Introduction
FOBWA (Friends of Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area) was created in 2001 and serves the area by:
- promoting the conservation ethos with regard to biodiversity, cultural heritage, ecology and the geological history of the area
- the promotion of community involvement with regard to participation, enjoyment, education and safe guarding of all the resources in the area.
Projects specifically addressed by FOBWA have been:
Development
of more rest and ablution facilities on the main road through the
reserve. These will stop pollution of the reserve and reduce
pressure on popular sites. Alien
Invasive Vegetation Hacks For the last 5 years, Alien Vegetation
Hacks have been staged at the Riverside section of the Baviaanskloof
Mega Reserve. Participants spend the weekend collecting seedlings
and pulling up young trees. Larger trees are cut and the stumps
poisoned with herbicides. The species targeted are Sesbania Punicea,
Eucalyptus, black wattle and Australian willow . These invasive
plants spread aggressively, use large amounts of water and promote
devastating erosion. Wetland destruction and head-cutting of
riverbeds can be attributed to the presence of these trees. Tree
tagging: FOBWA placed tree tags at the Komdomo campsite as
well as at the Groendal Wilderness Area. Cycad
census: FOBWA has initiated a project to collect data on vulnerable
cycad specimens. The data collected is lodged with DEDEA and will be
used to highlight incidences of poaching. Willowmore
cedar restoration project: The plan here is to initiate a plan to
harvest seeds and to replant them back where they are found in the
right manner and right location to significantly improve success
rates. Initial thoughts are to start on private land working with
landowners. Promotion
of sustainable tourism activities. Restoration of the ECPTA house at Riverside. FOBWA members may be able to use the facility from 2015
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 Updating...
Ċ Fobwa Baviaans, Feb 5, 2012, 5:32 AM
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