Ecological Management Plan for the De Zalze Estate, Stellenbosch

Reference: BlueScience project report P440-Apr17.

COMPILED BY - SAAMGESTEL DEUR

Dr C. Boucher Mr Dana Grobler 18 Patrys Street, Stellenbosch 7600 BlueScience (Pty) Ltd South Africa Email: [email protected] SACNASP Professional Natural Scientist Tel +27 (0) 21 851 0555 Registration no. 400737/83 BlueScience Pty Ltd e-mail: [email protected] PO Box 455 Telephone 021 887 1421; Cell 083 628 2570 Somerset Mall Ecological Research Report No. 243 7137

Title page:

Title of the report: Ecological Management Plan for the De Zalze Estate, Stellenbosch

Status of the report: Final

Authors: Boucher, C. and Grobler D.

Project reference number: P440-Apr17

Date: 30 August 2018

Reference to the report: Boucher, C. and Grobler D. 2018. Ecological Management Plan for the De Zalze Estate, Stellenbosch.

Approval: Client: De Zalze special area Trust

Approved: ………………………………….

Name: ………………………………………

Approval: Project: Charles Boucher, Dana Grobler and Elke Watson

For Project team: …….…………………….

Name: DF Grobler

PO Box 338

Stellenbosch

7600

Comments on report Ms Elke Watson and Ms Karin Neethling received from:

ii | P a g e Ecological Management Plan for the De Zalze Estate, Stellenbosch

CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE: ...... II

(I) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... VIII

BACKGROUND ...... VIII

PLANT SPECIES IN DE ZALZE...... VIII

ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES ...... IX

MANAGEMENT UNITS ...... X

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS ...... X

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.1 SCOPE OF WORK ...... 1

1.2 LOCATION AND BACKGROUND ...... 1

1.3 CLIMATE ...... 1

1.4 GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY ...... 2

1.5 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT...... 2

1.6 FLORA AND VEGETATION BASELINE ...... 5 1.6.1 General Flora ...... 5 1.6.2 De Zalze Flora ...... 5 1.6.3 National vegetation types ...... 9 1.6.4 De Zalze Vegetation ...... 12

1.7 THE DE ZALZE ENVIRONMENT RELATED TO SURROUNDING AREAS ...... 15

2. MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES, CONCEPTS AND BENEFITS ...... 16

2.1 PRINCIPLES ...... 16

2.2 REHABILITATION AND IMPLEMENTION PROCEDURES ...... 17

2.3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY, MANAGEMENT UNITS, INTERVENTIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 20 2.3.1 Landscape use and Ecological classification of the De Zalze Estate ...... 20 2.3.2 Assessment methodology ...... 20

3. NATURAL ECOLOGICAL AREAS – DESCRIPTIONS, CURRENT CONDITION ASSESSMENT, DESIRED ECOLOGICAL STATE, MANAGEMENT TASKS AND ACTIVITIES ...... 22

3.1 BLAAUWKLIPPEN RIVER CORRIDOR ...... 22 3.1.1 Present and desired ecological state ...... 22 3.1.2 Management objectives ...... 22 3.1.3 Management and maintenance tasks to achieve the desired ecological condition ...... 23

3.2 SEEPS AND WETLANDS ...... 31 3.2.1 Dam A (R44) Wetland ...... 31 3.2.2 De Vleie Wetland ...... 37

iii | P a g e 3.2.3 Eikenbosch Wetland ...... 40 3.2.4 Fountain (Club House) Wetland ...... 44 3.2.4.1 Present and desired ecological state ...... 44 3.2.4.2 Management objectives ...... 44 3.2.4.3 Management and maintenance tasks to achieve the desired ecological condition ...... 44 3.2.5 Erf 4 Seeps ...... 48

3.3 DAMS - AQUATIC AND DAM WALLS ...... 48 3.3.1 Dam A (R44) ...... 51 3.3.2 Dam B (R44) ...... 52 3.3.3 De Vleie Dam ...... 57 3.3.4 Golf Club Dam ...... 60 3.3.5 Fountain Dam ...... 61 3.3.6 Kleine Zalze Pond ...... 62 3.3.7 Upper Grootte Zalze Dam ...... 63 3.3.8 Lower Grootte Zalze Dam ...... 66 3.3.9 18th Dam ...... 69 3.3.10 Erf 4 Dams ...... 70

3.4 GRANITE OUTCROPS AND SURROUNDING RENOSTERVELD ...... 71

3.5 FALLOW LANDS ...... 75

3.6 BERM ALONG THE R44 ...... 76

3.7 GREENS AND ROUGHS INCLUDING DRAINAGE CHANNELS ...... 78

3.8 ROADS, PATHS, TRACKS ...... 79

3.9 OTHER RECREATIONAL AREAS ...... 80

3.10 NURSERY, REFUSE & COMPOSTING AREAS ...... 80

3.11 URBAN AREAS (VILLAGES, MANAGEMENT BUILDING COMPLEXES AND STRUCTURES) ...... 81

3.12 COMMENTS ON OTHER AREAS ...... 82

3.13 DE ZALZE BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS ...... 83

4. CONCLUSIONS ...... 85

4.1 EVALUATION OF EXISTING MANAGEMENT PLANS ...... 85

4.2 NEW MANAGEMENT PLANS ...... 85 Fire management plan ...... 86 Erf 4 – wetlands and dams management plan ...... 86

4.3 MONITORING ...... 86

4.4 ADDITIONAL NEEDS ...... 86

5. REFERENCES ...... 88

6. APPENDICES...... 89

APPENDIX A.1: PLANT SPECIES LIST FOR THE DE ZALZE ESTATE (DECEMBER 2017) ...... 89

APPENDIX A.2: EXOTIC PLANT SPECIES RECORDED AT DE ZALZE ESTATE ...... 98

iv | P a g e APPENDIX A.3: LISTED INVADER PLANT SPECIES FOR THE DE ZALZE ESTATE (DECEMBER 2017) ...... 101

APPENDIX A.4: LISTED PLANT SPECIES IN THE WET AND DRY BANKS OF THE BLAAUWKLIPPEN RIVER DE ZALZE ESTATE (DECEMBER 2017) ...... 103

APPENDIX A.5: LISTED PLANT SPECIES IN THE WETLANDS AND DAMS DE ZALZE ESTATE (DECEMBER 2017) ...... 107

APPENDIX B.1: 2016 DAM MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR DE ZALZE WINELANDS GOLF ESTATE (WATSON 2016A) ...... 115

APPENDIX B.2: WETLAND MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR DE ZALZE WINELANDS GOLF ESTATE (WATSON 2016B)...... 117

APPENDIX B.3: RIVER MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR DE ZALZE WINELANDS GOLF ESTATE (WATSON 2016C) ...... 119

APPENDIX B.4: THREATENED ECOSYSTEM CATEGORIES ...... 122

APPENDIX B.5: CATEGORIES FOR “SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN” ...... 124

APPENDIX B.6: CATEGORIES OF DECLARED WEEDS AND ALIEN INVADER PLANTS ...... 126

APPENDIX C.1: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF PRACTITIONER C BOUCHER ...... 127

List of Figures

Figure 1: Long term monthly rainfall median (left) and monthly average temperature (right) graphs for the area based on data obtained for the period 1950 to 2000 (CapeFarmMapper, 2018) ...... 2

Figure 2: Location of the De Zalze Estate (outlined by brown line) (CapeFarmMapper, 2018) ...... 3

Figure 3: Aerial photograph of the De Zalze Estate (outlined by red line) (CapeFarmMapper, 2018) ...... 4

Figure 4: National vegetation map of the Western Cape showing potential historic distribution of the vegetation types (from Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). (The star indicates the location of the study site.) FFh5 = Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos; FFs11 = Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos; FFg2 = Boland Granite Fynbos; FRc1 = Swartland Silcrete Renosterveld; FRg2 = Swartland Granite Renosterveld and FRs9 = Swartland Shale Renosterveld. Rivers supporting, inter alia, Cape Lowland Alluvial Vegetation are not indicated...... 9

Figure 5: A clump of Colocasia esculenta...... 13

Figure 6: Pennisetum clandestinum lawn penetrating into the river...... 14

Figure 7: Example of stone packed stormwater drain (not cemented) ...... 17

Figure 8: Quercus robur at Tee 3 to be removed...... 26

Figure 9: Google Earth image showing the mapped aquatic features (blue lines represent the watercourses, blue polygons the dams and the green polygons the wetland areas) within the site together with the 1 in 50 year floodlines (yellow lines)...... 27

Figure 10: The distribution of Lateral Zones in Western Cape rivers (Boucher 2002)...... 29

Figure 11: Location of dams and wetlands discussed in these management proposals for the De Zalze Estate ...... 30

Figure 12: Transitional area between the Dam A wall and the residential area (cover with a layer of seed free wood chips to form buffer)...... 33

Figure 13: Dam - A wetland...... 33

Figure 14: Dam A - illustrating extensive stands of Typha capensis around the dam requiring control before it forms a dense complete band around the whole dam. Note the few individuals of the invader Arundo donax (Spanish reed) in the foreground...... 34

v | P a g e Figure 15: Details of the distribution of Typha capensis clumps (A1-A6) and of Arundo donax (A7, A8) in Dam A and management zones at Dam A (C c – Casuarina cunninghamiana)...... 35

Figure 16: The main body of Dam B ...... 36

Figure 17: A lily pond on the side of Dam B...... 36

Figure 18: De Vleie wetland ...... 38

Figure 19: De Vleie wetland being brush cut to control Typha...... 39

Figure 20: Management zones for the Eikenbosch wetland area ...... 42

Figure 21: Dam A wetland ...... 43

Figure 22: Club house wetland and management zones ...... 47

Figure 23: Dam A before clearing Typha...... 52

Figure 24: Dam B with pond wetland in the southern compartment of the dam ...... 54

Figure 25: Dam B illustrating the distribution of the larger clumps of Typha capensis...... 55

Figure 26: The main body of Dam B ...... 56

Figure 27: A lily pond on the side of Dam B ...... 56

Figure 28: De Vleie Dam...... 58

Figure 29: De Vleie dam management zones ...... 59

Figure 30: Golf Club Dam ...... 60

Figure 31: Golf Club Dam management zone ...... 61

Figure 32: Fountain dam upstream of golf wetland...... 62

Figure 33: Klein Zalze pond ...... 63

Figure 34: Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce) in Klein Zalze pond ...... 63

Figure 35: Upper Grootte Zalze Dam ...... 65

Figure 36: Upper Grootte Zalze Dam with no fringe vegetation...... 66

Figure 37: Lower Grootte Zalze dam ...... 68

Figure 38: Lower Grootte Zalze Dam ...... 69

Figure 39: Dam at 18th hole ...... 70

Figure 40: Small dam on Erf 4 floodplain with trees lining the Blaauklippen River ...... 71

Figure 41: A Crassula in flower on the granite rocks ...... 72

Figure 42: Granite outcrops (non river) ...... 73

Figure 43: Renosterveld at Grootte De Zalze dam ...... 74

Figure 44: Kniphofia sp. in the Erf 4 wetlands...... 76

Figure 45: Berm along the R44 with some invasive Casuarina trees on it...... 78

vi | P a g e Figure 46: Loose cobble stones packed along drianage channel to form a boundary between the residential area and the wetlands...... 79

Figure 47: Villages in the De Zalze Estate...... 82

Figure 48: De Zalze Estate biodiversity corridors in context of the surrounding areas ...... 84

Figure 49: Southern boundary fence contaning Chinese poplars...... 87

List of Tables

Table 1: Breakdown of plant species growth forms in natural or semi-natural areas on the De Zalze Estate...... 6

Table 2: Rehabilitation and management implementation tasks and sequences ...... 18

Table 3: Assessment methods for the present ecological state (PES) and desired ecological state (DES) of the natural areas in De Zalze ...... 21

Table 4: Cost/effort and benefit analysis matrix ...... 21

Table 5: Blaauwklippen River ecological condition assessment ...... 22

Table 6. Model of relationships between lateral riverine vegetation zones and flow regimes (modified from Boucher 2002, Boucher & Tlale, 1999; Kemper & Boucher 2000)...... 28

Table 7: Clubhouse wetland ecological condition assessment ...... 44

Table 8: Clubhouse management and maintenance task to be performed to achieve the desired ecological condition ...... 45

vii | P a g e (i) Executive summary

Background

The De Zalze Estate required a scientifically based integrated approach to the management of the different facets of the natural environment. This report provides a management plan for the long term management of the freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, including a concept plan for the rehabilitation of the river related to reshaping of banks, erosion prevention. The phased removal of problem trees in and along the Blaauwklippen River is proposed.

The Blaauwklippen River flows through the De Zalze Estate and forms an integral part of the property’s surface and sub-surface hydrology. Importantly, this conspicuous natural feature forms an important linking corridor through the Estate. Associated features include a number of small dams and wetland areas. These features, in combination with the granite outcrops, form the prime natural assets of the Estate.

The Blaauwklippen River has been modified considerably within the area, with much of the indigenous vegetation having being damaged along the river corridors becoming secondarily replaced with exotic trees and plants. The river channels and banks have also been changed significantly. Water quality impacts, as a result of runoff from the surrounding agricultural and urban areas as well as discharges and spills from industrial infrastructure, including sewerage, and other pollutants have also degraded the quality of the water locally and in the wider Blaauwklippen River system.

Plant species in De Zalze

To date there are 274 plant species listed for the natural or semi-natural areas on the De Zalze Estate, excluding those cultivated in the gardens. These consist of 181 species indigenous to South Africa, with 163 of these found in the local Hottentots Holland to N1 geographic area (excluding the Cape Peninsula). In all 104 on the list are exotic introductions from outside South Africa.

The 163 locally indigenous plants recorded on the Estate included the following three Species of Conservation Concern, formerly called Red Data Species), that have been recorded on the Estate:

 Pauridia minuta – a near threatened plant growing on the granite outcrops on the Estate.  Prionium serratum (palmiet) a declining pant species growing sporadically along the Blaauwklippen River.

 Rapanea melanophloeos (boekenhout) a declining tree locally indigenous tree planted on the Estate (e.g., along the edge of the south eastern marsh of Dam A wetland). The following “Species of Conservation Concern” should be re-established on the Estate:

 Cyclopia genistoides (common honeybush-tea, gewone heuningbostee), which is near threatened, and grows elsewhere along the Blaauwklippen and Eerste Rivers.  Cyclopia maculata (needle-leaf honeybush tea, vleitee) which is also near threatened and grows elsewhere in wetlands along the Blaauwklippen and Eerste Rivers and should be re-established on the Estate.

viii | P a g e A list of Western Cape indigenous plants observed or suitable for each area is included in the report.

The management and long term actions that are taken at De Zalze should be viewed in the wider context of the vegetation surrounding the Estate. The corridors that would have occurred naturally and should still be maintained, or their continuity restored in some instances, to fulfil their necessary ecosystem function. These corridors include, but are not limited to, the following aspects:

 Wider Blaauwklippen and Eerste Rivers;

 Sand Fynbos cover on adjacent area south and east of Stellenbosch Airfield;  Granite Renosterveld on Spier;

 Granite outcrops left in the surrounding area (on Spier to Vlottenburg, in the Blaauwklippen River, on the Stellenbosch Waste Water Treatment Plant, for instance); and

 Corridors on the Estate, namely, the fairways and vineyards, can also serve as corridors for selected biota if suitably designed and managed.

Ecological Management Principles

The following principles are proposed when compiling and executing management and maintenance actions on the Estate:

A. The Estate is to be subdivided into Zones (e.g., Natural, Recreational and Urban) which shall be based on the identified function of each area;

B. The primary function of each Zone dictates and has precedence over the secondary followed by the Tertiary function;

C. The Natural Areas are to be managed to maintain an appropriate biodiverse mix of local indigenous biota. The extension of the Biodiversity Network Corridors on and through the whole Estate to be planned;

D. A Transitional Buffer, generally with a width of 5 - 10m (the width is dictated by the natural environment as determined by the specific location), should be maintained around the natural areas, wherever feasible. Transitional areas between Functional Zones are to be clearly identified. These buffers are identified to:

1) prevent the spread of fire,

2) for visual aesthetic reasons, and

3) as a control area to limit the spread of invader or exotic plants or of disturbances;

E. No landscaping is to be undertaken by owners beyond private erf boundaries. Private management beyond private erf boundaries requires formally documented agreements to be established. The maintenance and continuity of natural areas taking precedence with decisins;

ix | P a g e F. Only allow bush-clearing from the residential area to the edge (urban side) of cut-off drains. Line drains with (loosely pack) cobbles (not cemented) as appropriate. Natural veld to come up to the outer edge of the cut-off drains. The cut-off drains are to be allowed to develop a diverse mix of appropriate locally endemic wetland plants, although they should be kept free of Typha capensis;

G. Listed Invader Species are to be either eradicated or controlled on the Estate. The degree of control will be dictated by the regulated status of each species in relation to the Zone it occupies;

H. Water conservation, and a continuing planned process of introducing water use reduction measures, is a governing principle;

I. The maintenance costs and need to undertake maintenance should be reduced, this will reduce the maintenance associated traffic and disturbances associated with maintenance.

Management units

The De Zalze Estate was divided into units based on the use and associated degree of natural features in the landscape, following Principle A, into Natural, Recreational and Urban Areas. The areas deemed to be natural include the following:

 The Blaauwklippen River and corridor;  Dams on the Estate;  The Wetlands;  The screening berms along the R44 road; and  Natural and Linking terrestrial areas (rock outcrops).

The areas deemed to be recreational include the Greens, Fairways and Designated Recreational Areas. The Urban Areas include the enclosed villages within the Estate and formal gardens associated with the urban areas.

Management recommendations

Detailed management recommendations are being made for each of the natural areas. These recommendations primarily include aspects for the improvement of the natural environment and the reduction in maintenance costs for the Estate, and include:

 The purposeful creation of buffers zones between the fairways of the golf course, Recreational and Urban Areas that should be demarcated and covered in seed free wood chips on a bi-annual basis. The purpose of the pathway/buffer is to separate and control kikuyu grass growing into terrestrial and aquatic areas and to reduce the need to brush cut areas;  The management and control of invasive alien vegetation and nuisance plants e.g. bulrush;  The phased and progressive removal of hazardous trees along the Blaauwklippen River corridor and the replacement of the trees with indigenous trees;

x | P a g e  The redevelopment of areas around the tennis courts into an attractive indigenous low maintenance garden;  Three main corridors exist within the Estate namely, the Blaauwklippen River, the De Zalze dam and the De Vleie corridors. The river corridor is the only corridor that is continuous. The other two corridors need enhancement and the establishment of links as indicated. The corridors should be used for planning, landscaping and rehabilitation of terrestrial and freshwater areas to enable the ecological functions to be improved.  The Education of all on the Estate about the natural features, their value, management and uses remains a priority long term goal.

(ii) Disclaimer

Fire management of natural vegetation must be addressed in the Fire Master Plan and the authors of this report cannot be held responsible for damages resulting from vegetation and fire regimes that are recommended in the report.

Plant species that are recommended for establishment are dependent on the correct soil conditions and planting methods to ensure survival. The authors cannot be held accountable for non-survival or nuisance plant growth based on the findings of this report.

xi | P a g e 1. Introduction

An external environmental audit of the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate’s Environmental Management System (EMS) was performed by Withers Environmental Consultants (dated 8 March 2017). The need to revise and refine the ecological management recommendations originates from this audit.

1.1 Scope of work

The De Zalze Estate management team require a scientifically based integrated approach to the management of the different facets of the natural environment. The current report is intended to provide the basis for this need. It is emphasized that this process should be seen as a dynamic one with subsequent annual reappraisals of successes and failures taking place.

The scope of this project on the De Zalze Estate has two parts, namely:

a) Prepare Management Plans for the long term management of the freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, including advisory services.

b) Prepare a River Rehabilitation Plan related to reshaping of banks, erosion prevention, and problem tree removal (Phase II), including advisory services.

1.2 Location and background

The De Zalze Residential and Golf Estate is located to the west of the R44 provincial road between Stellenbosch and Somerset West (Figure 2 and Figure 3).

1.3 Climate

The climate is typically Mediterranean with wet winters and dry summers (Figure 1). The annual rainfall is about 900 mm per year, with an average monthly precipitation of above 100 mm being recorded during winter between June and August. An arid period occurs from December to March. The mean annual temperature is approximately 17.5 °C. Mean daily minimum temperature of the coldest month is 5.9 °C, with subzero temperatures being recorded between June and August, reaching an absolute minimum of –0.2 °C. Winds during the winter months are characteristically northerly reaching gale force at times. Southerly winds are common during summer (Boucher 1987).

Fire is an important cyclic climatic event rejuvenating and modifying the vegetation. Presently, it occurs in a 12-30 year natural cycle and is caused naturally by lightning strikes, rock falls and spontaneous ignition, while humans are a prime ignition source (Kruger 1979, Kruger & Bigalke 1984, Van Wilgen et al. 1992). Frequent fires (e.g. every 5 years) will reduce species richness by eliminating slower maturing elements of seed-reproducing shrubs, while the phytomass will also decrease. Fire exclusion will cause a net reduction in plant species richness as the vegetation

1 | P a g e becomes moribund. Management in the Fynbos Biome is generally aimed at conserving species and representative ecosystems, reducing fire hazard, and ensuring that catchments deliver high quality water. Fire is the most important management practice to achieve these aims and is applied at intervals of about 12-15 years during late summer or autumn (Van Wilgen et al. 1992).

Figure 1: Long term monthly rainfall median (left) and monthly average temperature (right) graphs for the area based on data obtained for the period 1950 to 2000 (CapeFarmMapper, 2018)

1.4 Geology and geomorphology

The study site is underlain by intrusive Cape Granites of the Stellenbosch-Kuils River Pluton. Alluvial soils of silts, sands, gravels and bed rock are found in association with the Blaauwklippen Stream with the interface between the wetlands and drylands being alluvial terrace silts nearer the rivers. Shallow weathered loamy-clay soils are associated with the dryland granite outcrops.

1.5 Aquatic environment

The Blaauwklippen River flows through the De Zalze Estate and forms an integral part of the property’s surface and sub-surface hydrology. A number of small dams and wetland areas are also present on the site. The Blaauwklippen River at the site can be categorised as a lower foothill tributary of the Eerste River. The substrate on the riverbed is granite bedrock, interspersed with a sandy bed and cobbles in sections. The riparian zone consists of a mix of indigenous and alien shrubs and trees and grassed areas.

The Blaauwklippen River is a tributary of the Eerste River. The Eerste River originates as the Jonkershoek Stream in the Jonkershoek Valley and flows westwards to Stellenbosch where it is joined by the Kromme and Plankenbrug tributaries where it becomes the Eerste River. Downstream of Stellenbosch the river is joined by the Blaauwklippen and Bonte Rivers and some smaller tributaries before its confluence with the Kuils River at Macassar. The river then flows into False Bay via a small estuary.

2 | P a g e De Zalze Estate

Figure 2: Location of the De Zalze Estate (outlined by brown line) (CapeFarmMapper, 2018)

3 | P a g e

Figure 3: Aerial photograph of the De Zalze Estate (outlined by red line) (CapeFarmMapper, 2018)

4 | P a g e

The rivers have been considerably modified within the area, with much of the indigenous vegetation removed from the river corridors and replaced with exotic trees and plants. The river channels and banks have also been significantly changed. Historically the river channel of the Eerste River and its larger tributaries formed a wide braided system within the floodplain with multiple channels and associated wetland areas, however today these rivers are confined to single channels. The flow in the river system has also been altered by the construction of upstream dams as well as the transfer of water as part of water supply schemes such as the interbasin transfer of water from the Breede River for irrigation purposes along the Eerste River in summer. Water quality impacts as a result of runoff from the surrounding agricultural and urban areas as well as discharges and spills from the sewerage infrastructure have also degraded the quality of the water in the river system.

1.6 Flora and vegetation baseline

The flora and vegetation on the De Zalze Estate was assessed and described by Boucher (2010). His descriptions are presented below to inform the current findings and Management Plan proposed here.

1.6.1 General Flora

The Cape Floristic Kingdom, one of six world floral kingdoms, is internationally renowned for its special rich flora containing an estimated 9 000 species of vascular plants of which almost 69% are endemic (restricted to the region). This makes it one of the richest regions in the world in terms of botanical diversity. It is characterized by five endemic families and by the conspicuous presence of, amongst others, species belonging to the families Aizoaceae, Ericaceae, Fabaceae, Iridaceae, Orchidaceae, Proteaceae, Restionaceae, Rutaceae and Scrophulariaceae (Goldblatt & Manning, 2000).

The flora and vegetation of the Stellenbosch Region was first described by Duthie (1929, 1930). Buys et al. (1991) recorded 1 800 vascular plant species, exotic species included, in the Stellenbosch Area (250 sq. km). It was found to be richer in species than even the Cape Peninsula (471 sq. km) and the Cape Hangklip areas (240 sq.km), having 7.2 new species in every sq. km (Cape Hangklip has 5.9 and the Cape Peninsula 5.6 spp. per sq. km).

1.6.2 De Zalze Flora

To date there are 274 plant species listed, so far, in natural or semi-natural areas on the De Zalze Estate, excluding those cultivated in the gardens (Appendix A). These consist of 181 species indigenous to South Africa, with 163 of these found in the local Hottentots Holland to N1 geographic area (excluding the Cape Peninsula). The distribution of growth forms is given in Table 1. In all 104 on the list are introductions from outside South Africa.

5 | P a g e Table 1: Breakdown of plant species growth forms in natural or semi-natural areas on the De Zalze Estate.

Aquatic herb = 7 Aquatic shrub = 2 Aquatic geophyte = 4 Aquatic herb = 7 Herbaceous = 12 Ferns = 4 Geophytes = 29 Grasses = 22 Sedges = 10 Restios = 3 Dwarf shrubs = 13 Succulent shrub = 6 Shrubs = 64 Tall Shrubs = 22 Trees = 40 Climbers = 5

1.6.2.1 Indigenous flora

The 163 locally indigenous plants recorded on the Estate included the following three Species of Conservation Concern (refer to definition

Appendix B.5: Categories for “Species of Conservation Concern”, formerly called Red Data Species) are recorded on the Estate: Note that the high disturbance regime present is partially responsible for this very low number, particularly for the vegetation around the granite outcrops, renosterveld and riparian vegetation, and further collecting will undoubtedly reveal more threatened species, particularly among the geophyte (bulbous) and annual flora, which are only identifiable when in flower and not during severe drought conditions.

The following “Species of Conservation Concern” are listed as occurring on the Estate:

 Pauridia minuta - Family Hypoxidaceae. Grows on the granite outcrops at Samples 6 and 13. It has a Conservation Status of “Near Threatened” (Appendix B.4: Threatened Ecosystem Categories), distribution Langebaan to Riversdale. Known from less than 20 locations. It has lost at least 40% of its subpopulations and over 70% of its habitat to urban development, crop cultivation and invasion by alien plants over the past 100 years. These threats are causing a continuing decline (Raimondo et al. 2009).

 Prionium serratum – Family Prionaceae. Recorded sporadically along the Blaauwklippen River. Its Conservation Status is “Declining”. It is distributed through the Western and Eastern Cape from the northern Cederberg to as far as Grahamstown and from Port St Johns to southern KwaZulu-Natal. Its habitat is aquatic or semi-aquatic, growing in marshy coastal areas and along rivers (Boucher & Withers 2004). Declining as a result of harvesting for medicinal purposes in its eastern distribution range. Its wetland habitat is being

6 | P a g e degraded by overgrazing and frequent fires. The decline in its range is insufficient for it to be classified as Near Threatened (Raimondo et al. 2009).

 Rapanea melanophloeos – Family Myrsinaceae. This tree was probably planted along the edge of the south eastern marsh (Dam A wetland). Its Conservation Status is “Declining”. It occurs naturally from the Cape Peninsula to Malawi, being found in coastal, swamp and mountain forest, on forest margins and in bush clumps, often in damp areas from coast to mountains. The species is declining as a result of bark harvesting for medicinal purposes, especially through the eastern parts of its range. Tree mortality has been observed as a result of debarking and its subsequent vulnerability to fungal and insect attacks. The species is widespread and there is sufficient recruitment for it not to be in danger of extinction (Raimondo et al. 2009).

The following “Species of Conservation Concern” should be re-established on the Estate:

 Cyclopia genistoides (common honeybush-tea, gewone heuningbostee) – Family Fabaceae, with a Conservation Status of “Near Threatened” grows elsewhere along the Blaauwklippen and Eerste Rivers. This attractive economic species should be re-established in the dry parts of the riparian zone on the Estate.

 Cyclopia maculata (needle-leaf honeybush tea, vleitee) – Family Fabaceae, with a Conservation Status of “Near Threatened” grows elsewhere in wetlands along the Blaauwklippen and Eerste Rivers and should be re- established on the Estate.

The cultivation and establishment of these species on the estate requires individual attention as their habitat requirements are very specific. The principles of a diverse mosiac of vegetation which will contain these rare species must be incorporated in all areas. The success of establishment must be monitored and reported.

Two areas can be considered as special areas in which these species can get individual attention (riparian areas are excluded).The areas around the tennis courts and the replacement of the lavender field corridor between the De Vleie dam and the Fountain dam.

1.6.2.2 Naturalised species

Table A1 in Appendix A provides a summary of the plant species that were recorded at De Zalze. The table provides the following information about each species:

RDB (Conservation status)

E = Exotic;

 W = weed;  I-? = Invader category;  P = Planted

Indigenous

 L=local,  WC= wider West Cape;  RSA= wider South Africa  R= re-establish

7 | P a g e Species name:

Growth form A = Annual; Aq = Aquatic; H = hemicryptophyte; G = Geophyte; Grass; S = Shrub; DS = Dwarf shrub; TS = Tall shrub; T = Tree; Succ = Succulent; C = Climber

The summary of the exotic plant species recorded and also provides the status of each species in terms of its invasive status (Appendix A.2).

Invasive species are controlled by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act no. 10 of 2004) - Alien and Invasive Species (AIS). Regulations which became law on 1 October 2014.

The AIS Regulations list 4 different categories of invasive species that must be managed, controlled or eradicated from areas where they may cause harm to the environment, or that are prohibited to be brought into South Africa. National List of Invasive Species which need to be controlled inside South Africa:

Plants (383), mammals (41), birds (24), reptiles (35), amphibians (7), fresh-water fish (15), terrestrial invertebrates (23), fresh-water invertebrates (8), marine invertebrates (16) and microbial species (7). A total of 559 species.

Invasive species are divided into four categories:

 Category 1a: Invasive species which must be combatted and eradicated. Any form of trade or  planting is strictly prohibited.  Category 1b: Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed. Any form or trade or planting is strictly prohibited.  Category 2: Invasive species, or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in which a permit is required to carry out a restricted activity. Category 2 species include commercially important species such as pine, wattle and gum trees.  Category 3: Invasive species which may remain in prescribed areas or provinces. Further planting, propagation or trade, is however prohibited.

8 | P a g e

1.6.3 National vegetation types

Figure 4 illustrates the historic distribution of the potential vegetation in the wider De Zalze area. Only fragments of the original vegetations remains. The purpose of this management plans is to improve, enhance and re-establish natural vegetation in suitable habatats and in harmony with the land use entitlements.

1.6.3.1 Swartland Granite Renosterveld (FRg 2) Conservation Target (percent of area) 26% Protected (percent of area) 0.5% (+2.1%) Remaining (percent of area) 21.4% Description of conservation status Critically endangered Description of the Protection Status Hardly protected Area of the full extent of the Vegetation Type 947.45 sq km

9 | P a g e It is found in the Western Cape Province in discrete areas in the Swartland and Boland: largest patch centred on Darling from Ratelberg in the north to Dassenberg near Mamre and Pella; several centred on Malmesbury from Darmstadt in the north to the lower slopes of the Perdeberg (and small patches to the west towards Atlantis); east of Wellington from Micha to Valencia, lower surrounds of Paarl Mountain; Joostenberg, Muldersvlei, Bottelaryberg, Papegaaiberg (Stellenbosch West), to Firgrove and northern Somerset West. Altitude ranges from 50–350 m.

This is a “Critically endangered” vegetation unit of which almost 80% has already been transformed due to prime quality of the land for agriculture (vineyards, olive orchards, pastures) and also by urban sprawl. Hence the conservation target of 26% remains unattainable. Only very small portions (0.5%) enjoy statutory protection in the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve and Pella Research Site, and also (2%) in the Paardenberg, Tienie Versveld Flower Reserve near Darling and in the Duthie Nature Reserve in Stellenbosch. Alien grasses are particularly pervasive, the most important being Lolium multiflorum, Avena fatua and Bromus diandrus (Musil et al. 2005). Alien woody species include Acacia saligna, Pinus pinaster as well as various species of Eucalyptus. Erosion is very low and low to moderate.

The Threatened Ecosystem Category (Government Gazette 2009) is Critically Endangered (A1 & D1).

1.6.3.2 Cape Lowland Alluvial Vegetation (AZa 2) Conservation Target (percent of area) 31% Protected (percent of area) 0.9% Remaining (percent of area) 28.3% Description of conservation status Critically endangered Description of the Protection Status Hardly protected Area (sq km) of the full extent of the Vegetation Type 358.45

Distribution

Western Cape Province: Vegetation of broad alluvia of middle and lower stretches of rivers of the Western Cape such as the upper Olifants, Berg, Eerste, Lourens, Palmiet, Bot, Klein, Breede, Goekoe, Gouritz, Hartebeeskuil, Klein Brak, Groot Brak, Keurbooms and a number of small tributaries of the above-mentioned water courses. Altitude ranging from 20–300 m.

Conservation

Critically endangered. Target 31%, but so far only about 1% statutorily (Bontebok National Park, Verlorenvlei (a Ramsar site), Broomvlei, Marloth Nature Reserves) or privately (Wadrif) conserved. Some 72% of the area has been transformed for cultivation, urban development and road building. Disturbance and alien infestation are very common in this type. Among the most vigorous woody alien invaders are Acacia saligna, A. mearnsii and A. longifolia as well as Alnus glutinosa, Quercus robur, Salix babylonica and Sesbania punicea. The high nutrient status of alluvial soils attracts fast-growing herbaceous alien weeds such as Xanthium species, Sonchus oleraceus, Rumex crispus,

10 | P a g e Stellaria media etc. as well as garden escapes such as Tropaeolum majus, Tradescantia fluminensis, Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass), Colocasia esculenta and Lupinus angustifolius (see for instance Duvenhage 1993 and Ahmed 1995).

Both Mucina & Rutherford (2006) and Helme (2007) have confused and mixed the descriptions of Cape Lowland Alluvial vegetation and Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetlands.

In its typical form the Cape Lowland Alluvial vegetation is a widespread type of riparian vegetation generally associated with coarse sandy alluvium which is found at the foothills at the base of Table Mountain Group sandstone mountains and extends onto the lowland plains along rivers in the Western Cape. The streams generally overtop their banks in winter.

This vegetation mainly forms a woody fringe of short gnarled trees and shrubs along the sides of rivers. Typical species found in this vegetation are Brabejum stellatifolium, Brachylaena neriifolia, Cliffortia strobilifera, Metrosideros angustifolius, Prionium serratum, Rhus angustifolia, Salix mucronata and Wachendorfia thyrsiflora. In seepages and upland areas dense shrub cover (restios and Erica may be common), with Phragmites reeds less common, and few floating aquatics. Upland areas include many more typical Fynbos elements (Ericaceae, Restionaceae, Cliffortia spp; Cyperaceae) as soils are usually acidic and low in silt.

Every effort should be made to restore as much as possible of the transformed areas potentially supporting it.

The Threatened Ecosystem Status (Government Gazette 2009) is Critically Endangered (A1).

1.6.3.3 Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetlands (AZf 1) Conservation Target (percent of area) 24% Protected (percent of area) 16% (+2.1%) Remaining (percent of area) 84.9% Description of conservation status Least threatened Description of the Protection Status Poorly protected Area (sqkm) of the full extent of the Vegetation Type 71.97

Distribution

Western Cape Province: Freshwater inland vleis, edges of water bodies, such as Verlorenvlei (West Coast), De Hoop Vlei, Cape Flats vleis, Papenkuils Wetland, some vleis of the Agulhas Plains and Wilderness Lake System (between George and Knysna). This azonal unit is embedded within various types of renosterveld (especially those on shale) and the alluvial fynbos of the Fynbos Biome. Altitude ranges from close to sea level to mainly 400 m.

Conservation

Target 24%. Some 14% statutorily conserved in the Cape Peninsula and Agulhas National Parks as well as in the proposed Garden Route National Park, Rondevlei and Zandvlei Bird Sanctuaries as well as in Botrivier, De Hoop, Doringrivier, Salmonsdam, Verlorenvlei and Walker Bay Nature Reserves. De Hoop Vlei, Verlorenvlei and Wilderness

11 | P a g e Lakes (formerly within the Wilderness National Park) enjoy Ramsar site status. More than 2% is also protected in private nature reserves such as Rietvlei, Oude Bosch, Groothagelkraal, Kleyn Kloof, Sandies Glen and Vergaderingskop. More than 15% has been transformed to cultivated land, plantations and urban areas. The vegetation of these wetlands is prone to invasion by alien shrubs (Acacia saligna, A. longifolia, A. mearnsii), herbs (Apium inundatum) and grasses such as Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) and Paspalum dilatatum.

1.6.4 De Zalze Vegetation

Boucher (2010) identified the following four plant communities present on the Estate of which the first two are wetland and the other two dryland communities.

1.6.4.1 Pennisetum macrourum-Stoebe plumosa Grassy Marsh

A number of permanent seepage areas occur through the study area that are usually associated with underlying structural features or, additionally, from run-off from adjacent properties (e.g. from the cemetery under the R44 highway and elsewhere).

The indigenous vegetation associated with these seeps and drainage lines is as follows: In the wettest parts of the seeps it is usual to find Typha capensis, surrounded by dense tangles of Cliffortia odorata and scattered emergent Psoralea pinnata around the outside sedges and dense grass stands of Pennisetum macrourum together with the tangled shrub, Stoebe plumosa, in the wetter parts, while Cynodon dactylon usually occurs in the drier marsh fringes, particularly where grazing or mowing occurs. Searsia angustifolius and Senecio pterophorus are common around the margins of the seeps and drainage lines.

The numerous seeps occurring through the area are necessary and valuable natural features which are protected by law. The natural vegetation filters the water to ensure that quality water that is not enriched with nutrients or is silt laden drains into the Blaauwklippen River.

The Eikenbosch village has three areas dominated by different wetland species. This is probably related to historic disturbance resulting in different conditions. Typha capensis is dominant on the edges of pools where some nutrient enrichment occurs, Cliffortia odorata is generally dominant in undisturbed local marshes, while Pennisetum macrourum, an indigenous grass, generally reacts as a pioneer invading and dominating changing (such as through dryer conditions) wetland environments.

1.6.4.2 Colocasia esculenta-Salix mucronata Wetbank Riparian Shrubland

The Blaauwklippen River is relatively small perennial stream. It has a silty to coarse sand base, with small pools, shoots, runs and cascades associated with sporadic granite boulders and sills.

Remnants of indigenous riparian and wetland vegetation are present. The marginal vegetation is mainly herbaceous as is the case with many similar Cape streams, in which Prionium serratum (palmiet), Isolepis prolifer (sedge) and Juncus acutus or Juncus. effusus are present. Metrosideros angustifolia (yster martien) and a few weeping Freylinia

12 | P a g e lanceolata (honey bells) shrubs are still present. Some Salix mucronata shrubs and short trees are spread down the river.

The large-leaved garden escape, Colocasia esculenta, has spread though much of the Blaauwklippen River through the Estate (Figure 5). The upper zone of the wetted bank (Dynamic Zone) adjacent to the stream margin is mainly invaded by weeds, particularly Pennisetum clandestinum, an escapee from the adjacent lawns and greens (Figure 6). The invasive weeping willow, Salix babylonica (weeping willow) and Paraserianthes lophantha trees are found through this zone. The former species has been reduced since 1997 through systematic controlled removal.

Figure 5: A clump of Colocasia esculenta.

13 | P a g e

Figure 6: Pennisetum clandestinum lawn penetrating into the river.

A management plan to replace the exotic vegetation with indigenous vegetation, which has generally increased since 1997, should be based on the sequence provided in Table 2. The exotic vegetation is having a negative effect on the remaining indigenous flora. It is often associated with erosion. The riparian fauna is negatively affected by it. Exotic invasives are known to use more water than the indigenous riparian plants. The fact that users lower down the Blaauwklippen and Eerste Rivers are affected by actions taken in the study area must be taken into consideration.

1.6.4.3 Quercus robur-Olea europaea subsp. africana Dryland Riparian Woodland

Remnants of the indigenous tree flora are still present along the river and through the wider area under investigation including trees such as Hartogiella schinoides, Kiggelaria africana, Maytenus oleoides, Olea europaea subsp. africanus and Podocarpus elongatus. Some plants of the attractive indigenous shrubs Freylinia lanceolata (honey bell bush) and Salvia africana-caerulea are present throughout its length between the ubiquitous Diospyros glabra, Searsia angustifolius and Zantedeschia aethiopica. Clumps of geophytes (bulbous plants), particularly Chasmanthe aethiopica and Zantedeschia aethiopica, with some clumps of Amaryllis belladonna (belladonna lily) found here will give attractive pink displays in February and March. Two climbers, Dipogon lignosus (wilde ertjie) and Secamone alpinii (monkey rope) add variety to this riparian vegetation.

The stream bank vegetation is currently dominated by Quercus robur and Populus x canescens, while other exotic invasive trees spread through the area include Acacia longifolia, Acacia saligna, Acacia mearnsii and Pinus pinea. Dense colonies of Arundo donax, Tropaeolum majus and Vinca minor are common, while Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) and Pittosporum undulatum (garden pittosporum) are becoming established. Individuals of first two Acacia

14 | P a g e species have both been exposed to biological control for more than ten years here, yet they are still reproducing and increasing their distribution range and density. Stands of exotic Populus x canescens, particularly along the farms drainage lines will reduce the water flow to the river in summer through higher transpiration rates, while suppressing typical water cleansing wetland plants.

1.6.4.4 Aloe perfoliata-Olea europaea subsp. africana Dryland Granite Outcrop Thicket

A number of granite outcrops of varying size occur through the area. Two localities with extensive granite outcrops supporting natural vegetation contain a host of diminutive succulents and geophytes (bulbous plants) forming a natural “garden” among the lichens, mosses and ferns. They are undoubtedly valuable from a botanical diversity, an aesthetic, recreational and an environmental point of view.

Some indigenous plants which are usually found in shallow pockets of soil and among the lichens and mosses on the rocks are ferns, e.g., Mohria caffrorum and Cheilanthes hastata; succulents, e.g., Aloe perfoliata, Crassula sp., Erepsia anceps, and Ruschia sp. cf. Ruschia diversifolia; while geophytes, such as Strumaria tenella, Ornithogalum sp. (chinkerinchee), Asparagus crispus, Asparagus rubicundus, Pauridia minuta and Trachyandra sp. amongst many more, provide attractive variation to this flora. There are at least four different ground orchid species present which need collection and formal identification. Disa carnosa and Holothrix villosa were informally noted.

Surrounding the exposed rocks, it is usual to find flora generally found in Swartland Granite Renosterveld (a threatened vegetation type), including short trees such as Olea europaea subsp. africana; shrubs, including Searsia (= Rhus) angustifolia, Searsia glauca, Diospyros glabra, Eriocephalus africanus and Passerina corymbosa; climbers e.g. Cissampelos capensis and herbs such as Ehrharta erecta while the geophytes Chasmanthe aethiopica and Zantedeschia aethiopica add colour between the dense scrub.

The uniqueness and rarity of the area must not be underestimated and should be granted more protection. The short tree and shrub surround has sometimes been totally destroyed and resulted in local erosion. In other instances rubbish has been dumped on them. Fortunately it is possible to restore their natural vegetation and therefore their attractiveness.

1.7 The De Zalze Environment related to surrounding areas

The management and long term actions that are taken at De Zalze should be viewed in the wider context of the vegetation that surrounds the estate and the corridors that naturally would have occurred and should still be maintained to fulfil an ecosystem function. This includes, but is not limited to, the following aspects:

 Wider Blaauwklippen and Eerste Rivers.

 Sand Fynbos cover on adjacent area east of Stellenbosch Airfield.

 Granite Renosterveld on Spier.

 Granite outcrops left in wider area.

15 | P a g e  Corridors and how they work (or are intended to work). That fairways and vineyards can be corridors for selected biota.

2. Management Principles, Concepts and Benefits

The following plans are currently operational and are included as Appendices B.1−B.3:

 River maintenance plan for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016a);

 Wetland maintenance plan for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016b); and

 Dam maintenance plan for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016c).

The intended function of an area is to determine the allowable vegetation structure for management purposes.

2.1 Principles

It is not possible to compiled detailed management plans for each element of the De Zalze Estate and the following principles are proposed. The purpose of the principles is to inform decision making in the absence of detailed design and plans for a particular area.

A. The Estate is to be subdivided into Zones (e.g., Natural, Recreational and Urban) which shall be based on the identified function of each area;

B. The primary function of each Zone dictates and has precedence over the secondary followed by the Tertiary function;

D. A Transitional Buffer generally with a width of 5 - 10m, determined by the specific location, should be maintained around the natural areas, wherever feasible. Transitional areas between Functional Zones are to be clearly identified. These buffers are identified to:

1) prevent the spread of fire,

2) for visual aesthetic reasons, and

3) as a control area to limit the spread of invader or exotic plants or of disturbances;

E. No landscaping is to be undertaken by owners beyond private erf boundaries. Private management beyond private erf boundaries requires formally documented agreements to be established;

16 | P a g e F. Only allow bush-clearing from the residential area to the edge (urban side) of cut-off drains. Line (loosely pack) drains with cobbles (not cemented) as appropriate. Natural veld to come up to the outer edge of the cut-off drain. The drains are to be allowed to develop a diverse mix of appropriate locally endemic wetland plants, and are to be kept free of Typha capensis;

G. Listed Invader Species are to be either eradicated or controlled on the Estate. The degree of control will be dictated by the regulated status of each species in relation to the Zone it occupies;

H. Water conservation and a continuing process of introducing water use reduction measures, is a governing principle;

I. The maintenance costs and need to undertake maintenance should be reduced, this will reduce the maintenance associated traffic and disturbances associated with maintenance.

Figure 7: Example of stone packed stormwater drain (not cemented)

2.2 Rehabilitation and implemention procedures

The systematic rehabilitation and implementation procedures are summarised in Table 2. The seasonal timing of rehabilitation, planting and management is also indicated and must be followed to plan and execute in conjunction with the tasks described in the table.

17 | P a g e Table 2: Rehabilitation and management implementation tasks and sequences

Management plan for the replacement of exotic species with indigenous species Number Action J F M A M J J A S O N D 1 Train staff in identifying species correctly A. Surveying 1 Consider aerial images of study area (Google Earth and other aerial images) Collect baseline photos of rehabilitation areas, label and reference and file photos 2 identify fix point photographic points 3 Assimilate the baseline data (reports, data etc) and collate for reporting 4 Record the declared alien species 5 Marked or map the plants and trees to be removed 6 Note other non-indigenous species 7 Record and map indigenous species or vegetation 8 Determine species to be used in rehabilitation and planting B. Plant material collection and preparation 1 Communicate with scientific advisor(s) 2 Collect seed (round 1) 3 Store seed 4 Collect seed (round 2) - for growth in nursery 5 Collect living plant material (cuttings, plugs etc) for cultivation - ROUND 1 (DRY LANDS) 6 Collect living plant material (cuttings, plugs etc) for cultivation - ROUND 2 (WETLANDS) 7 Collect topsoil for storage (before onset of winter rains) Cultivate (from seed and from other plant material) in the on site nursery (for the next 8 planting season) C. Planning and communication 1 Prepare and communicate report (for client) 2 Communicate with scientific advisor(s) Assess and record to determine strategy and timing for removal and eradication of alien 3 and other vegetation 4 Communicate the plan with the stakeholders (and the role of stakeholders in the process) Compile detail plan for conducting the work, including planning for survival of species 5 (irrigation). Which professional input is required in the plan. 6 Communicate with team on the ground undertaking the work

18 | P a g e D. Rehabilitation implementation 1 Communicate with scientific advisor(s) 2 Stake out indigenous vegetation and species and mark sensitive habitats Removal of immediate priorities (alien and indigenous). Check every autumn for new 3 problem trees and river and stormwater blockages to be removed. 4 Collect photographic records of all activities (lable and file) Progressive removal of alien vegetation (removal of material to composting, chipping, 5 wood or disposal) 6 Prepare substrate and site for rehabilitation (shape landscape where required) 7 Replace stored topsoil 8 Direct replanting of in situ material (plugs, plants) - wet areas Direct replanting of in situ material (plugs, plants) - dry areas (with irrigation extended for 9 4 months) 10 Plant the indigenous plants (stake plants if required) 11 Sow seeds (in situ on site) 12 Install irrigation E. Maintenance 1 Communicate with scientific advisor(s) Follow up work on alien vegetation control (hand pulling in wet season, herbicide 2 treatment in dry summer Jan and Feb) 3 Monitoring plant condition and maintain irrigation (check condition of stakes or remove) 4 Photographic record of rehabilitated area on six monthly or annual basis 5 In-sowing and in-planting (non irrigated sites) General maintenance (weeding, erosion control, litter removal, paths maintenance, chips 6 replacement, pruning etc) 7 Report progress of implementation (monthly, six monthly and annually), as appropriate 8 Revise planning for next period

19 | P a g e 2.3 Assessment methodology, management units, interventions and implementation of recommendations

2.3.1 Landscape use and Ecological classification of the De Zalze Estate

The De Zalze Estate was divided into units based on the use and associated degree of natural features in the landscape according to principle A.

The following distinction was made:  Natural areas;  Recreational areas;  Urban areas; and  Agricultural.

The areas deemed to be natural includes the following:  The Blaauwklippen River and corridor;  Dams on the estate;  The wetlands;  The screening berms along the R44 road; and  Natural terrestrial areas (rock outcrops).

The areas deemed to be recreational includes the following:  Greens;  Fairways; and  Designated recreational areas.

The Urban areas include the enclosed villages within the estate and formal gardens associated with the urban areas.

The agricultural areas include the formal vineyards at Kleine Zalze and De Zalze. Olive, citrus and almond orchards, as well as ornamental patches of lavender are also situated within the De Zalze Estate.

2.3.2 Assessment methodology

The Present Ecological State (PES - present condition) of each natural unit is determined, the trend in ecological condition is determined and the desired state is recommended (Table 3). The following PES categories are used:

A - Natural, B - Good, C - Fair, and D – Poor.

The Desired Ecological State (DES) assessment uses similar categories and represents the condition that is aimed for. The trend assessment provide an indication if the situation is improving or deteriorating.

The tasks that need to be performed to achieve the desired state are listed and each task is then assessed according to the relative effort and benefit that it will yield. This assessment provides then a relative score between 1 and 100, where 1 is no benefit and 100 is maximum benefit (Table 4). The list of tasks and ranking according to the cost benefit analysis can be used to prioritise tasks to be performed. The time frame in which the tasks should be executed is also recommended. This can either be (I - Immediate, S - Short term 12 months, M - Medium term 24 months, L - Long term 3 - 5 years).

20 | P a g e Table 3: Assessment methods for the present ecological state (PES) and desired ecological state (DES) of the natural areas in De Zalze

1. Ecological site assessment Largely Largely PES Natural DES Natural (Present Good (desired Good Ecological Fair Ecological Fair State) State) Poor Poor

EI - Very high ES - Very high High High Ecological Ecological Moderate Moderate Importance sensitivity Low Low Trend in current ecological condition Improving Stable

Decreasing

Table 4: Cost/effort and benefit analysis matrix

Effort / benefit assessment Effort - capital and labour effort to achieve desired outcome Benefit - can be either ecological (EB) or other (OB e.g. aesthetic) (Max benefit) 10 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 9 90 81 72 63 54 45 36 27 18 9 8 80 72 64 56 48 40 32 24 16 8 Ecological and 7 70 63 56 49 42 35 28 21 14 7 other 6 60 54 48 42 36 30 24 18 12 6 benefits 5 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 4 40 36 32 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 3 30 27 24 21 18 15 12 9 6 3 2 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 (least benefit) 1 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (Least effort) Relative Effort (cost and labour) (Most effort)

The outcome classification of the areas will determine the management principles that will be applicable in the area and the detailed in which recommendations in this report will be made. The establishment of acceptable and practical management practices for each area must be based on Table 4 and the recommendations provided in each management plan in this report.

21 | P a g e When detailed management interventions are required to address ecological or long terms matters, this report might not provide all the detail required to enable implementation of the plan (e.g. A fire control/management plan for all dryland Renosterveld vegetation needs to be developed). These tasks must be listed for more detailed planning work before implementation. Refer to the individual management plans for areas containing Renosterveld vegetation based on Table 2.

Identify, map, describe and classify Zones for the whole property, e.g., Natural areas, Recreational areas, Urban areas according to primary, secondary and tertiary functions. A single map showing all the recreational features needs development.

Remove irrigation systems in areas with well established vegetation. The irrigation of natural areas should only be considered as a temporary arrangement while rehabilitation is in progress.

Landscape recommendations with regard to the urban areas are being compiled independently in parallel to this plan. This report will therefore not make detailed recommendations with regard to the urban areas.

A list of Western Cape indigenous plants observed or suitable for each area is included as (Appendix X.). This product will require professional updating as the understanding of the local system improves.

3. Natural Ecological Areas – Descriptions, Current condition assessment, Desired Ecological State, Management Tasks and Activities

The management aim is to maintain diversity of indigenous species while maintaining sustainable systems which are as attractive as possible without compromising their functionality.

3.1 Blaauwklippen River Corridor

3.1.1 Present and desired ecological state

The Blaauwklippen River is currently in a Fair to Poor state. The desired state should be to improve the condition to at least a Good condition. The trend in the ecological condition is negative.

3.1.2 Management objectives

The aim is to re-instate a natural riparian zonation of local indigenous plants. Sections of the river can be rehabilitated to a near pristine (to Class B – currently C-E) in 5-6 yearly intervals.

In general rehabilitation work in the river must follow the principle of first working upstream proceeding downstream. The removal of nuisance and hazardous trees as a first priority can be done along the entire length of the river.

Table 5: Blaauwklippen River ecological condition assessment

22 | P a g e Name of site: Blaauwklippen River 1. Ecological site assessment Largely Natural DES Largely Natural Trend in current ecological condition PES (Present Good (desired Good X Improving Ecological State) Fair X Ecological Fair Stable Poor X State) Poor Decreasing

Very high Very high ES - EI - Ecological High X High Ecological Importance Moderate sensitivity Moderate X Low Low

3.1.3 Management and maintenance tasks to achieve the desired ecological condition

The Blaauwklippen River on the Estate is currently relatively devoid of natural vegetation in the Wetbank or Tree-Shrub Zone (Table 6, Figure 10), except in the Boschenzicht Village area. This vegetation needs re- instating through an extensive systematic re-introduction programme.

Prepare the Blaauwklippen River for alternating wet and dry periods. High flows and spates must be accommodated within the natural river environs without gabions or other forms of canalisation.

Canalization of the river is not recommended to achieve the accommodation of high flows. Habitat is lost as canals are not natural features. The natural water cleansing biotic component becomes depauperate and the river loses some functionality, which is particularly relevant to downstream users. Flow speeds in the channel increase with canalisation and there is an associated increase in potential damaging erosion in the vicinity of such expensive structures, which also require periodic maintenance.

The Aim would be to establish at minimum a 15 m wide Dry Bank Zone with natural vegetation along the whole length of the river through the Estate. The Riparian Buffer, legally regarded as being 32 m wide from the edge of a water course (top-of-bank or the outer edge of the Tree-shrub Zone in Figure 10), along South African rivers (Government Gazette 2010), needs development wherever possible here. Some existing houses in villages bordering on the river pre-empt the establishment of a 32 m wide buffer setback.

No cutting of the Golf Course rough should take place within the 32 m Riparian Buffer. The provision of a plant list for the golf green riparian buffer in contrast to buffers along houses versus buffers in natural areas is necessary. Natural vegetation cover on the wet and dry banks of the river reduces erosion. Areas where erosion is currently occurring need local correction to re-instate suitable protective plant cover.

The riparian area downstream from the bridge across the river at Boschenzicht Village is largely devoid of indigenous riparian plants. Quercus robur (oaks) and other invader plants, such as Grevillea robusta and Populus x canescens, are common in this area. Replacement with indigenous trees, such as occur in the remnant upstream patch, is required here to reduce erosion, increase diversity and to improve the health of the system.

23 | P a g e Any physical work undertaken here requires “on the spot” botanical interaction with workers to explain work detail.

There is a need for sub-catchment drainage channels to the river to be upgraded from pipes to open cobble- lined streams with pools which can be attractive landscape features. Informal ditches, gullies and drainage lines entering the Blaauwklippen River need to be formalized to control / prevent erosion. Selected plants are to be used here over the whole extent of the drainage feature. Open drainage channels as envisaged would slow flows reducing spate peaks and thus flooding in the river. They would also improve the quality of the water entering the river through its aeration and initial natural cleansing by biological processes having been initiated prior to discharge into the main stem of the river.

The installation of a vertical calibrated “totem or barbers pole” clearly visible from the upper footbridge would be beneficial. This is to be used to record flow levels on a regular basis. Highest flood levels recorded can be identified on it to stimulate public interest.

The river, particularly at bridges, or similar river crossings, needs to be checked each Autumn for existing or potential materials that can cause blockages particularly against instream (and Wetbank) bridge supports. Overhanging branches and trees that can potentially fall into the river and cause blockages, damming the river. They need periodic removal.

The indiscriminate clearing of in-channel vegetation by brush-cutting is not recommended. It leads to invasion by exotics, loss of indigenous species, loss of faunal habitat, loss of bank protection and thus leads to erosion as the in-stream flow is more rapid and erosive after clearing.

Where fairways cross over the Blaauwklippen River, avoid planting trees, rather use sedges – remove the oak near Tee 3 for instance (Figure 8). Place markers (e.g. short red poles) along the Drybank outer edge to mark the limits of the riparian vegetation. No Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) is allowed on the river side of these pegs.

Consult the flora species list (Appendix A.3) for an indication of indigenous and invasive plants present in the river on the Estate. Note that a gradual exotic tree replacement programme to change to indigenous trees will result in a reduction in tree height with a bushier appearance but an improved functionality. Rehabilitation should aim for aesthetically pleasing textural diversity in the replaced plants.

A schedule for the removal of trees is necessary. They should be clearly marked (numbered) identifying the urgency for control removal identified (2 year intervals) in an appropriate spreadsheet.

Refer to trees and tree stumps blocking or potentially blocking the river. This would allow adequate opportunity for interaction with the public.

In some places current and potential cut tree stumps will need to be removed. This detailed work should be undertaken under control of the authors of this report.

Prionium serratum (palmiet) is a local species ideally adapted and suited to bank stabilization, which has all but disappeared from the Blaauwklippen River on the Estate. It survives better where it is not located under

24 | P a g e dense shade, particularly that of exotic deciduous trees. It is an under-utilized plant at present. The cultivation of palmiet by the nursery is an urgent requirement for the restoration of the functioning of the Wetbank riparian habitat.

Cliffortia odorata (wilde wingerd) is an important element along the foothill zones of river banks and wetlands on heavier soils in the Western Cape. It forms a dense cover which protects the river banks from erosion and these wetlands from drying out. It should not be cut back along the river as it provides breeding, nurturing and living habitat for the fauna. This habitat is preferred by the rare rufous flufftail, by juvenile duck and for otters, amongst other many other biota.

Refer to the plant list in Appendix A.3 for a list of plant species in the Wet- and Dry Banks of the Blaauwklippen River on the De Zalze Estate (December 2017).

The removal of all exotic fish from the river needs stimulation as they are known to disrupt the ecosystem. Do not practice a “Catch-and-Release” policy for non-indigenous fish, rather remove them from the river entirely.

The plan included as Appendix B.3: River Maintenance Plan for De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016c), is currently operational. Immediate attention needs to be given to the removal of rotten oaks along the river.

The specific indigenous replacement species will be determined by the exotic removal procedures and the disturbance location.

25 | P a g e

Figure 8: Quercus robur at Tee 3 to be removed

26 | P a g e

27 | P a g e Table 6. Model of relationships between lateral riverine vegetation zones and flow regimes (modified from Boucher 2002, Boucher & Tlale, 1999; Kemper & Boucher 2000).

Zone Subzone Inundation interval Abb. Marker

Debris

Line Back Dynamic Subzone approx. >20 year floods BD (Transitional)

Dry Bank Tree/Shrub Subzone 2- approx. 20 year floods TS Zone

Lower Dynamic Subzone Within year floods LD (Transitional) Bottom Dry Bank Top

Wet Bank Shrub or Willow Subzone Wet Season Freshers WS

Wet Bank Zone Wet Season base flow Fringing Sedge Subzone WE Dry Season Freshers

Rooted Aquatic Macrophyte Dry Season Base Flow AM Subzone Perennial Aquatic Zone Free Water

Algae No flow AA

28 | P a g e

Figure 10: The distribution of Lateral Zones in Western Cape rivers (Boucher 2002).

29 | P a g e

Figure 11: Location of dams and wetlands discussed in these management proposals for the De Zalze Estate

30 | P a g e 3.2 Seeps and Wetlands

The development of drains through wetlands is not encouraged as this leads to the unnatural increase of monocultures (e.g., of Pennisetum macrourum).

The seepage area in the rough at the foot of R44 berm and Fairway 4 should not be brush-cut but rather planted to low seepage plants such as Juncus acutus and others indicated in the plant list (Appendix A3).

Develop a fire management plan system for the wetlands to reduce their biomass build-up and to promote natural phenological (flowering, fruiting, growth) cycles of their component species. The need for fire as a managment tool must be assessed on a regular basis by a wetland ecologist.

Storm water canals and stone-lined ditches should be permeable and not impermeable to water so that water is slowed down, seeps through the walls rather than draining rapidly into the streams and rivers. The cobbles should not be cemented into place but simply packed at a sloping angle.

Streams and channels, ditches through fairways or fairway roughs should be informally cobble-lined (not cemented).

The regular indiscriminate cutting of wetland margins stimulates an exotic weed mix to develop.

Species recorded in the Blaauwklippen River, the different dams and wetlands on site (Figure 11) are illustrated in and are listed in Appendix A.4.

The following maintenance plan for wetlands is currently operational and is included as Appendix B.2: Wetland Maintenance Plan for De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016b).

3.2.1 Dam A (R44) Wetland

Management Zone 1

Management zone must be used as a buffer between the natural vegetation along the dam wall and the residential area. Only allow bush-clearing to urban side edge of cut-off drains not beyond (Figure 15).

Line drains with cobbles (not cemented) where appropriate (it is not appropriate everywhere here). The natural veld to come up to the edge of the cut-off drains (Management Zone 1).

Between the drain and the dam wall cover currently mowed area with seed free wood chips.

Management Zone 2

Management zone 2 consists of the dam overflow area and the berm towards the south of the dam. Consider manipulating dam overflow entrance to this wetland to disperse water from the south-east corner over the whole wetland. Look in detail at the inflows through the southern border fence (Management zone 2).

31 | P a g e Management Zone 7 – Dam overflow area

Consider manipulating dam overflow entrance to this wetland to disperse water from the south-east corner over the whole wetland. Look in detail at the inflows through the southern border fence (Management zone 2).

Develop a rotational fire management block system to control biomass build-up and to promote phenological cycles of component species (Management Zones 3 and 4).

Clear aliens here. Particularly, control the spread of Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) from the urban edge. It is penetrating along the west wall.

Porcupines are present here and they must not be interfered with.

Control the dominance of Typha capensis. Perhaps even consider removing (digging out) blocks of this increaser plant.

Restore the south-west portion (Management Zone 5) which is cut to lawn back to natural vegetation.

Typha management and control in Dam A

Management control at Dam A should be undertaken in compartments based on the clumps illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, in the following sequence: Start by containing Clump A6 followed by A5 – A1. When clearing 1e it is essential to ensure that only the Typha is removed and that the rest of the vegetation here is not disturbed as this must act as filter to prevent debris entering the dam from outside the Estate. The fringing vegetation to landward of Clump A5 can be maintained from the 2nd year after the initial management of the Typha onwards.

It is essential that the local clumps of Arundo donax (Spanish reed, invader category 1b) and young plants of Casuarina cunninghamiana (beefwood, invader category 1b) are controlled now before these invaders increase in numbers. The juveniles of Casuarina originate from seed released by the mature trees located between Dams A & B (Figure 11).

Priority for implementation

The priority for the implementation is medium term (in the next 2-3 years).

Fire management – alternating between Zones 3 and 4 must each be burned in alternating cycles every five years on the advice of a botanist / ecologist after inspection of the wetland.

The connecting stream between Wetland A and the De Vleie wetland is in reasonable condition. It needs minimum intervention other than removal of increaser species (planted) such as Searsia pendulina and Syzygium cordatum. The old and dead stems of Psoralea aphylla and Psoralea pinnata are to be removed as an ongoing management action.

32 | P a g e

Figure 12: Transitional area between the Dam A wall and the residential area (cover with a layer of seed free wood chips to form buffer).

Figure 13: Dam - A wetland.

33 | P a g e

34 | P a g e

Figure 15: Details of the distribution of Typha capensis clumps (A1-A6) and of Arundo donax (A7, A8) in Dam A and management zones at Dam A (C c – Casuarina cunninghamiana).

Typha management and control in Dam B

The diverse birdlife that is a feature of this dam ( Figure 16) can be attributed to the varied habitats present. Domination by dense Typha stands will reduce this diversity.

The management of the Typha clumps should follow a pattern of B3 to B1. Clump B1 can be divided into two halves to reduce the impact of the control of the Typha. No invasion of the lily pond illustrated in Figure 5 must be allowed. All small Typha plants appearing here must be vigorously controlled to ensure that it remains open.

35 | P a g e

Figure 16: The main body of Dam B

Figure 17: A lily pond on the side of Dam B.

36 | P a g e 3.2.2 De Vleie Wetland

Management Zones 1 and 2

The penetration of Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) into this wetland needs controlling from the hard surfaces present.

These zones must form a buffer between the golf course and the residential areas and the wetland. It can be covered in seed free wood chips on a bi-annual basis. The purpose of the pathway/buffer is to separate and control kikuyu grass growing into the wetland and to allow acces around the wetland.

The roadside down to De Vleie is cut and should be left to mature.

Management Zone 3

The wetland can be expanded into the areas that are currently managed and brush cutted.

Use Freylinia lanceolata (honey bells) in the transition area here.

Management Zone 4

Note that Cliffortia odorata is suppressing Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) here – this is a good thing.

Fire management – alternating between two areas within zone 4, each must be burned in alternating cycles every five years on the advice of a botanist / ecologist after inspection of the wetland. The purpose of the fire is to reduce the build up of sediment and organic material in the wetland and to increase biodiversity.

It is wrong to cut into the Typha capensis community here. The wet areas are moving to the lateral cut areas as the uncut wetland naturally fills up with organic material (Figure 19). Rather burn systematically in blocks. Create a hard cobble lined cut-off drain along the eastern margin. Create a management edge.

Management Zone 5

The build up of sediment and organise material in the wetland is resulting in flow being directed towards the houses.

It is proposed to erect a berm along the eastern side of the wetland to prevent water from flowing towards the houses.

2.2.2.1 Typha management and control

Die Vleie Dam is illustrated in (Figure 28). For management purposes it is advisable to divide the extended Typha clump DV1 into three convenient portions and to treat each in consecutive years and by adding clump DV2 this implies a 5-year turnaround period for the treatment of each unit.

37 | P a g e

Figure 18: De Vleie wetland

38 | P a g e

Figure 19: De Vleie wetland being brush cut to control Typha.

39 | P a g e 3.2.3 Eikenbosch Wetland

The Eikenbosch Wetland is a valuable feature. It requires special management attention to keep its diversity of habitats and to Typha (bulrush) from spreading beyond its current position (physically remove plants where they are sparse).

Periodic management in subdivision blocks is necessary to reduce the fire hazard from build-up of biomass through dead debris accumulation. This implies detailed mapping and monitoring. Some edges, such as along the bordering tarred road margin (slope away from road into the wetland and not into a drain – Management Zone 5) and the eastern side (R44 side – Management Zone 3), need the addition of a variety of local indigenous plants (Zantedeschia aethiopica, Scirpus capensis, Juncus acutus, Watsonia marginata, Olea europaea subsp. africana, Pennisetum macrourum, Cliffortia heterophylla, Cliffotia odorata, Elegia tectorum, Carpha glomerata, Cyperus textilis, Salvia africana-caerulea, Halleria lucida, Restio subverticillatus, Isolepis prolifer, etc). This will increase its attractiveness and functionality. The answer is not to mow as this encourages exotic weeds such as the invasive Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu) grass.

The Eikenbosch wetland is divided into five managemenet zones (Figure 20):

M Zone 1 – Cliffortia dominated wetland

M Zone 2 – Typha dominated wetland

M Zone 3 – Grasses are east of Eikenbosch wetland

M Zone 4 – Proposed buffer (pathway) between wetland and golf course

M Zone 5 – Boardering tarred road margin – proposed wetland expansion

Priorities for implementation in terms of execution

Priority 1 (immediate – year 1)

Management zone 4 – it is proposed that this zone forms as a buffer between the golf course and the wetland. It can be covered in seed free wood chips on a bi-annual basis. The purpose of the pathway/buffer is to separate and control kikuyu grass growing into the wetland.

Priority 2 (start in year 1 and complete in year 3)

Management zone 3 – Zone 3 must be in planted and the kikuyu grass should be control in summer and should not be burned for a five years. This should be done over a three year period. Typha should be prevented from dominating in zone 3.

40 | P a g e Priority 3 (start in year 1 and complete in year 3)

Management zone 5 – It is proposed that this transitional area be incorporated into the wetland by removing the kikuyu grass and planting wetland plants as recommended by the botanist. This can be achievd aover a three year period in conjunction with zone 3. Typha should be prevented from dominating in zone 5.

Stormwater trench

The storm water trench must be claded with bolders (cobbles) and not cemented in. The purpsoes is to prevent Typha from overgrowing the trench and for infiltration and drainage.

Year 5

Fire management – Zones 1 and 2 must be burned every five years on the advice of a botanist / ecologist after inspection of the wetland.

41 | P a g e

Figure 20: Management zones for the Eikenbosch wetland area

42 | P a g e

Figure 21: Dam A wetland

43 | P a g e

3.2.4 Fountain (Club House) Wetland

3.2.4.1 Present and desired ecological state

The Clubhouse wetland is currently in a Fair state. The desired state should be to improve the condition to at least Good. The trend in the ecological condition is negative.

3.2.4.2 Management objectives

The aim is to re-instate a natural biodiversity of local indigenous plants in the wetland and to expand the wetland where appropriate into an easternly direction.

Work in the river must follow the principle of progressive change over a peiod of short to long term.

3.2.4.3 Management and maintenance tasks to achieve the desired ecological condition

Table 8 provides a summary of the task to be performed to improve the ecological condition and to arrest the negative trend of ecological deterioration of the Clubhouse wetland.

This functional wetland has granite rock exposed in parts of it. The Solanum mauritianum, Quercus robur and Acacia cyclops trees growing in this wetland are inhibitory to the indigenous flora, are dysfunctional and are invasive here and need to be removed. Remove the six loose standing invasive Taxodium distichum (swamp cypress) trees. The avenue of cypress trees along the path must be replaced in the longer term by indigenous trees, after first establishing the replacement trees (MZ 2).

Table 7: Clubhouse wetland ecological condition assessment

44 | P a g e Name of site: Wetland - Club House 1. Ecological site assessment Largely Natural DES Largely Natural Trend in current ecological condition PES (Present Good (desired Good X Improving Ecological State) Fair X Ecological Fair Stable Poor State) Poor Decreasing

Very high Very high ES - EI - Ecological High X Ecological High X Importance Moderate sensitivity Moderate Low Low

Table 8: Clubhouse management and maintenance task to be performed to achieve the desired ecological condition

Tasks to be performed to address identified ecological work Time frame: (I - Immediate, S - Short term 12 months, Medium term 24 months, L - Long term 3 - 5 years) Type - of activity: N - new (not done before at this location, R - renewal of previous work, M - maintenance) R - Renewal: R-RT Removal of trees, R-PT Plant trees, R-PP Plant plnats, R-CC cover conversion

Time Task Precondition for executing the Task number Type Effort Benefit Score frame description tasks Remove 7 selected swamp cypress Management plan to be 1 S R-RT 5 6 30 trees (Taxodium distichum west of the approved Consult with Golf course. Use Remove remaining row of swamp 2 L R-RT 5 8 40 wood chips in the interim and cypress trees plant progressively Plant new trees and postpone Plant Maytenus oleioides , Podocarpus the cutting of the rest of the 3 S R-PT and Rapanea melanophloeos to 7 6 42 swamp cypress trees with 5 replace swamp cypress years Convert the transitional area west of Consult with Golf course. Use 4 M R-CC the pathway into a natural area to form 6 7 42 wood chips in the interim and part of Clubhouse wetland plant progressively Remove Typha and replace with Add to maintenance schedule 5 S R-PP 8 7 56 Cliffortia and train maintenance staff

The lawn on the south (Club House) side of the path should be changed into a Transitional Zone rough (MZ 2). Stop mowing here and control kikuyu grass using herbicides. Establish taller low maintenance local sedges and grasses. Detail about shifting the red pegs and other issues can be given on site. The deeper parts of the Transition would be into wetland with Cliffortia strobilifera, C. odorata; trees and tall shrubs such as Freylinia lanceolata, Rapanea melanophloeos, Kiggelaria africana, Maytenus lucida, Metrosideros angustifolia, Podocarpus elongatus, etc. The aim would be to increase diversity and reduce maintenance needs while expanding a functional wetland.

45 | P a g e Management zone 1, 2 and 3

Management zones 1, 2 and 3 are intended to ensure proietcion of the wetland from the fairways to prevent kikuyu grass encroachment and to provide clear demarcation of the boundary to prevent cutting into the wetland.

46 | P a g e

Figure 22: Club house wetland and management zones

47 | P a g e

3.2.5 Erf 4 Seeps

The wetlands and the shallow ponds on the old fallow agricultural lands on the southern floodplain of the Blaauwklippen River in Erf 4 have developed their own wetland flora and fauna following cessation of tilling. The western portion of this floodplain is wetter than the eastern side. These wetlands have a high water table and are fed by superficial run-off flows in open channels from the Lower Groote Zalze dam and from the farm. The canalised runoff must not be terminated as this would change the stabilised Alluvial Renosterveld vegetation in the ponds and wetlands.

These wetland flats provide a very important function to ameliorate floods in the Blaauwklippen River, when over-topping occurs to reduce the height reached by peak flows. Walled dams, instead of the existing excavated ponds on these flats would be constrictive to ameliorate over-topping of the river.

The Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) stands need to be targeted immediately to contain its spread and will require continuous future follow-up treatments.

3.3 Dams - Aquatic and Dam walls

Currently the calculated water requirement of the Estate is 757 000 m³. The location of the storage dams and wetlands in the De Zalze Estate are illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 11.

Biological issues around the dams and aquatic environment are:

 Problem invasive Typha growth clogging dams and inflows / outflows. Typha cycles, nutrient enriched water, silt settlement. Water level management procedures (will not invade where water 1.5m deep. Keep siltation under control. How to control visual nuisance Typha beds (De Vleie). Continuously physically remove young encroaching plants. Remove dead material when water levels drop (could lower water levels on purpose preparatory to controls. Herbicides last resort.

 A management plan (specifying time intervals) for each dam is included in the report.

 Clearing shrubs on dams to stimulate grass cover

The dams should all have paths around them for recreational pedestrians. It is proposed that all dams should be zoned in terms of the most suitable recreational use. The zonation should assist in the management of often conflicting uses. The following considertions should be taken inot account:

Which dams should allow fishing (notices must be introduced);

Where may dogs not go at all, such as at bird breeding areas?

Are there areas which should be demarcated for birders?

Refer to the report detailing tha management of fish in the dams which provides guidance on the introduction of local indigenous fish (for angling) into dams.

48 | P a g e Get better Typha control access during summer (Nov-Feb) by drying it out through siphoning the water out to the river. Then clean by hand if bucket scoop or machine is problemaic. Slow any new Typha invasion by then lifting (raising) the water level totally after cleaning to deepen pond and thus prevent return of Typha to deeper parts.

Diversion of water from the Club House Wetland into the water distribution network to the Grootte Zalze Dams can be undertaken during the winter months but not during the summer. The rationale here is that the critical period for the survival of wetland plants is the presence of moisture during the dry season, namely November to April, during a normal season.

The vegetation on the dam walls serves an anti-erosion, habitat and aesthetic function. Each dam wall requires confirmation before implementation of the plan provided in this report. The age of the vegetation needs determining and the management actions should be directed to functional needs as much as for biotic and structural diversity. Leave the vegetation as it is at present until the management plan is finalised. Remember that this vegetation can be a fire hazard.

Local indigenous shrubs up to 2m tall and grasses do not develop damaging tap roots in this situation as they struggle to penetrate the clay cladding on the dam walls, except where this cladding is broken, through a primary cause such as structural weaknesses or fossorial fauna. These primary causal factors would need to be addressed.

The question raised by management related to the way to handle the vegetation on the dam walls without causing bank erosion. Engineers are concerned that plant roots, such as from Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (renosterbos), will damage the dam walls such as by causing “piping” through the wall, which could end up as a conduit for water to weaken the stability of the walls as would trees and tall shrubs with deep tap root systems. The concern originates from an article about Dicerothamnus roots in the Robertson Karoo where they have been recorded penetrating to 6 m deep. The ecological conditions under which the roots reached these depths would only have occurred where the soil is well-mixed (e.g. by Hodotermes viator termites over many years, or in alluvial material).

In principle avoid allowing trees to establish on dam walls. Shrub roots generally grow in superficial soil layers and only penetrate to depths in search of water and they are acceptable. Dam walls are generally built of clay material, which roots have difficulty penetrating.

Should a grassy sward be encouraged in places? If yes, then detail management actions are needed to accomplish this. The main reasons for a grass covering would be as an initial surface binder to prevent or stop erosion or because taller vegetation obstructs golfers view. Grass is a natural covering in places in the renosterveld in selected habitats. Selective grazing and fire play a finely balanced role as does a fertile loamy soil. Renosterveld shrubs become dominant if the natural cycle is upset. The establishment of a cover of a mix of natural locally indigenous perennial grasses, such as Cymbopogon plurinodes, Cyndon dactylon, Hyparrhenia hirta, Themeda triandra and Tribolium uniolae is possible but without the correct management cycle it will revert over time back to a shrub cover. The increased grass cover would probably increase the risk of fires because grasses provide more dry material in summer. The habitat diversity would also change unnaturally as would the biological community composition. Avoid creation (or limit extent) of open lawn swards

49 | P a g e (patches) on the dam banks as these encourage water birds to graze here and thereby increasing their food source. Find ways to control or lower numbers of larger birds opposite airfield runway.

Previously, the clay wall around the dam wall near the De Vleie for instance had unsightly erosion. It has now revegetated and is improved visually while the erosion is largely contained. Indiscriminate disturbance of this vegetation can re-activate erosion. Gulley erosion has been largely contained and hidden through the current Renosterveld vegetation cover. The total removal of the vegetation would negate its protective action. Selectively reducing the number of the taller shrub components, particularly those which have deep root systems, by cutting them down would be effective temporarily. This action would change the typical Renosterveld shrubland into a short grassy herbaceous dwarf shrubland. It would provide effective cover against erosion but would need regular annual intervention to control the regrowth of taller shrubs.

The substrate preparation and return of vegetation to bared areas would require the mixing of Renosterveld topsoil into the exposed clay in the bare patches along the drier north slopes.

The Renosterveld vegetation does require periodic revitalisation through fire. This would require the vegetation being divided into fire management blocks of different ages post previous burn.

Develop fire management blocks along dam walls with access areas having low volatility shrubs and reasonably open understorey canopy to ease access – Olea europaea are less volatile and survive fires through sprouting, but only use on footslopes where piping is not an issue.

A suitable fire cycle to manage the Renosterveld depends on the local weather cycles as much as on the defoliation of the grass, such as by fauna grazing the plants, or on the cutting frequency, as on the condition of the components of the vegetation. These conditions must be gauged annually by a person familiar with the management of this vegetation.

Source current fire hydrants and plan new locations according to fire management blocks. Use bends in the dam walls for vehicular access.

Cover access paths and fire control areas with coarse wood chips.

Keep top and worked side margins to transitions of dams undulating. Plant clusters of shrubs & trees along outer base of dam walls to create visual diversity and faunal habitat. Plan to diversify the plant mix along the dam slopes.The long term vision for the dam walls is to develop a cover of locally indigenous vegetation so it forms part of the support chain for the survival of the indigenous biota.

Mapping the extent of Typha in detail is required for record purposes and to enable the management by removal to prevent it from spreading.

Exotic & invasive species present need manual or herbicidal control where spreading. Kikuyu is suppressing shrubs in places. A systematic implementation of the relevant proposed management interventions included in Table 2.

Remove the redundant irrigation systems from the dam walls.

The following maintenance plan is currently operational and is included in the appendices.

50 | P a g e A staff member of CapeNature has provided input into the for the management of the fish in all the freshwater units, giving consideration to no releases of exotic fish caught in the Blaauwklippen River and the development of one or more dams with indigenous fish for both conservation and “Catch-and-Release” sport angling. Currently catfish, tilapia and bass are present through all the systems. These fish do escape from dams into rivers and this needs factoring into decisions on the use of the different dams for angling, if at all.

The following comments are specific to the specified areas:

3.3.1 Dam A (R44)

Principle D. A Transitional Buffer with a maximum width of 5 -10m to be maintained around the natural areas. Transitional areas between Functional Zones are to be clearly identified. They are identified to 1) prevent the spread of fire, 2) for visual aesthetic reasons and 3) as a control area to limit the spread of invader or exotic plants or of disturbances.

Only allow bush-clearing to urban side edge of cut-off drains not beyond.

Line drains with cobbles (not cemented) where appropriate – may not be appropriate here? The natural veld to come up to the outer edge of the cut-off drains, while the urban edge is the inner edge of the cut-off drain.

Construct erosion control “dwarswalle” across the access track between Dams A & B.

Water abstraction has taken place 28-29 November 2017 such that post-abstraction level on 29 November is just below bottom of the 2.0 m stake with depth marks. The actual depth of the dam needs to be indicated on a plate on the stake in relation to the depth marks.

Inflow into the dam is from the R44, which is non-existent during most of the summer. Evaporation will therefore cause the dam levels to continue to drop. The condition of the water will become poorer quality through, for instance, an increase in salinities and an increase in algae. This implies that the water from this level onwards should not be used for agriculture.

This level is below current lower limits of the Typha beds. The lower level Typha plants are sending shoots in the surface soil layers in search of the water. This indicates that the Typha is migrating / spreading downhill to the current lower water level. This spread does not normally occur where Typha is covered by water to a depth of about 1.5 m. The band of Typha is getting wider.

We would recommend that the ingress of Typha be controlled cyclically by burning on a 7-year cycle near the end of the dry season before the Autumn-Winter rains start. The expense of hand clearing beds would thus be removed. Such control burns would take place starting from the cleared area along the top of the dam wall burning inwards. Due notices would have to be served to the relevant authorities and home owners.

51 | P a g e

Figure 23: Dam A before clearing Typha.

3.3.2 Dam B (R44)

Management zone 1 – Buffer

The kikuyu grass should be eradicted and replaced with seed free wood chips.

Management Zone 2

Rest area with bench along the path at the western foot of the dam wall needs to be covered with coarse wood chips and not brush-cut.

Management Zone 3

Management Zone 4

Systematically remove introduced alien woody species, particularly invaders such as Casuarina cunninghamiana.

Control biomass accumulation on the berm screening the road.

Remove trees on dam walls. Replace with shrubs.

A Toilet is required as the bush is being used at present.

52 | P a g e

Management Zone 5

Systematically remove introduced alien woody species, particularly invaders such as Casuarina cunninghamiana.

Leave Renosterveld recovering from disturbance in NE dam corner.

Use MZ 5 as a fire management block along dam walls with access areas having low volatility shrubs.

A previously disturbed area in the south-eastern corner has some Renosterveld vegetation. This must be allowed to recover/develop naturally only being exposed to alien invader species control and occasional management burns.

Management Zone 6

Leave Renosterveld recovering from disturbance in NE dam corner.

Control biomass accumulation on dam wall.

Use MZ 6 as a fire management block along dam walls with access areas having low volatility shrubs.

Management Zone 7

Keep winding path accessible to cart tractors open bordering on the perimeter fence to allow security, maintenance and fire control access (not a conventional firebreak). Detailed design and placement is an in situ placement and not a paper plan.

Thorny local hardy evergreen shrubs such as Carissa bispinosa, Carissa macrocarpa, Dovyalis caffra, Gymnosporia heterophylla and Putterlickia pyracantha would be useful protection along the fence.

Typha management in Dam B

Remove Typha accumulations systematically in management blocks.

The diverse birdlife that is a feature of this dam (Figure 26 and Figure 27) can be attributed to the varied habitats present. Domination by dense Typha stands will reduce this diversity.

53 | P a g e

Figure 24: Dam B with pond wetland in the southern compartment of the dam

54 | P a g e

Figure 25: Dam B illustrating the distribution of the larger clumps of Typha capensis.

55 | P a g e

Figure 26: The main body of Dam B

Figure 27: A lily pond on the side of Dam B

56 | P a g e

3.3.3 De Vleie Dam

Management zone 1

Use wood chips for pathways to form a buffer between the natur arteas an dthe use ares. The incroachment of kikuyu grass should be prevented.

Management zone 2

Keep fairway fringes long (in rough) when abutting onto the dam fringes. Use Scirpus, Juncus, Cyperus textilis (Figure 29). This to reduce the number of water fowl using the greens (particularly coots). Then put a step in the pathways they use. The dam verge on the fairway edge should be expanded and not be cut back as is being done (Figure 28).

Management zone 3

This management unit consists of two elements on the northern portion of the dam and west of the stormwater drain. The kikuyu grass must be eradicated. No irrigation should be required in these areas. The paths can be formlaised with seed free wood chips. The transitional areas between the southern fairway and the western MZ 3b should be buffered with a wood chip pathway.

MZ 3b has good example of Cynodon dactylon lawn without kikuyu grass and can be kept.

The need for fire in the terrestrial areas should be assessed (ten years after initial establishment or fire) and thereafter every three to four years by a qualified ecologist to determine whether the vegetation requires management with fire.

Management zone 4

It is proposed that the current lavender fields be changed to utilisable medicinal fynbos plants (e.g. different buchu species). MZ 4 should form a corridor to link the De Vleie Dam with the Fountain dam dowstream of the road.

Typha management

57 | P a g e Typha cycles, silt removal and water level management procedures (will not invade where water 1.5m deep). If management of Typha when required the block system should be applied in which selected blocks are controlled systematically and their management is rotated in cycles.

Figure 28: De Vleie Dam.

58 | P a g e

Figure 29: De Vleie dam management zones

59 | P a g e 3.3.4 Golf Club Dam

The sparse Typha capensis (bulrush) shoots indicate a slow creep / spread of Typha around the dam margin, especially on the northern bank of the dam (MZ 1). These sparse shoots can be physically removed to stop this spread.

The invasive Salix babylonica (weeping willow) trees can slowly be replaced with indigenous Salix mucronata trees cultivated in the nursery. More Olea europaea ssp africana (wild olive) and other local trees and tall shrubs can be added to the mix of trees around the dam. The aquatic lily, Aponogeton distachyos can be added to the mix in the dam. The swards of kikuyu grass need herbicide treatment to control it as it spreads and benefits from cutting. The edges of the dam adjoining the tarred road should only be planted with low sedges (e.g, Cyperus textilis, Isolepis prolifera), restios (e.g, Elegia tectorum), grasses (e.g, Pennisetum macrourum), geophytes (e.g, Agapanthus) and low shrubs (e.g, Plectranthus) so that no brush-cutting maintenance is required here (Figure 30). This area (MZ 1) can also be covered with seed free wood chips.

Figure 30: Golf Club Dam

60 | P a g e

Figure 31: Golf Club Dam management zone

3.3.5 Fountain Dam

The dam is generally in a good condition. The diversity around its margins would benefit through the addition of tall shrubs such as floriferous or fruit-bearing Freylinia lanceolata, Halleria lucida, Kiggelaria africana and Metrosideros angustifolia which would attract more song birds into the area (Figure 32).

61 | P a g e

Figure 32: Fountain dam upstream of golf wetland

3.3.6 Kleine Zalze Pond

Remove the exotic plants (Figure 34 - Pistia stratiotes category 1b) and follow a programme of gradual replacement with locally indigenous shrubs as it is on the edge of the river corridor and excess water flows into this system.

Control Pontaderia cordata (pickerel weed – category 1b) (In Queensland they use aquatically registered formulations of Glyphosate 360 (e.g. Round-up Biactive and Weedmaster Duo) a number of glyphosate 360 (isopropylamine) mixtures is available South Africa e.g. Annilate, Bounty, Buggie, Bush pig, Clear out, Erase 360, Glyphogan, Glyphosate 360, Oneshot, Persuador, Profit 360, Roundup, Scat 360, Sentor Xtra, Springbok, Strip, Sunup 360 and Zeta-Gly 360.

62 | P a g e

Figure 33: Klein Zalze pond

Figure 34: Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce) in Klein Zalze pond

3.3.7 Upper Grootte Zalze Dam

Management Zone 1

63 | P a g e Keep fairway fringes long (in rough) when abutting onto the dam fringes. Use Scirpus, Juncus, Cyperus textilis (Figure 36). This to reduce the number of water fowl using the greens (particularly coots). Then put a step in the pathways they use.

Some Acacia saligna cut but cut stems not poisoned with herbicide have sprouted again.

Typha cycles, silt removal and water level management procedures (will not invade where water 1.5m deep).

Fire cycles for Renosterveld areas.

Management Zone 2

This zone forms a buffer between the golf course and the dam wall vegetation. It can be covered in seed free wood chips on a bi-annual basis. The purpose of the pathway/buffer is to separate and control kikuyu grass growing into terrestrial areas.

Management Zone 3

Typha capensis on north-facing wall is associated with a general wetter area evident along the outer foot of the dam wall where a drainage trench has been constructed. The low volumes of water present are not consistent with a “piping” leak where the head of water in the dam would result in a strong flow. The vegetation in this area is typical of a natural Cliffortia odorata Seep. Additional shrubs and indigenous grasses have been established along the extent of the wall in addition to the naturally established shrub pioneers (e.g., Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Osteospermum monilifera, Passerina corymbosa, Searsia angustifolia, Searsia crenata and Stoebe plumosa). A greener patch of Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) around the northern foot at the junction between the upper and lower dam walls is growing on dumped mixed substrate which is different from the clay on the rest of the dam wall, hence the more robust growth in this patch. An irrigation pipe leads onto the top of the dam wall here. The local and planted taller shrubs are surviving in the drier areas and are not associated with any so-called ”leaks” so their roots are not considered to be causal to the wetness.

64 | P a g e

Figure 35: Upper Grootte Zalze Dam

65 | P a g e

Figure 36: Upper Grootte Zalze Dam with no fringe vegetation.

3.3.8 Lower Grootte Zalze Dam

Management Zone 1

NW corner of dam wall, leave gum logs/stumps. Trim, but consider replacing, burnt standing gum tree with dead branches as contributing to bare area because drying environment and suppressing Renosterveld & fynbos. Currently, Olea europaea subsp. africana is present near the base of the Eucalyptus (gum) MZ 1 (Figure 37).

Reduce width of grass-cut verge on NW end of dam wall – this is a transition area from urban structures to Biodiversity Corridor. Reduce labour, increase diversity. Aliens need control here (MZ1).

Management Zone 2

Develop fringe of shrubs between track and water along south side. Remove Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu) invasions between the southern track and the water’s edge.

Plant indigenous systematically in groups to replace exotic invaders. New planting necessary where Acacia saligna cut along southern shoreline.

Management Zone 2 and 7

66 | P a g e There is a need for a fire control and management plan for the dryland Renosterveld vegetation on the dam walls. Propsoed fire cycle blocks (MZ2, MZ 4, MZ 7a and MZ 7b) with acceptable management fire rotation intervals of each of the Renosterveld areas after assessment by a botanist on an annual interval.

Management Zone 3

The sewer system repair must NOT be planted to Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) (MZ 3).

Management Zone 5 – Composting facility

Alien species control is needed in this area with particular control of kikuyu grass. The alien trees in this area must be replaced with indigenous trees. The seeds from these trees are deposited into the compost which is then distributed and re-infest other areas on the estate.

General management

Typha does not seem to be problematic around the Lower Grootte Zalze Dam. The historic Google Earth imaginery must be mapped in five years time top assess the cycles and changes in Typha to determine the Typha cycles, silt removal and water level management procedures (will not invade where water 1.5m deep).

Why is there a dense submerged cover of algae and waterweeds here (LGZD) and not in Upper Groote Zalze Dam? Is this a water depth issue, it being shallower in the lower dam (warmer and less oxygen)?

67 | P a g e

Figure 37: Lower Grootte Zalze dam

68 | P a g e

Figure 38: Lower Grootte Zalze Dam

3.3.9 18th Dam

The overgrown status of the pond is a continuous management problem. The pond should be cleared regulary but access remains a problem. The best way to deal with this problem is unknown because access by machines is problematic. Once control is affected to a degree then it is recommended that the dam be deepened to ensure that the depth assists with the control of Typha overgrowing the pond.

A pipe can be used to syphon the water out of the lower outlet area to drain the dam for management purposes, then the water level must be kept at a consistent level (e.g. as deep as possible).

69 | P a g e

Figure 39: Dam at 18th hole

3.3.10 Erf 4 Dams

Flooding from the Blaawklippen River should not be modified as this is a natural function of the river and floodplain to amelioriate the floods. Similarly the runoff from the Grootte Zalze dam must be allowed to continue into the wetland area that feeds these dams. The cutoff drain south of the area should not be deepend or modified to interfere with the flow into this area.

Refer to seeps areas associated with the dams on Erf 4 in the wetland section of this report.

70 | P a g e

Figure 40: Small dam on Erf 4 floodplain with trees lining the Blaauklippen River

3.4 Granite outcrops and surrounding Renosterveld

Four dryland granite outcrops are present on the De Zalze Estate. The granite outcrop on Kleine Zalze is a unique feature on the Estate. The Kleine Zalze and Erf 4 outcrops are exceptional and sensitive environmental features (Figure 41 and Figure 42).

A few gnarled Maytenus oleoides trees are still present among the wild olives. They can serve as a source of material for cultivation in the nursery for use through the Estate on berms, along the river and to form copses along the greens. At least four different ground orchid species are present on the Kleine Zalze granite outcrop which needs collection and formal identification. Disa carnosa and Holothrix villosa, Searsia angustifolia, Watsonia sp were informally noted. The lichen and dwarf succulent flora on the rocks are particularly sensitive to trampling.

The adult Acacia cyclops, Acacia longifolia, Acacia saligna and stone pines scattered through the Kleine Zalze granite outcrop are on the increase (juvenile plants are present). Regular control actions are required here. The mound with a marker pole in the north-west edge of the outcrop is densely covered in invasive kikuyu grass. This and other patches scattered around this area need urgent control.

The presence of the green on the Kleine Zalze granite rock remains problematic. Irrigation water is seeping from the green downhill over previously natural dry areas changing the natural granite rock vegetation below the green. The maintenance around the green requires a weed-eater cut area to create a rough which extends onto the granite rock

71 | P a g e below the green. The whole area which may be disturbed needs clear demarcation. Clear demarcation and a notice board to stop walking “out-of-bounds” over the rock must be erected.

This area serves as habitat for porcupines which are a natural utilizer of the area.

The highly threatened Granite Renosterveld occurs around the granite outcrops on shallow clay soils surrounding them, south of the Grootte Zalze Dam and on the banks of the dam complex. A small patch also occurs east of Dam B.

The large Grootte Zalze Renosterveld patch contains a climax patch in excellent condition (Figure 43). This vegetation is reasonably rich in threatened plants. A composting yard is situated in this area. In the medium to long term this area can be restored to form a link in the southern corridor on the estate, linking the airport vegetation to the Blaauwklippen River corridor.

There is a need for a fire control and management plan for all dryland Renosterveld vegetation. Develop rotational fire cycle management blocks with acceptable fire intervals for Renosterveld areas.

Figure 41: A Crassula in flower on the granite rocks

72 | P a g e

Figure 42: Granite outcrops (non river)

73 | P a g e

Figure 43: Renosterveld at Grootte De Zalze dam

74 | P a g e 3.5 Fallow Lands

Fallow lands in the lower-lying areas and near seeps are dominated by Cyndon dactylon (fynkweek) with some Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) and Pennisetum macrourum (ruigte gras), while European weeds such as Plantago lanceolata (ordinary lamb’s tongue) and Lolium multiflorum (Italian rye grass) and remnant tussocks of past pastures include Eragrostis curvula (weeping love-grass). Other plants observed included the attractive Kniphofia uvaria (Figure 44), Populus deltoides (matchwood poplar) and Melianthus major.

What is the plan with the old lands between the Lower Grootte Zalze dam and the airfield? A landscaping plan is necessary to create a biodiverse parkland corridor link between vegetation east of airfield to the Blaauwklippen River.

Fire cycles for Renosterveld areas. Recommended width of fire access belts are a maximum of 5 m that are kept free of biomass build-up but can be planted with fire retardant shrubs (coastal thicket species).

Redundant lavender fields around the tennis courts need to be addressed and recommendations made about rehabilitation to fynbos and what to plant – economic, aesthetic and medicinal plants?

75 | P a g e

Figure 44: Kniphofia sp. in the Erf 4 wetlands.

3.6 Berm along the R44

The transition from the berm to the fairway in the section between the entrance gate and the Blaauwklippen River is very wet in winter. It should be developed into a wetland fringe buffer to the fairway with low-growing sedges and restios (replant Chondropetalum tectorum). If done effectively, it will not need cutting. A hard surface border is needed to manage kikuyu grass to prevent it penetrating into the wetland and berm vegetation.

76 | P a g e Do not water the berm. Do prune shrubs periodically to reduce biomass and to stimulate new growth. Clean out dead material and the invader plants (Figure 45).

Management options with the cultivated dam surround along R44 berm as sound and visual barrier not natural veld.

Identify management blocks for fire or removal of superfluous fire biomass.

Plant fire retardant tall shrubs, leave spaces without low shrub stratum for fire control access – also see comments about Dam B.

77 | P a g e

Figure 45: Berm along the R44 with some invasive Casuarina trees on it.

3.7 Greens and Roughs including drainage channels

Give attention to planting and management of all roughs (e.g. between R44 berm foot and Fairway 4.

Develop indigenous planted areas to reduce maintenance of lateral seeps and gullies in roughs between fairways, particularly those draining into the river

78 | P a g e Develop hard areas to prevent suppressive invasive kikuyu used in fairways from spreading into roughs and the surrounding vegetation.

It is not a natural feature to have bare stemmed trees (a result of pruning to increase visibility). Trees are better able to withstand wind and droughts when grouped in multi-species clumps and mixes containing a variety of shrubs.

The buffer along river needs development with frequent short distances between identifying markers that follow the river or wetland Back Dynamic Zone edge. There must be no mowing of this rough which is “out of bounds”. The buffer along the river needs development with no cutting of this rough. Seperate plant lists are required for the golf green riparian buffer in contrast to buffers along houses versus buffers in natural areas.

Streams and channels, ditches through fairways or fairway roughs should be informally cobble-lined (not cemented) (Figure 46).

Establish edging buffers to prevent kikuyu grass from greens and roughs invading natural vegetation and to stop rough edge control cutting extending into natural areas.

Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass) cut material from some greens is being dumped into adjacent veld. Discontinue this practice - do not dump green and fairway cut material (particularly kikuyu grass) into buffers or adjacent veld. They must be collected and used for compost.

The gabion along fairway from Tee 3 needs strengthening.

Figure 46: Loose cobble stones packed along drianage channel to form a boundary between the residential area and the wetlands.

3.8 Roads, paths, tracks

Provide hard edges where appropriate (e.g., along picnic access track between dams A & B.

79 | P a g e Construct erosion control “dwarswalle” across the access track between Dams A & B.

Clear signposting of the different areas accessible to different modes of transport (lorry, tractor, car, quad bike, bicycle, running and pedestrians (with & without dogs)) is required.

The variety of plants along the main entrance Marie Levin Road through the Estate should be developd into a colourful showpiece demonstrating short stretches with different drought-tolerant, low-maintenance low-growing indigenous shrubs in addition to the Agapanthus africanus (use a few local species with different heights, flowering times and colours available from Kirstenbosch) than the hybrids currently used.

3.9 Other Recreational Areas

Develop recreational areas for different activities or groups or differently aged inhabitants. (activity areas – golfing, picnic places, cycling tracks and walking paths, swimming, bird watching, resting, educational (tree and flower spotting trails), alien control outings, water activities such as swimming, dams for boating or fishing only, should be identified (map) and be clearly signposted.

Toilet facilities are needed through all areas and clearly sign-posted.

The Picnic areas need proper landscaped design and indigenous planted beds.

Develop a recreation area map showing recreational features.

What special recreational features are there / should there be for children?

3.10 Nursery, Refuse & composting areas

Composting and organic material dumps need to be situated at the same site.

Two areas are used in the southern half of the Estate to take plant remains.

1. The composting area. Composting of vegetation waste material is encouraged. The creation and use of chipped material from the plant remains is encouraged to improve soil structure, reduce weeding effort and to reduce evaporation in gardened areas. Note that a cover of chips inhibits the regrowth of fynbos vegetation so it is best to work chips into the topsoil rather than leaving it as a covering superficial layer.

2. South-west patch.

Any storage of dead biomass must be done so that any fire that can happen in it can be readily controlled. Therefore, heaps must not be large (dimensions?) and there must be access spaces between the heaps for management and fire control. Make gaps between dead heaps of vegetation so that accidental fire management is possible.

At minimum the legislated invader plants (e.g., Casuarina cunninghamiana and Melia azedarach trees) growing in or around the composting site must be removed as they are adding seed to the compost which is then distributed over the whole Estate thereby compounding the control work expenses. The Pennisetum clandestinum grass is another

80 | P a g e example present here which spreads by vegetative pieces where it has penetrated the compost heaps. Other unwanted plants present here are Arundo donax and Searsia pendulina.

3.11 Urban Areas (Villages, Management building complexes and structures)

The De Zalze Estate has the following villages :- Bergsvlei, Boschenzicht, By-de-Weg, De Kelder, De Kuilen, De Vleie, Eikenbosch, Klipheuwel, Oudepost, Rietkuil, Uitsig, Uitspan, Varschefontein and Wijndal Villages.

The landscaping themes for these villages are being developed by Planning Partnership (Anthony Wain) in response to the Estates request for an overarching landscaping policy which would apply to private gardens and the open spaces leased by the golf course.

Suggest that seperate lists of indigenous themes plants is compiled for each village to showcase distinctiveness of each village.

Garden plants in houses bordering on natural areas are important to prevent invasive seed and weeds spreading. Buffers and their management as wild fire protection zones. Define widths and edges of vistas that may be cleared.

Buffers around villages are necessary to distinguish the limits of housing gardening activities. This needs clear demarcation to stop encroachment, perhaps with surfaced paths serving as the limit.

Edges between garden walls and cut-off drain (0.5—1.0 m wide) are to be covered in coarse wood chips to reduce the need for brush-cutting / mowing and to serve as fire and pedestrian access zones.

Provide a plant list for the riparian housing buffer (in contrast to buffers along greens and in natural areas).

Limonium perezii (giant statice) used in gardens and planted along road verges is invasive and should be phased out as it is invasive.

Note that Callistemon viminale is present in house garden of Bergvlei Village. This plant invades local wetlands.

Suggest encouraging houses to undertake rainwater harvesting on, not off, their properties.

Recommend alternative species to replace Casuarina cunninghammiana. The species are to be determined by the location requiring correction.

A list of site specific potential fynbos plants to replace the old lavender fields needs to be compiled. These could be economic or to develop a biodiverse natural vegetation. The Municipality is acceptable to change to fynbos/Renosterveld vegetation.

81 | P a g e

Figure 47: Villages in the De Zalze Estate.

3.12 Comments on Other Areas

Environmental impacts observed that are associated with other building complexes include the need for litter bins and outside toilet facilities for staff resting areas next to the Contractor’s Gate (e.g., where staff utilize the slopes of Dam B). This must include facilities for garden staff and others waiting to enter or exit the Estate.

The placement and management of toilets and waste bins throughout the Estate, for both staff and home owners needs assessment. This is particularly relevant to all the open air recreational areas to reduce littering.

The Tennis Court, especially the spectator seating area, could benefit from shade from indigenous trees.

The olive patch immediately west of the tennis court is constantly cleared (brush-cut) of low-growing vegetation. It is very formal and rather bare. A few remnant sparse shrubs are present. Give consideration to creating a dense planting of attractive shrubs that do not require watering of clearing under them and with wood chip paths leading around the clumps. An example of the appearance gained can be viewed in the POS between plots 97 & 98 through the De Vleie Village supporting a mix of olives and shrubs.

Examples of plants that could be established here that will provide colour, cover, textures and are hardy include Agapanthus africanus, Aloe striata (or a choice of the many other local species), Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Euclea racemosa, Felicia filifolia, Helichrysum orbiculare, Osteospermum moniliferum, Polygala myrtifolia, Salvia africana- caerulea, Stoebe plumosum, Strelitzia reginae, Tylecodon paniculata, Watsonia spp. and mixes of various Asteraceae, Rutaceae and Mesembryanthemaceae (vygies). This area can easily serve as a source for seed and cutting material to be used through the Estate. Increase the cover of local trees here by using Heeria argentea, Maytenus acuminata, Maytenus oleoides, Olea macrocarpa, Searsia undulata, etc. A section with local fragrant and

82 | P a g e medicinal plants could create specific interest. The invasive Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) must be removed from this area.

3.13 De Zalze biodiversity corridors

Linkages between natural areas within the estate are shown in Figure 48.

Three main corridors exist within the estate namely, the Blaauwklippen River, the De Zalze dam and the De Vleie corridors. The river corridor is the only corridor that is continuous. The other two corridors need enhancment and the establishment of links as indicted in pink.

Broken links within the biodiversity corridors are highlighted in the illustration (pink). The corridors connecting natural areas outside the estate are indicated (blue).

The corridors should be used for planning landscaping and rehbailiation of terrestrial and freshwater areas to enable the ecological functions to be improved.

83 | P a g e

Figure 48: De Zalze Estate biodiversity corridors in context of the surrounding areas

84 | P a g e 4. Conclusions

4.1 Evaluation of existing management plans

The following plans are currently operational and are included in Section 6. Appendices as:

1. River maintenance plan for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016a);

2. Wetland maintenance plan for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016b); and

3. Dam maintenance plan for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016c)

These plans need to be reviewed and modified where applicable.

4.2 New Management Plans

The management plans for each management unit are provided collectively in this report and should be updated and revised annually as tasks are completed and the successes are assessed.

The Estates border with the Stellenbosch airfield and the undeveloped land to its east needs to be treated as a wider, inter-property, Conservation Corridor, particularly for the inter-seasonal migration of fauna to ensure strong genetic populations through the Stellenbosch area. At present the security fence along the southern Estate’s boundary (e.g. opposite Varschfontein Village) is managed to prevent any larger faunal movement (e.g. of antelope, foxes, jackals, leopards, caracal and porcupines). Animal under-passes under the fences need to be established in suitable areas, such as along drainage lines where there is suitable cover for the animals.

Small sections along the security fence are nicely concealed from view from the inside roads and villages. Some sections have been opened up around exotic trees such as gums, Chinese poplars and other trees, while the understorey cover is cleared regularly here (Figure 49). This is an unnecessary expense. These areas need to be cleared of the exotics and indigenous cover that doesn’t require watering must be re-instated. Remove and do not use the aggressive alien ivy -Hedera helix. Thorny local shrubs and trees such as Carissa bispinosa, Carissa macrocarpa, Dovyalis caffra, Gymnosporia heterophylla and Putterlickia pyracantha are examples that could be used to reduced access by unwanted intruders. Dietes biflora, Dietes grandiflora, Plectranthus neochilus, Helichrysum crispum, Plumbago auriculata and others are tough and useful cover plants that can be used here.

The current fence along the southern border needs a perimeter control belt free of grass, 1.0—1.5 m wide, along its outside for access and to start counter burns to protect the Estate and the fence from damage should a wildfire occur in the unmanaged vacant land to the south. Long-lived flat growing vygies (Drosanthemum, Lampranthus and Ruschia spp.) planted here would counter erosion and offer seasonal colour, while being effective drought-tolerant ground covers.

Note that Acacia saligna (port jackson willows) is one of a number of invasive plants penetrating into the Estate from this unmanaged area.

Some redundant fence remains are present in the Estate (G22) near the airfield. These need to be removed.

85 | P a g e

Fire management plan

The fire management plan needs to finalised and implemented based on the directives such as an annual assessment of vegetation by a specialist who will determine the need to burn.

Erf 4 – wetlands and dams management plan

The management plan for the enhancement and management of the seeps, wetlands and dams on Erf 4 needs to be developed. The freshwater features in this area need to be considerd as an ecological unit.

4.3 Monitoring

Establish a monitoring system (provide a schedule of detail with places, times, intervals, record keeping detail for each area). This is to include descriptions and general Permanent Photographic Monitoring Sites. Include a record for selected individual species (plants & birds) monitoring areas, based on the procedures and tasks decribed in Table 2.

Collect and archive all historic photos taken of the properties features. Develop plans and establish data storage facilities and a fix photo point system must be implemented.

4.4 Additional needs

Create variability in habitats to accommodate a diversity of species within the relatively confined area of the De Zalze Estate.

Subsidize rainwater harvesting.

Introduce more regularly cleaned toilets for pedestrians.

Regular litter clean-ups around communal work areas (e.g., contractor’s entrance gates).

86 | P a g e

Figure 49: Southern boundary fence contaning Chinese poplars

87 | P a g e 5. References

Boucher, C., Manuscript (2002). Vegetation as indicators of Flows in selected Southern African rivers. Manuscript prepared for Regulated Rivers Research & Management. Paper presented at the: First International Environmental Flows for River Systems Conference. Univ. Cape Town, 3-8 March 2002.

Boucher, C., 2008. Botanical Scan of the Spier Estate adjacent to the Stellenbosch Aerodrome for the extension of the De Zalze Estate. C. Boucher Ecological Research Report No. 147.

Boucher, C. 2009. a) Eerste River Environment and b) the Botany of Cape Town’s Rivers In: C. Brown & R. Magoba (Editors): Rivers and Wetlands of Cape Town. Water Research Commission of South Africa. Report No. TT 376/08. (Originally documented as C. Boucher Ecological Research Report No. 128).

Boucher, C., 2010. An assessment of the natural vegetation on the De Zalze Estate, Stellenbosch, with management recommendations. C. Boucher Ecological Research Report No. 160.

Boucher, C., 2017a. The control of Typha capensis and other problematic issues in selected De Zalze dams. C. Boucher Ecological Research Report No. 234.

Boucher, C., 2017b. Alternative species to replace the Casauarina cunninghamiana avenue on the De Zalze Estate, Stellenbosch. C. Boucher Ecological Research Report No. 235.

Boucher, C. & Tlale, S. 1999. Riparian and instream vegetation, Lesotho. In: Starter Document for Instream Flow Requirements Workshop April 1999. C. Boucher Ecological Research Report No. 42.

Buys, M.H., Van Der Walt, J.J.A. & Boucher, C., 1991. A provisional analysis of the Flora of Stellenbosch. S. Afr. J. Bot. 57(5): 264-290.

Government Gazette, 2010. Government Notice No. R.544. NEMA, Act 107 of 1998 sections 24(2) and 24D, General Notice No. R. 544 of 18 June 2010, No. 33306.

Government Gazette, 2014. Government Notice No. 5999. National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) (10/2004): Alien invasive species list, 2014. Government Gazette of RSA Vol. 590, No. 37886 of August 2014.

Kemper, N. & Boucher, C. 2000. Chapter 16. Vegetation. In: J.M. King, M. de Villiers & R.E. Tharme (Editors). Environmental flow assessments for rivers: Manual for the Building Block Methodology. Water Research Commission Report No. TT 131/00: 207-230.

Watson, E. 2016a. River maintenance plan for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate. Unpublished internal report.

Watson, E. 2016b. Wetland maintenance plan for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate. Unpublished internal report.

Watson, E. 2016c. Dam maintenance plan for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate. Unpublished internal report.

Withers Environmental Consultants, 2017. External environmental audit of the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate’s Environmental Management System (EMS). Report prepared for the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate Home Owners Association and the SMA Trust (dated 8 March 2017).

88 | P a g e 6. Appendices

Appendix A.1: Plant species list for the De Zalze Estate (December 2017)

Indigenous E = L=local, Exotic; NL=Not Growth form. A = Annual; Aq = W = local, WC= Aquatic; H = hemicryptophyte; weed; I-? Taxa (144) [+ = RDB (3); ** = Out of natural G = Geophyte; Grass; S = RDB wider West Common names = Invader distribution range (4); * = exotic invasive(47)] Shrub; DS = Dwarf shrub; TS = Cape; category; Tall shrub; T = Tree; Succ = RSA=wider Succulent; C = Climber P = South Planted Africa I-1b Acacia cyclops A.Cunn. ex G.Don * rooikrans TS I-1b Acacia longifolia (Andr.) Willd. * long leaf wattle TS I-2 Acacia mearnsii De Wild. * black wattle T I-1b Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L.Wendl. * port jackson willow TS P Agapanthus sp. agapanthus cultivar G E, W Allium triquetrum L.f. * three-cornered leak G L Aloe perfoliata L. mitre-leaved aloe Succ E, I Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn black alder T L Amaryllis belladonna L. March lily, belladonnalelie G Ammocharis (= Cybistetis) longifolia (L.) M.Roem. L Malgas lily G W Anagallis arvensis L. * pimpernel, rooimuur Herb L Anthospermum spathulatum Spreng. jakkalstert S L Aponogeton distachyos L.f. waterblommetjie Aq G L Aristea sp. aristea G I-1b Arundo donax L. Spanish reed Grass L Asparagus africanus Lam. katdoring G L Asparagus declinatus L. krulkransie G L Asparagus rubicundus P.J. Bergius katdoring G L Athanasia crithmifolia (L.) L. klaaslouwbossie S L Athanasia trifurcata (L.) L. kouterbos, klaaslouw S W Avena fatua L. * common wild oats, wildehawer A L Berkheya herbacea (L.f.) Druce kaaldissel DS

89 | P a g e L Brabejum stellatifolium L. wild almond, wilde amandel T L Brachylaena neriifolia (L.) R.Br. Cape silver-oak, waterwitels TS W Briza maxima L. * quaking grass, groot klokkiesgras A W Briza minor L. lesser quaking-grass A W Bromus catharticus Vahl rescue grass A W Bromus diandrus Roth ripgut brome, langnaaldbromus A L Buddleja saligna Willd. ** basterolien TS L Bulbine sp. - G I-1b, P Canna indica L. * canna S L Carpha glomerata (Thunb.) Nees vleibiesie Sedge L Carpobrotus edulis (L.) L.Bolus suurvy Succ E, I Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch pecan T Cassine (= Hartogiella) schinoides (Spreng.) R.H. spoonwood, lepelhout L T Archer I-1b, I-2 Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. * beefwood T L Chasmanthe aethiopica (L.) N.E.Br. suurkanol G L Cheilanthes hastata (L.f.) Kunze parsley fern Fern W Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Airy-Shaw Scotch thistle Herb L Cissampelos capensis L.f. davidjies C L Cliffortia odorata L.f. wilde wingerd S L Cliffortia ruscifolia L. climber's friend, steekbos S L Cliffortia strobilifera L. bog rice bush, kammie-rysbos, vleibos S E Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott * elephants ear, taro Aq G L Commelina africana L. yellow wandering jew DS E Commelina benghalensis L. * blue wandering jew DS W Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist * tall fleabane, vaalskraalhans A L Conyza scabrida DC. tall fleabane A L Cotula turbinata L. ganskos A L Crassula cf. nudicaulis L. - Succ L Crotalaria capensis Jacq. Cape rattle-pod, geelkeurtjie S L Cunonia capensis L. butter-spoon tree, rooiels T P Cyathea cooperi (F. Muell.) Domin * tree fern Fern Cyclopia genistoides (L.) R.Br. common honeybush-tea, gewone NT L S heuningbostee NT L Cyclopia maculata (Andrews) Kies needle-leaf honeybush tea, vleitee S L Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. common couch, gewone kweekgras Grass

90 | P a g e W Cyperus esculentus L. * uintjie Sedge L Cyperus textilis Thunb. matjiesgoed Sedge P WC Dais cotinifolia L. pompon-tree, basboom T L Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (L.f.) Koekemoer renosterbos S WC Dietes grandiflora N.E.Br. yellow dietes G L Dimorphotheca nudicaulis (L.) DC. var. nudicaulis ox-eye daisy, witmargriet DS L Dimorphotheca pluvialis (L.) Moench Cape rain daisy, witbotterblom A L Diospyros glabra (L.) De Winter bloubessiebos S L Dipogon lignosus (L.) Verdc. Cape sweet pea, bosklimop C W Dittrichia graveolens (L.) Greuter stinkwort, Kaapse khakiebos A I-1b Echium plantagineum L. * purple echium A L Ehrharta calycina Sm. perennial veld grass, rooisaadgras Grass L Ehrharta erecta Lam. - Grass L Ehrharta longiflora J.E. Sm. oat-seed grass, hawersaadgras Grass L Elegia capensis (Burm.f.) Schelpe water elegia restio Restio P L Elegia tectorum (L.f.) Moline & H.P.Linder dakriet Restio L Eleocharis limosa (Schrad.) Schult. - Sedge L Epilobium hirsutum L. great willowherb S L Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees weeping love-grass, blousaadgras Grass L Erepsia anceps (Haw.) Schwantes - Succ L Erica caffra L. water heath, waterheide TS Erica abietina L. subsp. aurantiaca E.G.H.Oliv. & L S I.M.Oliv. (= E. grandiflora) L Eriocephalus africanus L. kapokbos S L Eriospermum sp. - G I-1b Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. red river gum T L Euryops multifidus (Thunb.) DC. resin bush, harpuisbos S P WC Euryops pectinatus (L.) Cass. grey euryops, golden daisy bush S L Felicia fruticosa (L.) G.Nicholson blue aster DS L Ficinia nigrescens (Schrad.) J. Raynal - Sedge L Freylinia lanceolata (L.f.) G.Don river honey bells, heuningklokkiesbos TS L Gomphocarpus (= Asclepias) fruticosus (L.) Aiton f. cotton milkweed, blaasoppies, vleiklappers S I-3 Grevillea robusta A.Cunn. ex R.Br. Australian silky oak T P WC Grewia occidentalis L. cross-berry, kruisbessie, rosyntjiebos C L Gymnosporia heterophylla (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Loes. stink pendoring, riffelstam pendoring TS

91 | P a g e L Halleria elliptica Thunb. bush honeysuckle S L Halleria lucida L. ouhout, white olive TS L Heeria argentea (Thunb.) Meisn. rock ash, kliphout T L Helichrysum crispum (L.) D.Don kooigoed S L Helichrysum foetidum (L.) Moench brandblaar, vleisewejaartjie A L Helichrysum revolutum (Thunb.) Less. S L Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf & C.E. Hubb. red swamp grass Grass L Hermannia alnifolia L. bos poproos DS L Holothrix villosa Lindl. - G W Hordeum murinum L. * wild barley, wildegars Grass L Hymenolepis parviflora (L.) DC. - S L Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf blougras Grass W Hypochaeris radicata L. * wild lettuce, skaapslaai A L Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk. Cape holly, hardepeer T W Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. Cotton-wool grass, sygras G I-1b Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth. * morning glory C L Isolepis antarctica (L.) Roem. & Schult. sedge, biesie A L Isolepis prolifera (Rottb.) R. Br. vleigras Aq herb L Juncus effusus L. biesie Sedge L Juncus kraussii Hochst. biesie, rietjies Sedge L Juncus lomatophyllus Spreng. broad-leaved water sedge Sedge L Kiggelaria africana L. wild peach T P L Kniphofia sp. red hot poker, vuurpyl G L Lachenalia orchioides (L.) Aiton groen viooltjie G W Lactuca serriola L. prickly lettuce A W Lagurus ovatus L. hare's tail, haasstertgras A P L Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. red dagga, rivierdagga, wildedagga S L Leucadendron rubrum Burm.f. dikkopeierbos, tolletjiesbos S P Leucadendron cv. Safari sunset planted hybrid S L Leucadendron salicifolium (Salisb.) I.Williams common stream conebush, rivier-tolbos TS L Leucadendron salignum P.J.Bergius common sunshine conebush, knoppiesbossie S L Leucadendron xanthoconus (Kuntze) K.Schum. sickle-leaf conebush S L Leysera gnaphalodes (L.) L. geelblommetjietee, skilpadteebossie DS I-1b Ligustrum sp. cf. L. vulgare * common privet S I-1b Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. statice, sea lavender DS

92 | P a g e W ?? Limonium perezii (Stapf) F.T.Hubbard Perez's sea lavender DS L Lobelia coronopifolia L. wild lobelia Herb W Lolium multiflorum Lam. * Italian ryegrass, meerjarige raaigras A W Lotus subbiflorus Lag. hairy bird's-foot trefoil Herb W Lupinus mutabilis Sweet lupine A E Malus sp. * pome fruit TS L Maytenus acuminata (L.f.) Loes. silky bark, sybas T L Maytenus oleoides (Lam.) Loes. rock candlewood, klipkershout T W Medicago polymorpha L. burr clover A I-1b Melia azedarach L. seringa, sering T L Melianthus major L. kruidjie-roer-my-nie S L Melasphaerula ramosa (L.) N.E. Br. baardmannetjie G L Metalasia muricata (L.) D. Don. blombos S L Metrosideros angustifolius (L.) Sm. lance-leaved myrtle, smalblaar TS L Mohria caffrorum (L.) Desv. brandbossie Fern L Moraea sp. tulp G Morella integra (A.Chev.) Killick western or false lance-leaf waxberry, westelike L TS smalblaarloerier L Morella serrata (Lam.) Killick mountain waxberry, smalblaar-wasbessie TS Myoporum montanum R.Br. (= M. tenuifolium G. manatoka I-3 T Forst.) * I-1b Myriophyllum spicatum L. * spiked water milfoil Aq herb L Myrsine africana L. African boxwood, Cape myrtle, vlieëbossie S I-2 Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton * watercress Herb L Nuxia floribunda Benth. vlier T Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f. var. caerulea (Savigny) blue water lily, waterlelie L Aq G Verdc. L Nymphoides thunbergiana (Griseb.) Kuntze water snowflake, geelwateruintjie Aq G W Oenothera biennis L. * evening primrose S L Oftia africana (L.) Bocq. lazy bush, sukkelbossie S L Olea europaea L. subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S. Green wild olive, wilde olyf T L Olinia ventosa (L.) Cufod. hard pear, hardepeer T L Orphium frutescens (L.) E.Mey. teeringsbos DS L Osteospermum (= Chrysanthemoides) moniliferum L. bietou S L Otholobium (= Psoralea) hirtum (L.) C.H.Stirt. grys keurtjie S P NL Othonna sp. - S

93 | P a g e L Oxalis pes-caprae L. yellow sorrel, geelsuring G L Oxalis polyphylla Jacq. vingersuring G L Oxalis purpurea L. groot suring G L Panicum maximum Jacq. blousaadgras Grass W I Papaversp. poppy A I-1b Paraserianthes (= Albizia) lophantha (Willd.) Nielsen * stink bean TS L Paspalum distichum L. water couch Grass W Paspalum urvillei Steud. * tall paspalum Grass L Paspalum vaginatum Sw. swamp couch, brak kweek Grass L Passerina corymbosa Eckl. ex C.H. Wright sand gannabos S NT L Pauridia minuta (L.f.) T. Durand & Schinz + koringblommetjie G L Pelargonium alchemilloides (L.) L'Hér. wilde malva DS L Pelargonium capitatum (L.) L'Hér. rose-scented pelargonium DS L Pelargonium cucullatum (L.) L'Hér. hooded-leaf pelargonium, wilde malva S L Pellaea pteroides (L.) Prantl. myrtle fern Fern I-1b, W I Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov. * kikuyu grass, kikoejoegras Grass L Pennisetum macrourum Trin. ruigtegras Grass I-1b Pennisetum setacea (Forssk.) Chiov. * fountain grass Grass W Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Gray * spotted knotweed, hanekam Herb W Petrorhagia prolifera (L.) P.W.Ball & Heywood proliferous pink, slanke mantelanjer Herb L Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud. common reed, fluitjiesriet Grass I-1b Phytolacca octandra L. * inkberry, bobbejaandruif S I-1b Pinus pinaster Aiton * cluster pine, den T E Pinus pinea L. * stone pine, kroonden T Pittosporum undulatum Vent. I-1b Australian cheesewood, sweet pittosporum TS W Plantago lanceolata L. plantain Herb E, I Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd. * London plane T Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. smelly spur flower DS, Succ P WC Plumbago auriculata Lam. plumbago, syselbos S W Poaceae * various annual grasses Grass Podalyria calyptrata (Retz.) Willd. large pink water blossom pea, gewone keurtjie L TS Podocarpus elongatus (Aiton) L'Hér. ex Pers. red-berried yellowwood, Breederivier-geelhout L T P L Polygala myrtifolia L. September bush, blou-ertjieboom TS W Polygonum aviculare L. * prostrate knotweed Herb

94 | P a g e I-1b Pontaderia cordata pickerel weed Aq I-2 Populus x canescens (Aiton) Sm. * grey poplar T E, P Populus deltoides W.Bartram ex Marshall matchwood poplr T DEC L Prionium serratum (L.f.) Drège ex E. Mey. + palmiet Aq S L Protea burchellii Stapf Burchell's sugarbush S L Protea repens (L.) L. sugarbush, suikerkan TS Psoralea aphylla L. leafless or naked fountain bush, bloukeur, L TS fonteinbos L Psoralea pinnata L. fountain bush, bloukeur, fonteinbos TS L Putterlickia pyracantha (L.) Szyszyl. baster pendoring, branddoring S L Pycreus polystachyos (Rottb.) P. Beauv. waterbiesie Sedge E, I Quercus palustris Münchh. non Regel ex A. DC. pinoak T E, I Quercus robur L. * English oak, steeleik T DEC L Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez. + Cape beech, boekenhout T W Raphanus raphanistrum L wild radish, wilde mostert A W Rapistrum rugosum (L.) All annual bastard cabbage A L Restio subverticillatus (Steud.) Mast. river restio Restio RSA Rhynchelytrum repens (Will.) C.E.Hubb ** Natal red top Grass I-2 Ricinus communis L. * castor oil, bosluisie S I-1b Rubus cuneifolius Pursh American bramble S W Rumex aquaticus L. * red dock Aq herb W Rumex crispus L. * curly dock Herb L cf. Ruppia sp. tasselweed Aq herb L Ruschia sp. cf. R. diversifolia L. Bolus vygie Succ E, I Salix babylonica L. * weeping willow, treur wilg T E, P Salix matsudana Koidz. * Chinese willow, corkscrew willow T L Salix mucronata Thunb. Cape bush willow T E Salix sp. willow T L Salvia africana-caerulea L. blousalie S P Salvia leucantha Mexican sage S P Salvia hybrid salvias S L Satyrium coriifolium Sw. ewwa-trewwa G I-1b Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi * Brazilian pepper T L Searsia (Rhus) angustifolia (L.) F.A. Barkley taaibos S P WC Searsia chirindensis (Baker f.) Moffett red currant, bostaaibos T P L Searsia (Rhus) crenata (Thunb.) Moffett korentebessie S

95 | P a g e L Searsia (Rhus) glauca (Thunb.) Moffett rosyntjiebessie S L Searsia (Rhus) laevigata (L.) F.A. Barkley var. hirsuta kraaibessie S L Searsia (Rhus) laevigata (L.) F.A. Barkley var. villosa kraaibessie S P RSA Searsia leptodictya (Diels) T.S.Yi, A.J.Mill. & J.Wen rock karee T P RSA Searsia (Rhus) pendulina (Jacq.) Moffett ** wit karee T L Searsia (Rhus) tomentosa (L.) F.A.Barkley bicoloured currant, korentetaaibos S RSA Senecio pterophorus DC. * perdegifbos S L Senecio rigidus L. ragwort S Senna didymobotrya (Frresen.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby peanut butter cassia I-1b S (= Cassia hirsuta) I-1b Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth. * red sesbania Aq S RSA Setaria megaphylla (Steud.) T. Durand & Schinz. coarse bristle grass, ribbon grass Grass I-1b Solanum mauritianum Scop. * bugweed tree, luisboom TS L Solanum africanum Mill. dronkbessie Herb W Sonchus oleraceus L. * sowthistle, gewone sydissel Herb I-1b Spartium junceum L. Spanish broom S L Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth brak kweek Grass L Spyrogyra sp. sluik Aq herb L Stachys aethiopica L. Klein katterkruie, katbossie DS L Stoebe plumosa (L.) Thunb. slangbossie S L Strumaria tenella (L.f.) Snijman Cape snowflake G P RSA Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex C. Krauss ** waterboom T WC Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. sagewood, basterolien, wildekanferbos T E-I Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. swamp cypress, bald cypress T P RSA Tecomaria capensis (Thunb.) Spach Cape honeysuckle, Kaapse kanferfoelie S L Tetragonia spicata L.f. klapperbrak Succ L Tetraria cuspidata (Rottb.) C.B. Clarke biesiegras Sedge L Thesium densiflorum A.DC. S E, I Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims black-eyed susan vine C L Tribolium uniolae (L.f.) Renvoize haasgras Grass W Trifolium angustifolium L. * wildeklawer A W Tropaeolum majus L. * nasturtium, kappertjie Aq herb Typha capensis (Rohrb.) N.E.Br. bulrush, papkuil L S L Urginea sp. - G

96 | P a g e L Ursinia anthemoides (L.) Poir. - A P WC Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso sweet thorn, Karoodoring(boom) T I-1b Verbena bonariensis L. wild verbena, bluetop S W Vicia hirsuta (L.) Gray * vetch A I-1b Vinca major L. * greater periwinckle S L Virgilia oroboides (P.J. Bergius) T.M. Salter keurboom TS P Vitis vinifera cv. vines S L Wachendorfia thyrsiflora Burm. river bloodroot G L Watsonia marginata (L.f.) Ker Gawl. kanolpypie G L Watsonia meriana (L.) Mill. suurkanolpypie G P Watsonia hybrid watsonia G L Wiborgia fusca Thunb. penny pod, ertjiebos S I-1b Xanthium strumarium L. burweed, kankerroos Aq herb L Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) Spreng. arum lily G 181 = Total number of RSA indigenous spp. Annual herbs = 25 110 = Total number of exotic spp. Aquatic herb = 7 = Total number of Species of Conservation 5 Concern Aquatic shrub = 2 163 = Total number of Local indigenous spp. Aquatic geophyte = 4 274 = Total number of plants listed Aquatic herb = 7 Herbaceous = 12

Ferns = 4

Geophytes = 30

Grasses = 22

Sedges = 10

Restios = 3

Dwarf shrubs = 13

Succulent shrub = 6

Shrubs = 65

Tall Shrubs = 23

Trees = 41

Climbers = 5

97 | P a g e Appendix A.2: Exotic plant species recorded at De Zalze Estate

Indigenous Growth form. A = Annual; Aq = E = L=local, Aquatic; H = Exotic; NL=Not hemicryptophyt W = Local, e; G = Taxa (144) [+ = RDB (3); ** = Out of weed; I-? WC= wider Geophyte; natural distribution range (4); * = exotic Common names Grass; S = = Invader West invasive(47)] Shrub; DS = category; Cape; Dwarf shrub; TS P = RSA=wider = Tall shrub; T = Planted South Tree; Succ = Succulent; C = Africa Climber I-1b Acacia cyclops A.Cunn. ex G.Don * rooikrans TS I-1b Acacia longifolia (Andr.) Willd. * long leaf wattle TS I-2 Acacia mearnsii De Wild. * black wattle T I-1b Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L.Wendl. * port jackson willow TS P Agapanthus sp. agapanthus cultivar G E, W Allium triquetrum L.f. * three-cornered leak G E, I Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn black alder T W Anagallis arvensis L. * pimpernel, rooimuur Herb I-1b Arundo donax L. Spanish reed Grass Avena fatua L. * common wild oats, W A wildehawer Briza maxima L. * quaking grass, groot W A klokkiesgras W Briza minor L. lesser quaking-grass A W Bromus catharticus Vahl rescue grass A Bromus diandrus Roth ripgut brome, W A langnaaldbromus I-1b, P Canna indica L. * canna S E, I Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch pecan T I-1b, I-2 Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. * beefwood T W Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Airy-Shaw Scotch thistle Herb E Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott * elephants ear, taro Aq G E Commelina benghalensis L. * blue wandering jew DS Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist * tall fleabane, W A vaalskraalhans P Cyathea cooperi (F. Muell.) Domin * tree fern Fern W Cyperus esculentus L. * uintjie Sedge P WC Dais cotinifolia L. pompon-tree, basboom T Dittrichia graveolens (L.) Greuter stinkwort, Kaapse W A khakiebos I-1b Echium plantagineum L. * purple echium A P L Elegia tectorum (L.f.) Moline & H.P.Linder dakriet Restio I-1b Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. red river gum T Euryops pectinatus (L.) Cass. grey euryops, golden P WC S daisy bush I-3 Grevillea robusta A.Cunn. ex R.Br. Australian silky oak T Grewia occidentalis L. cross-berry, kruisbessie, P WC rosyntjiebos C W Hordeum murinum L. * wild barley, wildegars Grass W Hypochaeris radicata L. * wild lettuce, skaapslaai A Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. Cotton-wool grass, W G sygras I-1b Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth. * morning glory C

98 | P a g e P L Kniphofia sp. red hot poker, vuurpyl G W Lactuca serriola L. prickly lettuce A W Lagurus ovatus L. hare's tail, haasstertgras A Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. red dagga, rivierdagga, P L S wildedagga P Leucadendron cv. Safari sunset planted hybrid S I-1b Ligustrum sp. cf. L. vulgare * common privet S W Limonium perezii ?? (Stapf) F.T.Hubbard Perez's sea lavender DS I-1b Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. statice, sea lavender DS Lolium multiflorum Lam. * Italian ryegrass, W meerjarige raaigras A W Lotus subbiflorus Lag. hairy bird's-foot trefoil Herb W Lupinus mutabilis Sweet lupine A E Malus sp. * pome fruit TS W Medicago polymorpha L. burr clover A I-1b Melia azedarach L. seringa, sering T Myoporum montanum R.Br. (= M. manatoka I-3 tenuifolium G. Forst.) * T I-1b Myriophyllum spicatum L. * spiked water milfoil Aq herb I-2 Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton * watercress Herb W Oenothera biennis L. * evening primrose S P NL Othonna sp. - S W I Papaversp. poppy A Paraserianthes (= Albizia) lophantha stink bean I-1b TS (Willd.) Nielsen * W Paspalum urvillei Steud. * tall paspalum Grass Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov. * kikuyu grass, I-1b, W I kikoejoegras Grass I-1b Pennisetum setacea (Forssk.) Chiov. * fountain grass Grass Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Gray * spotted knotweed, W Herb hanekam Petrorhagia prolifera (L.) P.W.Ball & proliferous pink, slanke W Heywood mantelanjer Herb I-1b Phytolacca octandra L. * inkberry, bobbejaandruif S I-1b Pinus pinaster Aiton * cluster pine, den T E Pinus pinea L. * stone pine, kroonden T Pittosporum undulatum Vent. Australian cheesewood, I-1b sweet pittosporum TS W Plantago lanceolata L. plantain Herb E, I Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd. * London plane T P WC Plumbago auriculata Lam. plumbago, syselbos S W Poaceae * various annual grasses Grass Polygala myrtifolia L. September bush, blou- P L TS ertjieboom W Polygonum aviculare L. * prostrate knotweed Herb I-1b Pontaderia cordata pickerel weed Aq E, P Populus deltoides W.Bartram ex Marshall matchwood poplr T I-2 Populus x canescens (Aiton) Sm. * grey poplar T Quercus palustris Münchh. non Regel ex pinoak E, I T A. DC. E, I Quercus robur L. * English oak, steeleik T W Raphanus raphanistrum L wild radish, wilde mostert A W Rapistrum rugosum (L.) All annual bastard cabbage A I-2 Ricinus communis L. * castor oil, bosluisie S I-1b Rubus cuneifolius Pursh American bramble S

99 | P a g e W Rumex aquaticus L. * red dock Aq herb W Rumex crispus L. * curly dock Herb E, I Salix babylonica L. * weeping willow, treur wilg T Salix matsudana Koidz. * Chinese willow, E, P T corkscrew willow E Salix sp. willow T P Salvia hybrid salvias S P Salvia leucantha Mexican sage S I-1b Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi * Brazilian pepper T P L Searsia (Rhus) crenata (Thunb.) Moffett korentebessie S P RSA Searsia (Rhus) pendulina (Jacq.) Moffett ** wit karee T P WC Searsia chirindensis (Baker f.) Moffett red currant, bostaaibos T Searsia leptodictya (Diels) T.S.Yi, A.J.Mill. rock karee P RSA T & J.Wen Senna didymobotrya (Frresen.) H.S.Irwin & peanut butter cassia I-1b Barneby (= Cassia hirsuta) S I-1b Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth. * red sesbania Aq S I-1b Solanum mauritianum Scop. * bugweed tree, luisboom TS Sonchus oleraceus L. * sowthistle, gewone W Herb sydissel I-1b Spartium junceum L. Spanish broom S Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex C. Krauss waterboom P RSA T ** Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. swamp cypress, bald E-I T cypress Tecomaria capensis (Thunb.) Spach Cape honeysuckle, P RSA Kaapse kanferfoelie S E, I Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims black-eyed susan vine C W Trifolium angustifolium L. * wildeklawer A W Tropaeolum majus L. * nasturtium, kappertjie Aq herb Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso sweet thorn, P WC T Karoodoring(boom) I-1b Verbena bonariensis L. wild verbena, bluetop S W Vicia hirsuta (L.) Gray * vetch A I-1b Vinca major L. * greater periwinckle S P Vitis vinifera cv. vines S P Watsonia hybrid watsonia G I-1b Xanthium strumarium L. burweed, kankerroos Aq herb

100 | P a g e Appendix A.3: Listed invader plant species for the De Zalze Estate (December 2017)

E = Indigenous Exotic; L=local, Growth form. A = Annual; Aq = W = WC= wider Aquatic; H = hemicryptophyte; weed; I-? West Taxa (144) [+ = RDB (3); ** = Out of natural G = Geophyte; Grass; S = RDB Common names = Invader Cape; distribution range (4); * = exotic invasive(47)] Shrub; DS = Dwarf shrub; TS = category; RSA=wider Tall shrub; T = Tree; Succ = Succulent; C = Climber P = South Planted Africa

I-1b Acacia cyclops A.Cunn. ex G.Don * rooikrans TS I-1b Acacia longifolia (Andr.) Willd. * long leaf wattle TS I-1b Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L.Wendl. * port jackson willow TS I-1b Arundo donax L. Spanish reed Grass I-1b Echium plantagineum L. * purple echium A I-1b Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. red river gum T I-1b Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth. * morning glory C I-1b Ligustrum sp. cf. L. vulgare * common privet S I-1b Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. statice, sea lavender DS I-1b Melia azedarach L. seringa, sering T I-1b Myriophyllum spicatum L. * spiked water milfoil Aq herb Paraserianthes (= Albizia) lophantha (Willd.) stink bean I-1b TS Nielsen * I-1b Pennisetum setacea (Forssk.) Chiov. * fountain grass Grass I-1b Phytolacca octandra L. * inkberry, bobbejaandruif S I-1b Pinus pinaster Aiton * cluster pine, den T I-1b Pittosporum undulatum Vent. Australian cheesewood, sweet pittosporum TS I-1b Pontaderia cordata pickerel weed Aq I-1b Rubus cuneifolius Pursh American bramble S I-1b Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi * Brazilian pepper T Senna didymobotrya (Frresen.) H.S.Irwin & peanut butter cassia I-1b S Barneby (= Cassia hirsuta) I-1b Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth. * red sesbania Aq S I-1b Solanum mauritianum Scop. * bugweed tree, luisboom TS

101 | P a g e I-1b Spartium junceum L. Spanish broom S I-1b Verbena bonariensis L. wild verbena, bluetop S I-1b Vinca major L. * greater periwinckle S I-1b Xanthium strumarium L. burweed, kankerroos Aq herb I-1b, I-2 Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. * beefwood T I-1b, P Canna indica L. * canna S I-1b, W I Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov. * kikuyu grass, kikoejoegras Grass I-2 Acacia mearnsii De Wild. * black wattle T I-2 Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton * watercress Herb I-2 Populus x canescens (Aiton) Sm. * grey poplar T I-2 Ricinus communis L. * castor oil, bosluisie S I-3 Grevillea robusta A.Cunn. ex R.Br. Australian silky oak T Myoporum montanum R.Br. (= M. tenuifolium G. manatoka I-3 T Forst.) *

102 | P a g e Appendix A.4: Listed plant species in the wet and dry banks of the Blaauwklippen River De Zalze Estate (December 2017)

E = Indigenous Exotic; L=local, Growth form. A = Annual; Aq = Aquatic; H W = WC= wider Taxa (144) [+ = RDB (3); ** = Out of = hemicryptophyte; G = weed; I-? West A River B River RDB natural distribution range (4); * = exotic Common names Geophyte; Grass; S = = Invader Cape; Shrub; DS = Dwarf wetbank drybank invasive(47)] category; RSA=wider shrub; TS = Tall shrub; T = Tree; Succ = P = South Succulent; C = Climber Planted Africa

I-2 Acacia mearnsii De Wild. * black wattle T 1 I-1b Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L.Wendl. * port jackson willow TS 2 E, W Allium triquetrum L.f. * three-cornered leak G P E, I Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn black alder T P L Amaryllis belladonna L. March lily, belladonnalelie G R Ammocharis (= Cybistetis) longifolia (L.) Malgas lily L G P M.Roem. I-1b Arundo donax L. Spanish reed Grass 1 2 L Asparagus africanus Lam. katdoring G 1 L Asparagus declinatus L. krulkransie G 2 L Brabejum stellatifolium L. wild almond, wilde amandel T R R L Brachylaena neriifolia (L.) R.Br. Cape silver-oak, waterwitels TS R I-1b, P Canna indica L. * canna S 1 L Carpha glomerata (Thunb.) Nees vleibiesie Sedge P E, I Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch pecan T P Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. * beefwood I-1b, I-2 T 1

L Chasmanthe aethiopica (L.) N.E.Br. suurkanol G 1 L Cheilanthes hastata (L.f.) Kunze parsley fern Fern 1 L Cliffortia odorata L.f. wilde wingerd S 1 Cliffortia strobilifera L. bog rice bush, kammie-rysbos, L S R vleibos E Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott * elephants ear, taro Aq G 6 L Commelina africana L. yellow wandering jew DS 5 E Commelina benghalensis L. * blue wandering jew DS 5

103 | P a g e W Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist * tall fleabane, vaalskraalhans A 1 1 L Crotalaria capensis Jacq. Cape rattle-pod, geelkeurtjie S R L Cunonia capensis L. butter-spoon tree, rooiels T R R Cyclopia genistoides (L.) R.Br. common honeybush-tea, NT L gewone heuningbostee S R W Cyperus esculentus L. * uintjie Sedge 1 L Cyperus textilis Thunb. matjiesgoed Sedge 1 Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (L.f.) renosterbos L S 1 Koekemoer L Diospyros glabra (L.) De Winter bloubessiebos S 1 L Ehrharta erecta Lam. - Grass 1 Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees weeping love-grass, L Grass 1 blousaadgras L Erica caffra L. water heath, waterheide TS R R L Eriocephalus africanus L. kapokbos S R I-1b Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. red river gum T P Freylinia lanceolata (L.f.) G.Don river honey bells, L TS R R heuningklokkiesbos I-3 Grevillea robusta A.Cunn. ex R.Br. Australian silky oak T P L Halleria elliptica Thunb. bush honeysuckle S 1 L Halleria lucida L. ouhout, white olive TS R R L Hermannia alnifolia L. bos poproos DS 1 W Hordeum murinum L. * wild barley, wildegars Grass 1 I-1b Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth. * morning glory C P 1 L Isolepis prolifera (Rottb.) R. Br. vleigras Aq herb 2 L Juncus effusus L. biesie Sedge 1 L Juncus lomatophyllus Spreng. broad-leaved water sedge Sedge P L Kiggelaria africana L. wild peach T All 4 Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. red dagga, rivierdagga, P L S R wildedagga Leucadendron salicifolium (Salisb.) common stream conebush, L TS R I.Williams rivier-tolbos E Malus sp. * pome fruit TS 1 L Maytenus acuminata (L.f.) Loes. silky bark, sybas T R L Metrosideros angustifolius (L.) Sm. lance-leaved myrtle, smalblaar TS R 1

104 | P a g e Morella integra (A.Chev.) Killick western or false lance-leaf L waxberry, westelike TS R smalblaarloerier Morella serrata (Lam.) Killick mountain waxberry, smalblaar- L TS R wasbessie Myriophyllum spicatum L. * I-1b spiked water milfoil Aq herb P Myrsine africana L. African boxwood, Cape myrtle, L S R vlieëbossie I-2 Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton * watercress Herb P Olea europaea L. subsp. africana (Mill.) wild olive, wilde olyf L T All 5 P.S. Green L Olinia ventosa (L.) Cufod. hard pear, hardepeer T R Osteospermum (= Chrysanthemoides) bietou L S 1 moniliferum L. Otholobium (= Psoralea) hirtum (L.) grys keurtjie L S 1 C.H.Stirt. L Oxalis pes-caprae L. yellow sorrel, geelsuring G 4 L Oxalis purpurea L. groot suring G 1 L Panicum maximum Jacq. blousaadgras Grass 1 Paraserianthes (= Albizia) lophantha stink bean I-1b TS 3 (Willd.) Nielsen * L Paspalum distichum L. water couch Grass 2 W Paspalum urvillei Steud. * tall paspalum Grass 2 L Passerina corymbosa Eckl. ex C.H. Wright sand gannabos S 1 I-1b, W I Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov. * kikuyu grass, kikoejoegras Grass 1 5 W Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Gray * spotted knotweed, hanekam Herb 5 I-1b Pinus pinaster Aiton * cluster pine, den T 1 E Pinus pinea L. * stone pine, kroonden T 1 Pittosporum undulatum Vent. Australian cheesewood, sweet I-1b TS P pittosporum E, I Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd. * London plane T P W Poaceae * various annual grasses Grass 1 Podalyria calyptrata (Retz.) Willd. large pink water blossom pea, L TS R gewone keurtjie Podocarpus elongatus (Aiton) L'Hér. ex red-berried yellowwood, L T P 1 Pers. Breederivier-geelhout

105 | P a g e I-1b Pontaderia cordata pickerel weed Aq 1 I-2 Populus x canescens (Aiton) Sm. * grey poplar T 1 Prionium serratum (L.f.) Drège ex E. Mey. palmiet L Aq S 1 DEC + Quercus palustris Münchh. non Regel ex pinoak E, I T P A. DC. E, I Quercus robur L. * English oak, steeleik T 1, all 6, all DEC L Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez. + Cape beech, boekenhout T R L Restio subverticillatus (Steud.) Mast. river restio Restio R I-2 Ricinus communis L. * castor oil, bosluisie S 1 W Rumex aquaticus L. * red dock Aq herb P Salix matsudana Koidz. * Chinese willow, corkscrew E, P T P willow L Salix mucronata Thunb. Cape bush willow T 5 1 Searsia (Rhus) angustifolia (L.) F.A. taaibos L S 3 Barkley RSA Senecio pterophorus DC. * perdegifbos S 4 L Senecio rigidus L. ragwort S 1 I-1b Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth. * red sesbania Aq S 4 Setaria megaphylla (Steud.) T. Durand & coarse bristle grass, ribbon RSA Grass 2 Schinz. grass I-1b Solanum mauritianum Scop. * bugweed tree, luisboom TS 1 L Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth brak kweek Grass 1 L Tetragonia spicata L.f. klapperbrak Succ 1 E, I Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims black-eyed susan vine C P W Tropaeolum majus L. * nasturtium, kappertjie Aq herb 2 3 L Typha capensis (Rohrb.) N.E.Br. bulrush, papkuil S 4 I-1b Verbena bonariensis L. wild verbena, bluetop S 1 I-1b Vinca major L. * greater periwinckle S 1 1 L Wachendorfia thyrsiflora Burm. river bloodroot G R L Wiborgia fusca Thunb. penny pod, ertjiebos S 1 Xanthium strumarium L. burweed, kankerroos I-1b Aq herb 2 L Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) Spreng. arum lily G R 1

106 | P a g e Appendix A.5: Listed plant species in the wetlands and dams De Zalze Estate (December 2017)

E = Indigenous Growth form. A = C Wetlands & Exotic; L=local, Annual; Aq = Dams:- A = Dam Aquatic; H = W = WC= wider A; B = Dam B; CH Taxa (144) [+ = RDB (3); ** = Out hemicryptophyte; G = weed; I-? West Geophyte; Grass; S = Clubhouse; DV = D Dams RDB of natural distribution range (4); Common names E Dams Dry = Invader Cape; = Shrub; DS = Dwarf De Vleie; GD = Wet. * = exotic invasive(47)] category; RSA=wider shrub; TS = Tall Golf; FD = shrub; T = Tree; Succ P = South = Succulent; C = Fountain; E4 = Erf Planted Africa Climber 4

Acacia cyclops A.Cunn. ex G.Don rooikrans I-1b TS CH * I-1b Acacia longifolia (Andr.) Willd. * long leaf wattle TS 1, E4 LGZ Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L.Wendl. port jackson willow I-1b TS 2 LGZ * P Agapanthus sp. agapanthus cultivar G DV, P-GD, W Anagallis arvensis L. * pimpernel, rooimuur Herb DV Anthospermum spathulatum jakkalstert L S UGZ Spreng. Aponogeton distachyos L.f. waterblommetjie P-All L Aq G P dams L Aristea sp. aristea G DV I-1b Arundo donax L. Spanish reed Grass 1, E4 LGZ LGZ, UGZ L Athanasia crithmifolia (L.) L. klaaslouwbossie S E4 UGZ, DV L Athanasia trifurcata (L.) L. kouterbos, klaaslouw S DV Avena fatua L. * common wild oats, W A LGZ wildehawer L Berkheya herbacea (L.f.) Druce kaaldissel DS UGZ Brachylaena neriifolia (L.) R.Br. Cape silver-oak, L TS A waterwitels Briza maxima L. * quaking grass, groot W A 1 klokkiesgras W Briza minor L. lesser quaking-grass A DV UGZ, DV Bromus diandrus Roth ripgut brome, W A LGZ, A, B langnaaldbromus L Buddleja saligna Willd. ** basterolien TS 1 A, B

107 | P a g e L Bulbine sp. - G E4 Carpobrotus edulis (L.) L.Bolus suurvy UGZ, DV, A, L Succ 2 B Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. * beefwood I-1b, I-2 T 1 UGZ, DV, B

L cf. Ruppia sp. tasselweed Aq herb 1 Chasmanthe aethiopica (L.) suurkanol L G DV, B N.E.Br. W Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Airy-Shaw Scotch thistle Herb E4 UGZ, DV L Cliffortia odorata L.f. wilde wingerd S 3, CH, E4 Cliffortia strobilifera L. bog rice bush, kammie- L S R, CH UGZ P rysbos, vleibos Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist tall fleabane, W A 1 * vaalskraalhans L Conyza scabrida DC. tall fleabane A A A Crotalaria capensis Jacq. Cape rattle-pod, L S P P geelkeurtjie Cyathea cooperi (F. Muell.) Domin tree fern P Fern B * Cyclopia maculata (Andrews) Kies needle-leaf honeybush tea, NT L vleitee S R Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. common couch, gewone L Grass 3 LGZ, DV, B kweekgras W Cyperus esculentus L. * uintjie Sedge 1 DV Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (L.f.) renosterbos LGZ, UGZ, L S 1 Koekemoer DV, A, B WC Dietes grandiflora N.E.Br. yellow dietes G DV, A Dimorphotheca nudicaulis (L.) DC. ox-eye daisy, witmargriet L DS B var. nudicaulis Dimorphotheca pluvialis (L.) Cape rain daisy, L A UGZ Moench witbotterblom L Diospyros glabra (L.) De Winter bloubessiebos S E4 LGZ Echium plantagineum L. * purple echium I-1b A 1, DV LGZ, DV, A

Ehrharta calycina Sm. perennial veld grass, L Grass UGZ, A, B rooisaadgras L Ehrharta erecta Lam. - Grass B

108 | P a g e Ehrharta longiflora J.E. Sm. oat-seed grass, L Grass B hawersaadgras L Elegia capensis (Burm.f.) Schelpe water elegia restio Restio A Elegia tectorum (L.f.) Moline & dakriet P L Restio A DV A H.P.Linder Eleocharis limosa (Schrad.) - L Sedge UGZ Schult. L Epilobium hirsutum L. great willowherb S 1, A Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees weeping love-grass, L Grass B blousaadgras Eriocephalus africanus L. kapokbos LGZ, UGZ, L S P, R DV L Euryops multifidus (Thunb.) DC. resin bush, harpuisbos S A Euryops pectinatus (L.) Cass. grey euryops, golden daisy P WC S DV, A, B bush L Felicia fruticosa (L.) G.Nicholson blue aster DS DV Freylinia lanceolata (L.f.) G.Don river honey bells, P-GD, P- L TS DV, GD, CH heuningklokkiesbos FD Gomphocarpus (= Asclepias) cotton milkweed, L S DV fruticosus (L.) Aiton f. blaasoppies, vleiklappers Grewia occidentalis L. cross-berry, kruisbessie, P WC C DV, B rosyntjiebos Halleria lucida L. ouhout, white olive DV, A, B, P- L TS 1, A, GD, P-FD,

Helichrysum crispum (L.) D.Don kooigoed LGZ, UGZ, L S 3, E4 DV, A, B L Helichrysum foetidum (L.) Moench brandblaar, vleisewejaartjie A A Helichrysum revolutum (Thunb.) L S DV Less. Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf red swamp grass L Grass 1 DV UGZ & C.E. Hubb. L Hermannia alnifolia L. bos poproos DS A L Holothrix villosa Lindl. - G DV L Hymenolepis parviflora (L.) DC. - S 2 L Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf blougras Grass DV

109 | P a g e Hypochaeris radicata L. * wild lettuce, skaapslaai LGZ, UGZ, A, W A 1, DV B W Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. Cotton-wool grass, sygras G E4 Isolepis antarctica (L.) Roem. & sedge, biesie L A DV Schult. L Isolepis prolifera (Rottb.) R. Br. vleigras Aq herb DV, GD L Juncus effusus L. biesie Sedge DV, B L Juncus kraussii Hochst. biesie, rietjies Sedge 1, E4 L Kiggelaria africana L. wild peach T DV P L Kniphofia sp. red hot poker, vuurpyl G A, E4 W Lactuca serriola L. prickly lettuce A DV A W Lagurus ovatus L. hare's tail, haasstertgras A DV DV, A Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. red dagga, rivierdagga, P L S R DV, B wildedagga P Leucadendron cv. Safari sunset planted hybrid S DV L Leucadendron rubrum Burm.f. dikkopeierbos, tolletjiesbos S DV Leucadendron salicifolium common stream conebush, L TS R (Salisb.) I.Williams rivier-tolbos Leucadendron salignum common sunshine L S R R P.J.Bergius conebush, knoppiesbossie Leucadendron xanthoconus sickle-leaf conebush L S R R (Kuntze) K.Schum. Leysera gnaphalodes (L.) L. geelblommetjietee, L DS UGZ skilpadteebossie I-1b Ligustrum sp. cf. L. vulgare * common privet S 1 Lolium multiflorum Lam. * Italian ryegrass, meerjarige W A 1, E4 UGZ, B raaigras W Lotus subbiflorus Lag. hairy bird's-foot trefoil Herb P, DV, E4 W Lupinus mutabilis Sweet lupine A E4 UGZ L Maytenus acuminata (L.f.) Loes. silky bark, sybas T R-CH W Medicago polymorpha L. burr clover A E4 LGZ I-1b Melia azedarach L. seringa, sering T DV, E4 UGZ L Melianthus major L. kruidjie-roer-my-nie S 2, A, E4 DV Metrosideros angustifolius (L.) lance-leaved myrtle, L TS CH Sm. smalblaar I-3 Myoporum montanum R.Br. (= M. manatoka T 1, A

110 | P a g e tenuifolium G. Forst.) * I-1b Myriophyllum spicatum L. * spiked water milfoil Aq herb LGZ L Nuxia floribunda Benth. vlier T UGZ, DV Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f. var. blue water lily, waterlelie L Aq G P P caerulea (Savigny) Verdc. Nymphoides thunbergiana water snowflake, L Aq G UGZ (Griseb.) Kuntze geelwateruintjie Olea europaea L. subsp. africana wild olive, wilde olyf LGZ, UGZ, L T 1, E4 (Mill.) P.S. Green DV, B, GD L Orphium frutescens (L.) E.Mey. teeringsbos DS P Osteospermum (= bietou LGZ, UGZ, L S 3, DV Chrysanthemoides) moniliferum L. DV, A, B Otholobium (= Psoralea) hirtum grys keurtjie L S UGZ, DV (L.) C.H.Stirt. P NL Othonna sp. - S 1 L Oxalis pes-caprae L. yellow sorrel, geelsuring G 1 L Panicum maximum Jacq. blousaadgras Grass DV W I Papaversp. poppy A DV Paraserianthes (= Albizia) stink bean I-1b TS DV lophantha (Willd.) Nielsen * L Paspalum distichum L. water couch Grass 1 W Paspalum urvillei Steud. * tall paspalum Grass E4 UGZ, DV L Paspalum vaginatum Sw. swamp couch, brak kweek Grass P Passerina corymbosa Eckl. ex sand gannabos L S 1 LGZ, A C.H. Wright Pelargonium alchemilloides (L.) wilde malva L DS 1 L'Hér. L Pelargonium capitatum (L.) L'Hér. rose-scented pelargonium DS 1, A UGZ, DV Pelargonium cucullatum (L.) hooded-leaf pelargonium, L S B L'Hér. wilde malva Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov. * kikuyu grass, kikoejoegras LGZ, UGZ, I-1b, W I Grass 4, DV, A, B, E4 DV, A, B, GD

L Pennisetum macrourum Trin. ruigtegras Grass 7, A, B, E4 UGZ, GD Petrorhagia prolifera (L.) P.W.Ball proliferous pink, slanke W Herb DV & Heywood mantelanjer L Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud. common reed, fluitjiesriet Grass P LGZ, P

111 | P a g e UGZ, DV I-1b Phytolacca octandra L. * inkberry, bobbejaandruif S 1 W Plantago lanceolata L. plantain Herb 1 DV Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd. London plane E, I T P * Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. smelly spur flower DS, Succ P-GD P WC Plumbago auriculata Lam. plumbago, syselbos S DV Podalyria calyptrata (Retz.) Willd. large pink water blossom L TS R pea, gewone keurtjie Podocarpus elongatus (Aiton) red-berried yellowwood, L T R-CH L'Hér. ex Pers. Breederivier-geelhout Polygala myrtifolia L. September bush, blou- P L TS DV, A, B ertjieboom W Polygonum aviculare L. * prostrate knotweed Herb 1 LGZ Pontaderia cordata pickerel weed 2nd T I-1b Aq pond Populus deltoides W.Bartram ex matchwood poplr E, P T E4 Marshall Populus x canescens (Aiton) Sm. grey poplar I-2 T 2, E4 * L Protea burchellii Stapf Burchell's sugarbush S R R L Protea repens (L.) L. sugarbush, suikerkan TS R R Psoralea aphylla L. leafless or naked fountain L TS 1, A, DV, E4 UGZ bush, bloukeur, fonteinbos Psoralea pinnata L. fountain bush, bloukeur, L TS 2, A fonteinbos Pycreus polystachyos (Rottb.) P. waterbiesie L Sedge 1 Beauv. E, I Quercus robur L. * English oak, steeleik T CH Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Cape beech, boekenhout L T 1, R-CH A, B DEC Mez. + W Raphanus raphanistrum L wild radish, wilde mostert A UGZ W Rapistrum rugosum (L.) All annual bastard cabbage A UGZ Restio subverticillatus (Steud.) river restio L Restio UGZ UGZ Mast. I-1b Rubus cuneifolius Pursh American bramble S E4 UGZ W Rumex aquaticus L. * red dock Aq herb P W Rumex crispus L. * curly dock Herb 1, E4 LGZ

112 | P a g e E, I Salix babylonica L. * weeping willow, treur wilg T GD Salix mucronata Thunb. Cape bush willow R-GD, R- L T FD E Salix sp. willow T DV UGZ L Salvia africana-caerulea L. blousalie S 1 DV, A, B I-1b Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi * Brazilian pepper T 1 Searsia (Rhus) angustifolia (L.) taaibos LGZ, UGZ, A, L S 3, E4 F.A. Barkley B Searsia (Rhus) crenata (Thunb.) korentebessie UGZ, DV, A, P L S 1 Moffett B Searsia (Rhus) glauca (Thunb.) rosyntjiebessie L S UGZ, DV Moffett Searsia (Rhus) pendulina (Jacq.) wit karee P RSA T 1, A, DV DV, B Moffett ** Searsia (Rhus) tomentosa (L.) bicoloured currant, L S LGZ, UGZ F.A.Barkley korentetaaibos Searsia chirindensis (Baker f.) red currant, bostaaibos P WC T A, B Moffett Searsia leptodictya (Diels) T.S.Yi, rock karee P RSA T B A.J.Mill. & J.Wen RSA Senecio pterophorus DC. * perdegifbos S 1 A L Senecio rigidus L. ragwort S LGZ, DV Senna didymobotrya (Frresen.) peanut butter cassia I-1b H.S.Irwin & Barneby (= Cassia S E4 hirsuta) I-1b Solanum mauritianum Scop. * bugweed tree, luisboom TS 4, CH UGZ W Sonchus oleraceus L. * sowthistle, gewone sydissel Herb DV A L Spyrogyra sp. sluik Aq herb 1 Stoebe plumosa (L.) Thunb. slangbossie UGZ, DV, A, L S 5, E4 B Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex C. waterboom P RSA T 1, A Krauss ** Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. sagewood, basterolien, WC T B wildekanferbos Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. swamp cypress, bald E-I T E, CH cypress

113 | P a g e Tecomaria capensis (Thunb.) Cape honeysuckle, Kaapse P RSA S UGZ Spach kanferfoelie L Thesium densiflorum A.DC. S LGZ W Trifolium angustifolium L. * wildeklawer A E4 UGZ Typha capensis (Rohrb.) N.E.Br. bulrush, papkuil A, B, 6, A, CH DV, GD, LGZ, L S UGZ, LGZ, E4 UGZ, DV, GD, CH L Ursinia anthemoides (L.) Poir. - A UGZ, DV Verbena bonariensis L. wild verbena, bluetop UGZ, DV, I-1b S 3, E4 B B W Vicia hirsuta (L.) Gray * vetch A 1 LGZ, A, B Virgilia oroboides (P.J. Bergius) keurboom L TS 1 B T.M. Salter P Vitis vinifera cv. vines S B L Wachendorfia thyrsiflora Burm. river bloodroot G R, A, DV P Watsonia hybrid watsonia G A Watsonia marginata (L.f.) Ker kanolpypie L G B Gawl. L Watsonia meriana (L.) Mill. suurkanolpypie G E4 DV Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) arum lily L G 3, A, DV R, B UGZ, A, B Spreng.

114 | P a g e Appendix B.1: 2016 Dam Maintenance Plan For De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016a)

There are numerous dams on de Zalze, requiring different levels of maintenance. This plan does not include dam safety matters, which is recorded under a separate plan.

Monitoring:

The state of the dams must be monitored on a regular basis, at least 1 x month and the following must be inspected for:

a. Plant growth at the in- and outlets of the dams.

b. AIS plants & trees

c. Algae (summer)

d. General plant growth in the dams, especially the indigenous but invasive Typha capensis (Bulrush)

The inspections will be completed by either or both the Environmental Manager, Crown manager or supervisor.

Action:

a. Plant growth at in and outlets must be cut back and thereafter managed either by cutting back regularly or spraying with Kilomax/Slash which has the least impact on the environment. It is important to ensure that this is done to ensure proper in and outflow of water.

b. Remove AIS as much as possible. Large trees will be removed as per the AIS removal plan on a long term basis due to the cost. The Canadian water weed, found in the Grootte Zalze dam must be managed as it is not possible to completely remove due to the aggressive growth cycle of these plants.

c. Algae is notoriously difficult to manage and herbicide use is not encouraged due to its effect on the environment. The Biosprites were not successful. The management will form part of the long term plan.

d. General plant growth will be managed by cutting back. Most work will be done to keep bulrush growth in check.

Teams & Equipment:

a. The current method of maintenance is by making use of a Crown SMA team which consists of 8-10 employees and a tractor driver.

b. The equipment used are weed eaters, rakes, forks and pangas as well as the tractor and wagon to remove the cut growth to the compost area.

Removal:

The teams will remove the waste to the compost area for composting. Space is at a premium with the result that reeds currently will be removed to a designated area on Erf 4 as agreed with the farm management.

115 | P a g e Schedule & Reporting:

a. The schedule for monitoring and reporting is attached to this plan. This will vary from season to season and the growth rate of the relevant flora and the environmental manager and supervisors will have the discretion to deviate from the schedule.

b. Monthly reporting on work performed will be provided by Crown, including photographs of work done.

Long term planning:

a. Algae mainly occur in the Grootte Zalze dam due to the shallow parts and there is also some algae in the De Vleie dam. Many management attempts have been made to manage the algae in the past years. The bacteria utilised in 2013 was 60% successful. The Biosprites purchased in 2015 had no success and will be removed. Future planning consists of making use of the following management options:

 Removal of the Canadian water weed (AIS)by hand:

Algae lie on the Canadian water weed, dies, rots and sinks to the bottom. Removing the weed should help in managing the growth of algae. It is however a labour intensive, long and expensive treatment, as the weed grows very fast and we have not been able to eradicate it.

Bioremediation:

Environoc is a product that is able to overcome existing large quantities of nutrient rich levels that exist. The product reduces this to levels where the algae die off due to being outcompeted for the nutrients. The cost currently will be about R28500 per season.

Instructions will be obtained from the Trustees of the SMA Trust, which will be done by October 2016.

a. Removal and storage of the bulrushes are a concern as they cannot be mulched. Alternative measures will be investigated, to be completed by end 2016.

b. Dam teams:

A dedicated dam team is required to maintain the dam, also for dam safety. This will be actioned once the external audit and review of the De Zalze EMS has been completed, towards the end of 2016.

Review:

This plan will be reviewed on a regular basis as and when amendments are required.

Review: September 2016 by Elke Watson

116 | P a g e Appendix B.2: Wetland Maintenance Plan for De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016b)

There are 5 wetlands situated at de Zalze which perform an important filtering function of run-off water as well as seeping water before it enters the Blaauwklippen River. It is furthermore a haven for fauna, amongst others birds and otters.

Two of the wetlands are mostly populated by Typha capensis (bulrush) which has formed a mono-culture. There are indigenous plants and grasses in some areas of the wetlands.

There are 2 seeps situated at Erf 4 which hosts birdlife, including blue cranes.

A distinction is made between wetlands and storm water ditches carrying run off /storm water to the river or dams and which are also populated by reeds and other plants. These ditches do not fall under the requirements of legislation and is managed by the maintenance division of the estate.

Monitoring:

The wetlands must be inspected every 2 weeks for the following:

a. Growth of mono culture plants – Reeds, wilde wingerd, grasses. These are cut back to a distance of about 10m at the de Vleie wetland and 3m at the Eikenbosch Wetland. The man-made wetland is managed by the Golf Course and cut back on a regular basis.

b. AIS plants & trees

c. Waste

d. Fire risk

e. No blockages of water flow through sedimentation

f. Storm water channels flowing to wetlands (if applicable)

The seeps at Erf 4 must be inspected on a monthly basis.

The inspections will be completed by the Environmental manager and/or the Crown manager.

Action:

a. Invasive plant growth must be cut back with weed eaters on a regular basis, depending on the results from inspections. In certain cases where this is not possible due to the amount of reeds, the bulrush will be treated with Kilomax/Slash, to be done by the spraying technician employed by De Zalze

b. Remove alien invasive species. .

c. Remove debris/sedimentation if any.

Teams & Equipment

a. The current method of maintenance is by making use of a Crown SMA team which consists of 8-10 employees and a tractor driver;

117 | P a g e b. Spraying is done by the spray technician employed by de Zalze;

c. The equipment used are weed eaters and rakes.

Removal:

The teams will remove the cut plants to the compost area for composting. Space is at a premium with the result that reeds currently will be removed to a designated area on Erf 4 as agreed with the farm management. Waste must be left at the skip at the workshop for collection by wasteman.

Schedule & Reporting:

a. The schedule for monitoring is attached to this plan. The environmental manager will have the discretion to deviate from the schedule.

b. Reporting to take place on a bi-monthly basis (Crown currently)

Long term planning:

a. SMA team: A dedicated SMA team is required to maintain the wetlands as well as perform other SMA duties such as river maintenance. This will be actioned once the external audit and review of the De Zalze EMS has been completed, towards the end of 2016.

b. The EMS requires that the wetlands be rehabilitated. Once the external audit and review of the 2010 EMS has been completed, the relevant appointment of specialists to create rehabilitation plans will be made.

Review:

This plan will be reviewed on a regular basis as and when amendments are required.

Last reviewed: September 2016 by Elke Watson

118 | P a g e Appendix B.3: River Maintenance Plan for De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Watson 2016c)

The Blaauwklippen River meanders through de Zalze Estate for a distance of approximately 3kms. The river and riparian areas have been largely modified due to farm activities and the later golf course and housing development. In terms of the EMS the river and riparian areas should be rehabilitated as far as possible. De Zalze is a steward of Stellenbosch River Stewardship programme and makes use of an EPWP team to assist with clearing.

Monitoring:

The state of the river must be inspected on a bi-monthly basis for the following:

a. AIS plants & trees

b. Condition of large oaks and other trees on banks

c. Algae (summer)

d. General plant growth in and on the banks, especially the indigenous but invasive Typha capensis (Bulrush) and Commelina.

e. Waste

f. Signs of erosion and state of gabions

g. Signs of sewage spillage

h. POS areas care taken by residents that border the river

The inspections will be completed by the Environmental and/or Maintenance Managers.

Storm water monitoring (Maintenance Manager): 1 x month

a. Storm water outlets

b. Drainage/storm water channels

Storm water monitoring (Farm Manager):

a. Storm water outlets at farm (1 x month)

b. Contour drainage at farm (1 x month summer, bi-monthly winter)

c. Drainage & Storm water channels (as above)

Action:

d. Invasive plant growth must be cut back to ensure water may flow freely.

e. Remove AIS alien invasive species.

f. Remove oaks and other large trees that may be in danger of falling, except where no injury will occur.

g. Remove any fallen logs from the river.

119 | P a g e h. Cut back trees growing in the river bed to ensure free flow as well as erosion.

i. Ensure that storm water outlets/channels are regularly cleared.

j. Remove debris emanating from upstream activities on a regular basis.

k. Ensure that most sediment do not enter the river.

Teams & Equipment:

a. The current method of maintenance is by making use of a Crown SMA team which consists of 8-10 employees and a tractor driver;

b. Make use of the EPWP programme for river clearing when required.

c. The equipment used are weed eaters, rakes, forks and pangas, cutters and ghrops as well as the tractor and wagon to remove the cut growth to the compost area.

The maintenance team and farm team must ensure storm and run off management.

Removal:

The teams will remove the waste to the compost area for composting. Space is at a premium with the result that reeds currently will be removed to a designated area on Erf 4 as agreed with the farm.

Sewage spills:

a. There is an agreement with the municipality in place that the Estate must be warned if there is a spill from the Jamestown or Technopark sewage pump stations.

b. The Estate will send a notice to residents advising them of the spill.

c. The bioremediation process will start as soon as possible thereafter, depending on the availability of the product.

d. Weekly water quality tests will be conducted.

e. The spill will be reported to the DWA&S.

f. The results of the water quality tests will be sent to the municipality and the DWA&S.

Schedule & Reporting:

a. The schedule for monitoring is attached to this plan. Most of the work done at the river takes place during summer. The environmental manager will have the discretion to deviate from the schedule.

b. Bi-monthly reports are received from Crown regarding SMA work performed, including river work.

c. Work completed by the EPWP team is reported on an ad-hoc basis.

d. Maintenance & Farm manager: 1 x month.

120 | P a g e Long term planning:

a. River (SMA) team: A dedicated dam team is required to maintain the river as well as perform other SMA duties. This will be actioned once the external audit and review of the De Zalze EMS has been completed, towards the end of 2016.

b. The EMS requires that the river be rehabilitated and this is even more necessary to manage erosion of the banks. An Environmental Authorisation and General Authorisation have been issued and priority plans will be made once the external audit and review of the 2010 EMS has been completed.

c. To date the river was cleared up to the last village on the river. The farm (erf 4) was left as it is privately owned. In 2016 it was realised that the banks and some riparian areas are the property of the HOA and boundary poles demarcating this were installed. This section of the river must be cleared in conjunction with the farm and the EPWP programme. This will be postponed until the state of the river has been inspected, the biomass to be removed determined and when the teams are available.

d. Management of the invasive grass must be planned once the audit has been completed.

Review:

This plan will be reviewed on a regular basis as and when amendments are required.

Last review: September 2016 by Elke Watson

121 | P a g e Appendix B.4: Threatened Ecosystem Categories

The Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) provides for listing of threatened or protected ecosystems in one of the following four categories, with further qualification using criteria listed in the table below. The list of threatened terrestrial ecosystems presented here supersedes the information regarding terrestrial ecosystem status in the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) of 2004.

• critically endangered (CR) ecosystems, being ecosystems that have undergone severe degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human intervention and are subject to an extremely high risk of irreversible transformation;

• endangered (EN) ecosystems, being ecosystems that have undergone degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human intervention, although they are not critically endangered ecosystems;

• vulnerable (VU) ecosystems, being ecosystems that have a high risk of undergoing significant degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human intervention, although they are not critically endangered ecosystems or endangered ecosystems;

• protected ecosystems, being ecosystems that are of high conservation value or of high national or provincial importance, although they are not listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable

Criteria used to identify threatened terrestrial ecosystems, with thresholds for critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN) and vulnerable (VU) ecosystems

Criterion CR EN VU

A1: Irreversible loss of natural Remaining natural Remaining natural Remaining natural habitat habitat habitat ≤ biodiversity habitat ≤ (biodiversity ≤ 60% of original area of target target + 15%) ecosystem

A2: Ecosystem degradation and ≥ 60% of ecosystem ≥ 40% of ecosystem ≥ 20% of ecosystem loss of integrity* significantly degraded significantly degraded significantly degraded

B: Rate of loss of natural habitat**

C: Limited extent and imminent -- Ecosystem extent ≤ 3 Ecosystem extent ≤ 6 threat 000ha, and imminent 000ha, and imminent threat threat

122 | P a g e D1: Threatened plant species ≥ 80 threatened Red ≥ 60 threatened Red ≥ 40 threatened Red Data associations Data List plant species Data List plant species List plant species

D2: Threatened animal species associations**

E: Priority areas for meeting Very high Very high irreplaceability Very high irreplaceability explicit biodiversity targets as irreplaceability and and medium threat and low threat defined in a systematic biodiversity high threat plan

F: Fragmentation**

* Because of data constraints, Criterion A2 has been applied to forests but not to other vegetation types.

** Because of data constraints, Criteria B and D2 are dormant at this stage and thresholds have not been set for these criteria. Further testing of Criterion F is needed to determine whether it is a workable criterion for terrestrial ecosystems.

123 | P a g e

Appendix B.5: Categories for “Species of Conservation Concern”

Categories of threatened plants used in this study are extracted from Raimondo et al. et al. (2009), as follows:

 Extinct (EX) - A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. Taxa are listed as Extinct only once exhaustive surveys throughout the historic range have failed to record an individual.

 Extinct in the Wild (EW) - A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when it is known to survive in cultivation or as a naturalized population (or populations) well outside the past range.

 Critically Endangered (CR PE) - Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) taxa are those that are, on the balance of evidence, likely to be extinct, but for which there is a small chance that they may be extant. Hence they should not be listed as Extinct until adequate surveys have failed to record the taxon.

 Critically Endangered (CR) - A taxon is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the five IUCN criteria for Critically Endangered, and is therefore facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Quantitative thresholds based on the rate of population decline, small geographic range, small population size or very restricted distribution and the quantitative analysis of extinction rate within this criterion are given in Table 2.1 in Raimondo et al. et al. (2009).

 Endangered (EN) - A taxon is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the five IUCN criteria for Endangered, and is therefore facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Quantitative thresholds based on the rate of population decline, small geographic range, small population size or very restricted distribution and the quantitative analysis of extinction rate within this criterion are given in Table 2.1 in Raimondo et al. et al. (2009).

 Vulnerable (VU) - A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the five IUCN criteria for Vulnerable, and is therefore facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Quantitative thresholds based on the rate of population decline, small geographic range, small population size or very restricted distribution and the quantitative analysis of extinction rate within this criterion are given in Table 2.1 in Raimondo et al. et al. (2009).

 Near Threatened (NT) - A taxon is Near Threatened when available evidence indicates that it nearly meets any of the five IUCN criteria for Vulnerable, and is therefore likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

 Critically Endangered (CR) – A taxon is Critically Endangered when it is known to occur only at a single site, but is not exposed to any direct or plausible potential threat and does not qualify for a category of threat according to the five IUCN criteria.

 Rare – A taxon is Rare when it meets any of the four South African criteria for rarity, but is not exposed to any direct or plausible potential threat and does not qualify for a category of threat according to the five IUCN criteria.

124 | P a g e  Declining (DEC) – A taxon is Declining when it does not meet any of the five IUCN criteria and does not qualify for the categories Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened, but there are threatening processes causing a continuing decline in the population.

 Data Deficient Insufficiently Known (DDD) - A taxon is rated as Data Deficient Insufficiently Known when there is inadequate information to make an assessment of its risk of extinction, but the taxon is well- defined. Data Deficient is not a category of threat. However, listing of taxa in this category indicates that more information is required and that future research could show that a threatened classification is appropriate.

 Data Deficient Taxonomically Problematic (DDT) – A taxon is DDT when taxonomic problems hinder its distribution range and habitat from being well defined, so that an assessment of risk of extinction is not possible.

 Least Concern (LC) - A taxon is rated as Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the five IUCN criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened.

125 | P a g e Appendix B.6: Categories of Declared Weeds and Alien Invader Plants

(Extracted from http:/www.plantzafrica.com/miscell/aliens1.htm)

Declared Weeds & Alien Invader Plants

These are the plants which have been declared Weeds and Alien Invader Plants in South Africa in terms of the Regulations pertaining to the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 as amended. For more information, about alien plants please see: http://www.agis.agric.za/wip/ http://www.arc.agric.za/

Declared Weeds & Alien Invader Plants are divided into three categories:

Category 1 Plants. This is the strictest category. These plants may not occur on any land or inland water surface other than in a biological control reserve. Except for the purposes of establishing a biological control reserve, one may not plant, maintain, multiply or propagate such plants, import or sell or acquire propagating material of such plants except with the written exception of the executive officer.

Category 2 Plants. These are plants with a commercial application and may only be grown in demarcated areas (or biological control reserves). See the Government Gazette listed below for details relating to demarcated areas. Other provisions of category 1 apply.

Category 3 Plants. The regulations regarding these plants are the same as for category 1, except that plants already in existence at the time of the commencement of these regulations are exempt, unless they occur within 30 metres of a 1:50 year flood line of river, stream etc.

Plants which fall into Multiple Categories Plants in all categories listed by Common Name

These lists have been compiled from the information published in R.280 in the Government Gazette Vol 429: No 22166 of the 30 March 2001. R280 contains amendments to the regulations pertaining to the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act no 43 of 1983. For more information regarding these regulations, please see the Government Gazette (available from the Government Printer: Pretoria or Cape Town).

126 | P a g e Appendix C.1: Declaration of Independence of Practitioner C Boucher

In terms of Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act of 1998 specialists involved in Impact Assessment processes must declare their independence and include an abbreviated Curriculum Vita.

I, Dr Charles Boucher (Sole proprietor of C Boucher Botanical Surveys), do hereby declare that I am financially and otherwise independent of the client and their consultants, and that all opinions expressed in this document are substantially my own.

Date: 20 December 2017

CHARLES BOUCHER ...... 18 Patrys Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa

(Pr. Sci. Nat. registration no.: 737/83) ...... Telephone: 021 887 1421; 083 628 2570

127 | P a g e