisers and legal counsel was held on 24/07/2019 to discuss the way forward with the court case. The City’s Informal Settlements division is still investigating potential sites for possible relocation of the occupants. The legal representatives of the occupants of have indicated their willingness to Figure 3. Aerial view of the homestead in the Nature Reserve. discuss the City’s proposals.
BACKGROUND The occupants have consistently refused the City’s offers for alternative accommodation and have ignored several The City of Cape Town concluded a sale agreement with legal notices requesting them to vacate the premises. Garden Cities in 2010 to acquire two portions of land to incorporate into the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. This sale The occupants’ refusal to vacate the property poses a was registered in the Deeds Office in January 2011. threat to the Nature Reserve’s biodiversity, including endangered plants and animal species, as well as a rich During negotiations it was recorded that a family was heritage of natural, cultural and historic elements. present and living on the old farm, and that the seller would not guarantee vacant occupation of the land. The establishment of the Nature Reserve, including the Legal advice was sought on the matter and the opinion construction of fencing, the introduction of large was expressed that, given the environmental value of the antelope, the restoration of the Critically Endangered land, the City had no option but to acquire the land Cape Flats sand fynbos, and research on the Battle of subject to the rights of the residents, notwithstanding that Blaauwberg, has been moving forward despite the illegal a process could be followed to secure their relocation. occupation of this area. The City has been engaging with the residents since The intension is to establishing the Battle of Blaauwberg site December 2013 about their illegal occupation of this part as an education and tourism hub. It has therefore become of the Nature Reserve. imperative to succeed in relocating the family.
The City of Cape Town launched an urgent application in the Western Cape High Court that was heard on 22 June 2017. The Acting Judge reserved Judgement in this matter for 3 months. The appointed advocate / attorney for the City of Cape Town in this matter attended the High Court on 22 September 2017 to note the Judgement of Masuku, A.J. Judgement was given in favour of the occupants, rescinding any previous eviction and demolition orders granted by the Western Cape High Court. The City of Cape Town’s Legal Advisors and appointed Attorneys in this matter served a notice on the occupants reiterating (i) the proclamation of the nature reserve, (ii) the occupants’ unlawful occupation of the property, (iii) offer of alternative accommodation and (iv) listed restricted activities as per the Regulations for the Proper Administration of Nature Reserves R99. Authority has been granted for the appointment of a senior advocate and junior counsel to assist the City of Cape Town to go back to court. The legal deliberation is currently still on-going.
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3 CONSERVATION PLANNING
3.1 The public participation process for the proposed nomination of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve as a Provincial Heritage Site in terms of section 27 of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) has run its course. Heritage Western Cape commenced with a 60-day stakeholder commenting period on 11/09/2019. It is expected that the results of the public comments will take some time to collate, and that the decision whether or not to proceed with the proclamation will be communicated in due course.
BACKGROUND The archaeological, historical and cultural heritage of the nature reserve is both rich and varied, adding immensely to its value and its contribution to regional diversity on a landscape scale. Regarded as an area of historical and cultural significance, more than 25 sites have been recorded and mapped within and adjacent to the Nature Reserve. The rich cultural and historical tapestry of the area spans various periods of history, as described below. Stone Age Early maritime history Battle of Blaauwberg (1806) Late Stone Age deflated sites with Shipwrecks on the bottom of the The site of the Battle of Blaauwberg Stone Age tools, pottery and ostrich Atlantic Ocean in Table Bay dating (1806) is located on the farm egg shells were found east of back to the mid-17th century represent Blaauwbergsvlei, to the east of Blaauwberg Hill on Joyce’s Dairy Farm. an important period of the early Kleinberg. Gazetted on 26 January Khoisan maritime history of South Africa and 1996, the National Monuments Act Europe. A number of forts and trading (Act 28 of 1969) designated the Shell middens and archaeological outposts were established during the Blaauwberg battlefield site and remains along the coastline as well as Dutch East India Company period. adjacent subsections of land as a to the east of Blaauwberg Hill are conservation area. testament to the indigenous Khoikhoi The Riet Valley outpost was also used communities who once inhabited this as a camp for the Khoikhoi regiment The battle marked the start of the landscape. Small caves located in the during the first British occupation of the second British occupation of the vegetated kloofs of Blaauwberg Hill Cape (1795–1803). Blaauwberg Vlei is Cape and the final end of Dutch apparently served as lookout points to an historic ‘outspan’ and stopover on rule. Casualties of war were buried the Khoikhoi, to alert them to ships the old wagon route between Cape in the dunes in grave sites yet to be coming into Table Bay. Town and the West Coast. located.
World War II This archaeological and historical heritage is a sensitive, fragile and non- The World War II buildings on top of renewable cultural resource. Large-scale development from Bloubergstrand Blaauwberg Hill still stand and are of to Melkbosstrand has already resulted in the loss of many archaeological and historical significance. historical sites, including shell middens, forts and trading outposts. In addition to an artillery post, diesel The effective management and conservation of the cultural, historical, station, accommodation and mess archaeological and paleontological heritage are essential to conserve the building, South Africa’s first radar historical character and characteristics of the area for future generations. station can be seen here.
3.2 The Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) for Blaauwberg Nature Reserve was not able to meet on 6/12/2019 due to the unavailability of several key members, including the chairman. The meeting was rescheduled to 17/01/2020.
The objective of the Advisory Committee is to facilitate PAACs are mandated to give advice and input on interaction, communication, engagement and the strategies, management plans and reports, as well as development of partnerships with stakeholders and monitor progress of implementation, promote involvement surrounding communities to promote the objectives of the in decision-making and facilitate linkages and integration nature reserves and natural areas. of nature reserves with surrounding communities.
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3.3 The Branch Manager’s annual reserve site visit to the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve was conducted on 11/12/2019. During the site visit, the Branch Manager, Julia Wood, inspected (1) the Eerstesteen picnic sites, (2) firebreaks at Melkbosstrand and Atlantic Beach, (3) the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Restoration Programme, (4) the Swartland Shale Renosterveld ecological burn area, and (5) the Interpretive Centre (old Generator Room) and proposed Bush Camp Site. The meeting was attended by Johan Matthee (Assistant Conservation Officer), Koos Retief (Area Manager), Julia Wood (Branch Manager), Penelope Glanville (Senior Professional Officer), Eleanor Hutchings (People and Conservation Coordinator), Charmaine Oxtoby (Biodiversity Specialist), and Jacques van der Merwe (BioNet Coordinator) (see Figure 4 below).
Figure 4. The Manager's annual reserve site visit was attended by (from left to right), Johan Matthee, Koos Retief, Julia Wood, Penelope Glanville, Eleanor Hutchings, Charmaine Oxtoby, and Jacques van der Merwe.
4 FLORA
4.1 Invasive Flora Management
4.1.1 The Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area (FoBCA) hack team, under the leadership of Mr Eddie Heimann, conducted initial and follow-up clearing of invasive alien vegetation on the following dates: • 1, 8, 16, 22, and 29 October 2019, totalling 77 person hours; and • 5 November 2019, totalling 14 person hours.
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4.1.2 Initial clearing of invasive alien vegetation was conducted by JS Invasive Control Services in 24 hectare blocks in management section BCA019 (130.22 ha) (see Figure 5 right). The clearing was funded from a R333,400 allocation by the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust (HHCT) (hoheisentrust.org/grants.php) in partnership with the Wilderness Foundation Africa (www.wildernessfoundation.co.za/). Funding is also set aside for follow-up clearing in the following two years. Biodiversity Network Coordinator, Jacques van der Merwe, handled the administration tasks for the project on behalf of the City. The work forms part of the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Restoration Research project (see Figure 6 below). Figure 5. Layout of research blocks.
The HHCT’s primary project at the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is Biodiversity Conservation by means of applying best-practice guidelines for active restoration in critically endangered Cape lowland vegetation. This clearing work addresses Objective 1 which is to clear invasive alien trees (Acacia saligna) from a portion of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. Objective 2 is to collect, store, pre-treat and sow sufficient indigenous seeds to support active restoration and research in the lowland Sand Fynbos at the Nature Reserve.
Figure 6. Aerial photograph of initial invasive vegetation clearing in the research blocks.
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4.2 Flora Restoration and Rehabilitation
4.2.1 The Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust committed almost R400,000 in 2019 to promote further management and research in the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Restoration Project at the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. R333,400 was committed for initial invasive alien vegetation clearing and R53,000 for seed collecting, cleaning, sorting, treatment and in-field sowing. There were delays in the seed-collecting component due to difficulty of getting permission to access private properties to source seeds from intact fynbos plants. The progress with the invasive alien vegetation clearing in the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is reported under point 4.1.2 Initial clearing of invasive alien vegetation.
One of the largest remaining remnants of Cape Flats sand fynbos (about 500 hectares) occurs in the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (see Figure 7 right). Cape Flats sand fynbos is a critically endangered vegetation type with only 11% of the historic distribution remaining, much of which is in a degraded condition. This fynbos has a high number of endemics (16 species) and a very high number of Red Listed species (147 species). This area was found under very dense alien vegetation invasion, including Australian wattles such as Acacia saligna (Port Jackson Willow), Acacia cyclops (Rooikrans), as well as Leptospermum laevigataum (Australian Myrtle), Hakea, and various Eucalyptus species. Figure 7. Clearing alien vegetation, Blaauwberg hill at the back.
Restoration ecology is the study and management of the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. Invasion biology is the study and management of human-mediated introductions of organisms. Both these applied disciplines emerged in the mid-20th century, with a focus on conservation and management. In ecosystems which are vulnerable to, and severely degraded by invasions, such as Cape Flats sand fynbos, this synergy is particularly important. A large-scale ecological restoration project was initiated by Biodiversity Management on the lower Eastern slopes and flats of Blaauwberg Hill. Over 400 hectares of dense alien vegetation is being cleared, and restored to the original Cape Flats sand fynbos that occurred there before the alien invasion took place. The removal of alien species commenced in September 2012 and an experimental area of 76 hectares was cleared by March 2013. Four alien clearance treatments were trialled in one-hectare plots, including: Fell and burn blocks in early autumn with high fuel loads versus low fuel loads, and Fell and stack brush piles for burning with high fuel loads versus low fuel loads. The block burn was done on 4 April 2013 and the brush pile stacks were burnt in July 2013. This project includes a research component that resulted from collaborations between the Millennium Seed Bank Project (MSB) of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Garden, Stellenbosch University and City of Cape Town, initiated by the Fynbos Forum. The MSB provided bursaries and operational funds for two full-time post-graduate research students. The Centre for Invasion Biology also provides funding and co-supervises the post graduate students, while the MSB assists with seed collection and storage. One of the studies investigates optimal restoration treatments and tests ecological theory relating to thresholds of degradation. The other study investigates the seed ecology of species during active restoration. Additional studies have been done on small mammal ecology, soil microbial ecology and alien follow-up clearance methods. The results have been published and have been fed directly back to management and, in this case, optimal restoration interventions.
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4.3 Indigenous Flora Management
4.3.1 Blaauwberg Nature Reserve conserves three highly threatened lowland vegetation types: Cape Flats dune strandveld (Endangered), Swartland shale renosterveld (Critically Endangered), and Cape Flats sand fynbos (Critically Endangered). The combination of these vegetation types are seldom found in a single protected area. Over 620 plant species have been identified, of which more than 40 are considered to be threatened with extinction.
4.4 Flora Monitoring
4.4.1 The Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve have been recording plant records from the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve’s Coastal Section since 2013. An annotated plant species list of over 200 species is being maintained with records from no less than 38 field visits. CREW’s most recent field trip in the Coastal Section was on 05/10/2019.
4.4.2 Twelve pairs of vegetation monitoring plots are established in the Nature Reserve for the long-term monitoring of vegetation change over time. Six pairs of plots are exclusion plots and the other six pairs are open to grazing and browsing by Eland and Red hartebeest. This monitoring is intended to objectively determine the vegetation condition in relation to grazing pressure. The vegetation monitoring plots are monitored at six months, twelve months, two years and three years intervals. This monitoring will provide invaluable information about veld condition, in relation to utilization, and is thus highly recommended as a basis for informed decision making about pasture condition and carrying capacity.
Figure 8. Endangered Cape Flats dune strandveld visible from the firebreak along the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate.
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4.4.3 Some of the botanical diversity of the the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is illustrated below:
Figure 9. Gethyllis afra. Figure 10. Ammocharis longifolia. Figure 11. Disa cornuta.
Figure 12. Geissorhiza tenella. Figure 13. Ferraria uncinata. Figure 14. Protea scolymocephala.
Figure 15. Trichocephalus stipularis. Figure 16. Trichocephalus stipularis. Figure 17. Erica sp.
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5 FAUNA
5.1 Fauna – Indigenous Fauna Management
5.1.1 African black oystercatcher surveys were done on 1/10/2019, 16/10/2019, 1/11/2019, 19/11/2019, 5/12/2019, and 17/12/2019. The numbers of birds ranged from 36 to 77, and the number of these birds that were pairing up to breed peaked at 70 on 05/12/2019 (see Figure 18 below). The amount of active nests however peaked only at ten on 05/12/2019, with only eight actual eggs being observed in total (Figure 19).
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0 0 1/10/2019 16/10/2019 1/11/2019 19/11/2019 5/12/2019 17/12/2019 1/10/2019 16/10/2019 1/11/2019 19/11/2019 5/12/2019 17/12/2019
Breeding birds Non-breeding birds Active Nests Eggs
Figure 18. Ratio of breeding birds to non-breeding birds. Figure 19. Ratio of eggs to nests.
5.1.2 Herds of Taurotragus oryx (Eland) and Alcelaphus buselaphus caama (Red Hartebeest) are being monitored in the Blaauwberg Hill Section. The Red Hartebeest herd is numbered at six, but they are split into smaller herds. One herd consists of four Red Hartebeest, while the other two Red Hartebeest move around separately. The Eland herd consists of 21 animals and they stay together in one herd. The Eland have multipled from an introduced starting population of eight animals. Currently plans are in place to relocate some of the Eland in order to manage population growth. Figure 20. Eland at Blaauwberg Hill.
5.2 Fauna – Monitoring
5.2.2 Observations of fauna mortalities recorded during this quarter included: 04/10/2019: Pternistis capensis (Cape Spurfowl) roadkill on Otto du Plessis Drive; 21/10/2019: Larus dominicanus (Kelp Gull) at Gate 6 (Hill Section); 04/11/2019: Arctocephalus pusillus (Cape Fur Seal) at Derdesteen; 12/11/2019: Naja nivea (Cape Cobra) roadkill at Otto du Plessis drive; 19/11/2019: Cape Fur Seal at Kelpbaai; 17/12/2019: Cape Fur Seal pup at Haakgat; 20/12/2019: Galerella pulverulenta (Cape grey mongoose), Pseudaspis cana (Mole Snake), Falco rupicolus (Rock Kestrel), and Hystrix africaeaustralis (Porcupine) roadkill on the R27; and 22/12/2019: Cape Fur Seal pup at Derdesteen and a Cape Fur Seal at Haakgat.
6 SOIL
6.1 Internal management roads have been affected by the recent heavy rains, causing gully erosion on sections with steep inclines, including at the old Military Access Road to the Blaauwberg Hill. Reserve Management will plan to conduct maintenance and upgrades to the roads where necessary in 2020.
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7 WATER
7.1 Rainfall
7.1.1 Rainfall recorded in the Blaauwberg Nature 600 Reserve during this quarter amounted to: 141.0 mm at Eerstesteen Resort, and 82.3 mm at Blaauwberg Hill. 500 Figure 21 (right) indicates the accumulation of rainfall in 2019 plotted over the average accumulation curve. Eerstesteen accumulated 512.9 400 mm, and Blaauwberg Hill accumulated 365.8 mm in total. These amounts exceed the average rainfall accumulation for both sites. 300 Figure 22 (below) indicates the monthly rainfall records of Eerstesteen and Blaauwberg Hill in 2019 plotted over the average rainfall pattern. The months 200 of March, July, October and December all received more than average rainfall. Site selection of rainfall gauges depends on the 100 ability of the Management Authority to sustainably service and record rainfall at each gauge. At this time, rainfall gauges are positioned at Eerstesteen Resort and Blaauwberg Hill. 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec The rainfall measurement will provide an accurate picture of the rainfall over the full extent of the area. Ave Eerstesteen Ave BBG Hill Rainfall records are needed to help interpret Eerstesteen Blaauwberg Hill changes in vegetation and wildlife movements, and to help make informed decisions about wildlife Figure 21. Rainfall accumulation curves in 2019 plotted over the population management. average accumulation curves.
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Ave Eerstesteen Ave BBG Hill Eerstesteen Blaauwberg Hill
Figure 22. Monthly rainfall records of Eerstesteen and the Blaauwberg Hill in 2019 plotted over the average rainfall pattern.
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8 FIRE
8.1 Fire – Preparation and Planning
8.1.1 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 Area. The City of Cape Town Environmental Management Department (EMD) Biodiversity Management Branch is a fully compliant member of the CPFPA. 8.1.2 All firebreaks and fire protection measures were maintained during this quarter, and further work will continue in the following quarter. Figure 23. Firebreak adjacent to Atlantic Beach Golf Estate.
8.2 Fire – Prescribed Ecological Burning
8.2.1 Portions of Swartland Shale Renosterveld on the Blaauwberg Hill was burned on 25-26/11/2019 during ecological burning operations. The burn area was monitored the following day on 27/11/2019. The Biodiversity Management Branch worked with Fire & Rescue Services, Quemic, and Working on Fire to manage the burn according to permit conditions specified by Air Quality Control (see Figures 24-25 below, and Figures 26-27 overleaf). Due to high soil moisture content resulting from recent high rainfall, the renosterveld did not burn completely. Renosterveld needs to burn regularly in order to stimulate new growth as well as to maintain floral diversity by activating seed germination. A new permit application was submitted to burn the remaining vegetation in this block in March 2020. A site meeting was held with Air Quality Control and Fire & Rescue Services on 20/12/2019 to inspect the burn site. A notice will be circulated to neighbouring landowners and in the media in the New Year.
Figure 24. Ignition of the ecological burn. Figure 25. Vegetation alight during ecological burn.
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Figure 26. Pre-burn briefing meeting of Biodiversity Management staff.
Figure 27. A portion of the target area in the Swartland Shale renosterveld on Blaauwberg Hill.
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9 PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION
9.1 Stakeholder Engagement
9.1.1 Internal Meetings
Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff attended the following internal meetings during this quarter: 09/10/2019: Ecological Management Committee meeting 16/10/2019: Ecological burning preparation site meeting, Blaauwberg hill 17/10/2019: Ecological burning preparation site meeting, Blaauwberg hill 15/11/2019: Biodiversity Management Branch Team Building Day 18/11/2019: Environmental Management Departmental Meeting 22/11/2019: North Region Management and Health & Safety meeting 28/11/2019: Rietvlei water bodies blue-green algal sampling 29/11/2019: Farewell party for Mr Willem Appollis (Senior Field Ranger) 05/12/2019: Biodiversity Management Branch meeting 10/12/2019: Staff year-end function 11/12/2019: Manager’s annual reserve site visit
9.1.2 External Meetings
Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff attended the following external meetings during this quarter: 12/12/2019: Site meeting with service provider for security alarm installations 20/12/2019: Burn permit application site meeting with Air Quality Control and Fire & Rescue Services
9.2 Benefit to People
9.2.1 Field trips
9.2.1.1 About 40 South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) scientists visited Blaauwberg Nature Reserve as part of their national research meeting being held in Cape Town on 23/10/2019, to view the large scale restoration ecology research being conducted in the highly degraded fynbos areas of the reserve. Stellenbosch University Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology led the research tour, with Profs Karen Esler and Pat Holmes introducing the reserve and its management challenges owing to decades of invasion by alien Acacia saligna. The delegates were also shown the relatively intact fynbos remnant known as "the Friends Patch". They were then shown the results of the field trial initiated in 2013, comparing passive and active restoration approaches following the Fell-and-Burn control method. Thereafter, post-graduate student Tevan Leyman demonstrated his project on applied nucleation approaches and Duduzile Ngwenga showed delegates her new field trial which tests the approach of active restoration following a Fell-and-Stack alien control treatment. Useful discussions were held with SAEON delegates throughout the field trip.
9.2.2 Overnight accommodation
9.2.2.1 The Montispectus Overnight Accommodation re-opened for reservations on 1 July 2019. During this quarter a total of 17 nights were booked out, resulting in an occupation of 46 person days, and generating R17,973 of income for the Nature Reserve. People can access the booking form at this web link: https://www.bca.org.za/accommodation.html . Figure 28. Visitors at Montispectus.
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9.2 Benefit to People (continued)
9.2.3 Environmental Education and Outreach
Environmental Education and Outreach generated 496 person days of benefit over fifteen event days. Groups were hosted by the City’s Biodiversity Management Branch and the Friends of the Blaauwberg Conservation Area. The Marine School Lesson programme brought classes from Sinenjongo High School and Dunoon Primary School to the Eerstesteen Resort. The programme for the high school included a micro plastic survey, a presentation on marine pollution, and ended with a debate. The primary school did a beach clean-up, a presentation on marine pollution, team building games and building a marine food chain in the sand. The Table View Girl Guides attended an overnight environmental education programme at Eerstesteen. The Guides listened to a presentation on alien vegetation, poisonous and medicinal plants, and the effects of pesticides and herbicides on the environment. They were also given a presentation on the City Nature Challenge and how to use the iNaturalist Application before walking the 4,4 km Coastal Dune Trail to practice using the application. The now-famous School Holiday Programme took place from 09-12/12/2019 and included programmes on Sandy Shores, Marine Pollution, Rocky Shores, and Safety at the Beach (see details below as well as Figures 29-38 overleaf).
DATE GROUP ORGANISATION PRESENTER LOCATION PROGRAM NUMBERS Guided botanical 05/10/2019 CREW BBNR Friends of BCA P Broddle Field trip 11 exploration Sinenjongo High 14/10/2019 48 School Dunoon Primary 16/10/2019 63 school Z Mzwana, Marine School CCT BMB Education Cabin Sinenjongo High E Krynauw Lesson 18/10/2019 54 School Dunoon Primary 22/10/2019 62 school Marine School 25/10/2019 Table View Girl 7 CCT BMB E Krynauw Education Cabin Lesson Guides 26/10/2019 Invasive alien plants 7 26/10/2019 Friends of BCA Friends of BCA S Muller Blaauwberg Hill Guided hike 25 Vegetation and West Coast 28/10/2019 CCT BMB E Krynauw Blaauwberg Hill battlefield history 11 Christian School school lesson 09/11/2019 S Muller Blaauwberg Hill Guided Hike 23 Friends of BCA Friends of BCA 23/11/2019 D Honour Blaauwberg Hill Guided Hike 31 09/12/2019 Sandy shores 38
10/12/2019 School Holiday Marine pollution 37 CCT BMB E Krynauw Education Cabin 11/12/2019 Group Rocky shores 41 12/12/2019 Safety at the beach 38 TOTALS 496
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Images from various environmental education programmes of this quarter:
Figure 29. Welcoming learners to Eerstesteen Resort. Figure 30. Debating teams setting up opposite each other.
Figure 31. Taking a class on the beach is a privilege. Figure 32. Having fun is part of the learning experience.
Figure 33. Vissershok Primary learners doing a beach clean-up. Figure 34. Girl Guides picnicking on the Coastal Dune Hiking Trail.
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Figure 35. West Coast Christian School visiting Blaauwberg Hill. Figure 36. Arts and crafts during the Holiday Programme.
Figure 37. Beach clean-up during the Holiday Programme. Figure 38. Rocky shore expedition.
9.2.4 Friends of the Blaauwberg Conservation Area
The Friends of the Blaauwberg Conservation Area (www.bca.org.za) is a voluntary group of concerned citizens whose mission it is to contribute to the protection and beneficial use of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. They are affiliated with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, Western Cape.
The Friends of BCA generated 90 person days of benefit over four event days.
DATE GROUP ACTIVITY PERSON DAYS 05/10/2019 Friends of BCA and CREW Botanical Walk 11 26/10/2019 Friends of BCA Blaauwberg Hill Guided hike 25 09/11/2019 Friends of BCA Blaauwberg Hill Guided Hike 23 23/11/2019 Friends of BCA Blaauwberg Hill Guided Hike 31 TOTAL 90
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9.3 Visitors and Income
9.3.1 Income from the Eerstesteen Resort and the Montispectus Overnight Accommodation was R127,607.
DESCRIPTION Oct Nov Dec RATE QUANTITY INCOME TOTAL Permissible Commercial Activities R 6,316 10-20 people bundles 8 5 R 417.00 13 R 5,421 1-9 people bundles 2 1 2 R 179.00 5 R 895 Daily Entry R 73,416 Adult (18+) 779 548 2402 R 16.00 3,729 R 59,664 Children (3 -17 ) 122 135 960 R 9.00 1,217 R 10,953 Children (under 3) 1 1 2 R 0.00 4 R 0 Senior (60+) 31 39 241 R 9.00 311 R 2,799 Environmental Education Programmes R 728 Govt feeding scheme learners 177 42 R 0.00 219 R 0 Learners: All other schools 28 76 R 7.00 104 R 728 Season tickets (annual permits) R 235 Family 1 R 235.00 1 R 235 Vehicles and Craft R 30,984 Vehicles 214 264 813 R 24.00 1,291 R 30,984 Overnight Accommodation (Montispectus) R 15,928 Nights: 1-2 people (Peak Season) 3 2 11 R 866.00 16 R 13,856 Per night (additional person) 4 10 R 148.00 14 R 2,072 TOTAL R 127,607
Figure 39. Nature Reserve staff helping to keep the beach clean.
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10 STAFF
10.1 Staff establishment
10.1.1 Senior Field Ranger, Willem Appollis, retired at the end of November 2019. Mr Appollis worked in the civil service for almost 44 years and recently in the Biodiversity Management Branch for the last 14 years. He was given the opportunity to address the Biodiversity Management Branch at the annual Team Building Day on 15/11/2019, as well as to address the Environmental Management Departmental at a Departmental meeting on 18/11/2019. Finally, a farewell braai was given for Mr Appollis at the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve picnic site in Jonkershoek on 29/11/2019 (his last working day). The booking of the picnic site was provided with compliments of CapeNature.
Figure 40. Mr Willem Appollis (circled) and the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve team at the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve on 29/11/2019.
10.1.2 A team of four Kader Asmal Integrated Catchment Management Expanded Public Works Programme workers was employed since August 2019 until the end of the financial year. 10.1.3 An arduous firefighting fitness pack test was attended by staff from Blaauwberg Nature Reserve on 4/10/2019. 10.1.4 Student Zizipho Mzwana, who started her Work-Integrated Learning semester at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve on 1 July, has graduated with the National Diploma in Environmental Management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. 10.1.5 Koos Retief (Biodiversity Area Manager) took annual leave and family responsibility leave from 12/10 to 8/11/2019 for the birth of his child. During this time Johan Matthee (Assistant Conservation Officer) was standing in as the Area Manager. 10.1.6 Interviews for a Reserve Supervisor vacancy were held on 12/11 and 21/11/2019. Koos Retief (Biodiversity Area Coordinator) attended the interviews as a panel member. 10.1.7 The Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s academic and industry evaluation panel for Nature Conservation work-integrated learning students evaluated all CPUT’s Nature Conservation WIL students of 2019 from 19-22/11/2019 at the Rietvlei Boma. Koos Retief (Biodiversity Area Manager) was one of the representatives from the City of Cape Town. 10.1.8 A year-end function was held for Blaauwberg Nature Reserve staff on 10/12/2019.
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11 LAW ENFORCEMENT
11.1 Planning and Patrols
11.1.1 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, and hunting with snares, graffiti and damaged fences are observed and reported. During these patrols various other sightings are also recorded, including animal tracks and wildlife sightings. Three trespassers were apprehended in areas of the Nature Reserve where visitors have to pay for access. The trespassers were all escorted out of the area and released with warnings (see Figures 41-43 below).
Figure 41. Trespasser at Blaauwberg hill. Figure 42. Trespasser at Blaauwberg hill. Figure 43. Trespasser at Eerstesteen.
11.2 Incidents
Nothing to report.
11.3 Nature Reserve Integrity
11.3.1 Quemic Africa deploys Nature Reserve Integrity Rangers for the provision of visitor and staff safety within the City of Cape Town’s nature reserves and natural open systems. Quemic Africa deployed mobile Regional Integrity Teams, Senior Rangers, Junior Rangers and Visitor-hub Rangers in the northern area of the City of Cape Town. They are deployed 24 hours per day, seven days per week. They also provide additional surveillance for reserve infrastructure.
Some of the specific services that the Integrity Teams provide include visitor management, staff safety, and Other surveillance of reserve infrastructure. They can liaise with Escort clients members of the public with regards to reserve activities, Permits directions and rules as well as local information. They can respond to any injury or medical emergency, any Vagrancy Litter & wildfire, environmental disasters and wildlife-related Dumping incidents. Indecent acts Property They provide a nature conservation law enforcement Drugs/Alcoho damage service which includes boundary / fence line patrols, Animals l clandestine operations, and search of suspicious individuals and vehicles. They can also supervise contractors in the field. Figure 44. Pie chart of incidents in this quarter.
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12 INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT
12.1 Infrastructure Maintenance
12.1.1 Four (04) fencing poles were lost on the southern fence line at the Hill Section due to people cutting and removing the poles to build illegal structures. The missing poles were replaced by the field team and the fence was repaired (Figure 45).
12.1.2 A notification was made out to contract a service provider on tender with the City to install a security alarm at the Interpretive Centre (old Generator Room) on the Blaauwberg hill. A site meeting was held on 12/12/2019 to obtain a quotation from the service provider under Notification number 500682887. The order to install the security alarm will be placed in the new year. The project will be funded from a Ward Allocation for the security upgrade of the Interpretive Centre.
12.1.3 All assets at the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve were verified on 2/12 and 4/12/2019.
12.1.4 All old Windows 7 computers at the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve were replaced with new Windows 10 computers. The computers were delivered on 13/12/2019 and set up on the network on 17/12/2019. Figure 45. Stolen fence poles.
12.2 Fleet Vehicles
12.2.1 Three Nature Reserve vehicles were recommended to be scrapped and replaced. These vehicles have aged beyond economical repair and spend more time in workshops than being operational in the field. Orders have been placed by Fleet Department, and delivery is expected in the New Year. CCT30003 Isuzu KB 250 (staff carrier) is to be replaced with a double-cab 4x4 bakkie. CCT30867 Nissan 4.2D (fire-fighting skid unit) is to be replaced with a double-cab 4x4 bakkie. CA87451 Ford TRITON (tipper truck) is to be replaced with 6 ton tipper truck.
12.3 Services
12.3.1 The following services were procured for the 2019/20 Financial Year: Lindol Hygiene Services, toilet hygiene, G-Force Security, 24-hour guarding of Eerstesteen facilities, Quemic Africa, 24-hour mobile nature reserve integrity teams, G4S Cash Solutions (SA) (Pty) Ltd, cash collections, Manandi Laundrette, laundry services.
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APPENDIX A: MAPS OF THE NATURE RESERVE
Figure 46. Erf numbers and property boundaries.
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Figure 47. Key locations and gates.
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Figure 48. Management units.
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