We would like to thank Isabella for her valuable contribution to the committee. She handled the rather tricky portfolio of the Raapenburg Bird Sanctuary diligently and diplomatically. This small reserve forms part of TRUP (Two Rivers Urban Park) and the committee’s work involves interaction between the province, city and NGOs.

For those of you not acquainted with the Conservation Committee, a very brief introduction - Gavin Lawson, who brings valuable knowledge on legal process and local issues; Cliff and Suretha Dorse, who contribute on virtually every aspect of conservation, e.g. process, knowledge and sensitivity of areas and identification of any form of wildlife; Felicity Elmore, who could be thought of as the glue that holds the committee together and not infrequently is able to bring a new angle to a debate; Doug Harebottle, a specialist birder who needs no introduction, and Frank Wygold, one of the best-known educationalists in the City, with good reason.

In the past year we have covered a wide range of issues, both local and distant.
Local issues covered include:

Strandfontein - Victoria Day / Asief Khan continue to make progress in managing the water hyacinth, water levels and general maintenance. The hyacinth is a major problem and several methods for its containment/removal have not been able to be implemented, e.g. the weevil was not successful as conditions are too cold; herbicides are too damaging; the use of salt is too costly. Manual removal has been partly successful, but is very slow. Next season we hope to dry Pan S3 out completely and hopefully this plus heat will kill off the hyacinth.
The Information Centre is being revamped and should be open within the foreseeable future. Plans are afoot for a major fund raising campaign to enable us to complete a number of projects which include employing a student to study reasons for the lack of migrant waders while some resident species such as the Black-winged Stilt thrive. A management plan is required for a major area of strandveld that has been added to the eastern edge of the area. Funding for long term staffing will require intensive attention this coming year, as will the employment of bird guides and staff for the Julie te Groen Information Centre.

Raapenburg and 2 Rivers Urban Park - There is a threat of low cost housing. This could have a major impact on the wetland as housing will extend virtually to the water’s edge. This issue is being pursued together with the Oude Molen community and Cape Trust.

Edith Stephens - We have only intermittent contact with this reserve. In the coming year we intend putting in a concerted effort to help get the Cape Flats Bird Club established. Doug Harebottle has done invaluable work in heightening awareness of the birds in this area.

House Crow - At last there is good news. The registration of Starlicide is nearly complete, and baiting has recommenced. In December 2009/January 2010 nearly 1000 birds were killed. In Durban, which had a larger population, the eradication campaign has been very successful and the numbers of crows are below 50. So, if you are a twitcher and have not twitched the House Crow locally - do it now!

Slightly farther afield:

Bantamsklip - We have liaised with the Strandveld Tourism and Conservation Association to raise awareness and challenge the possibility of a nuclear power station in the Southern Overberg. Recent press reports suggest that this plan has been shelved. ESKOM has a history of changing its mind and we will be vigilant.
Major concerns were not for the site but for the power lines which could have had an adverse effect on a unique biome and increased mortality of Blue Cranes and bustards.

Wind Farms: There is an application to build a wind farm between Bot River and Caledon covering several thousand hectares. Reports from wind farms in other countries have reported very variable effects on birds - some have had virtually no casualties, whereas other sites have reported a significant number of strikes.It would seem that birds can become habituated to the turbines. An example is that Blue cranes have bred for several years at the wind farm near Darling without any casualties. Conversely, significant mortalities of a variety of birds from falcons to larks with elaborate aerial displays have been reported from other sites. We are therefore in a dilemma. BLSA has decided to set up a study group to determine no-go areas for wind farms to allow us to make decisions based on some sort of factual basis. We anticipate being involved in this process.

Flamienkvlei: The developers have resubmitted proposals to develop just the northern bank of the Berg River, but a number of aspects including the fish farming are not ecologically sound and Cape Nature has yet to comment. The birding community is somewhat divided on this issue but I am hoping for guidance from Cape Nature.

Langebaan: The final phase of the Shark Bay development has been announced and it will probably go through. Compared to the vast development that has already taken place, it will not have a major impact on the lagoon.

Finally, there is an application to prospect for minerals on farms in the Boland and even closer to home. Recent press reports suggest that the application will be rejected. We hope that this will happen, but will remain vigilant.

Dave Whitelaw
Chairman: Conservation Committee