– Allan Heydorn

Removal of Acacia elata trees from the terrain of the Disa Jeugkamp

At the end of a hack on the western border of the Disa Jeugkamp in October 2014 by members of the Hack Group of the Kogelberg Branch of the BotSoc, it was agreed that there is little point in removing masses of A. elata saplings (Australian Peppertree Wattle) as long as the row of mature, seed-bearing trees remains standing. It was clear, however, that this could only be done by invoking the assistance of the relevant authorities. Allan Heydorn was mandated to attempt this, even though the chances of success were considered to be low. This mandate was later confirmed by the Committee of the Kogelberg Branch. The Committee felt however, that an effort to eliminate A. elata should not be restricted to the Disa Jeugkamp, as this species is spreading throughout Betty’s Bay, thereby lowering water tables and posing a serious risk during wildfires. The exceptional size (plus 20 m in height) of mature A. elata and their production of prolific amounts of seed, is a matter of particular concern. A. elata is listed under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) as Category 1b. Removal of A. elata is therefore enforceable by law.

Actions which followed these decisions by the Kogelberg Branch of BotSoc included:

• Discussions took place with Mr. Pagel Haefele, Manager of the Disa Jeugkamp and the Church Authorities who run this valuable educational facility. The Betty’s Bay wildfire which had destroyed several houses in the township in October 2014 was still in vivid memory. Had this fire, driven by a NW gale reached the Disa Jeugkamp and set the A. elata saplings and the mature trees alight, the consequences could have been catastrophic not just for the Jeugkamp but also for properties situated downwind including the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden.
• Further discussions took place with the Bio-Security Directorate of the Department of Environment Affairs (DEA), whose attention had already been drawn to Betty’s Bay by the recent wildfire. They followed up their concern by conducting an inspection on 17 December 2014, visiting amongst others, the Disa Jeugkamp. Pagel Haefele responded by drawing up a plan for the systematic removal of A. elata trees from the camp terrain.
• The Inspectorate furthermore requested assistance from the Kogelberg Branch of the BotSoc through the provision of information of other areas or properties in Betty’s Bay where A. elata was spreading. Ed Silberbauer and members of the Hack Group kindly provided the required information. This remains an ongoing task.
• SANBI and the City of Cape Town have Invasive Species Programmes (ISP) and Early Detection and Rapid Response Units (EDRR). Both are aiming at the removal of A. elata from the Greater Metropolitan Area. SANBI’s Invasive Species Programmes (ISP) is particularly interested in the removal of A. elata from the Jeugkamp and its surrounds, as SANBI is currently also clearing Banksia serrata from this area. Both these clearing initiatives have the objective of preventing biodiversity loss through re-invasion by seedlings in this region which borders on the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.
• Mr. Virgil Jacobs (Contract Manager for SANBI ISP in the Western Cape) followed up the DEA inspection by convening a meeting at the Disa Jeugkamp on 10 February 2015. In attendance were:

*Virgil Jacobs (SANBI ISP)
*Hannes Botha & Colleagues (Disa Jeugkamp Management)
*Ulrike Irlich (City of Cape Town EDRR)
*Tracy Sampson (Working for Water: DEA/OM)
*Jane Forrester (SANBI HPNBG)
*Edward Silberbauer (Hack Convenor, Kogelberg BotSoc)
*Pagel Haefele (Disa Jeugkamp)
*Allan Heydorn (Coastal & Marine Ecologist)

Points which emanated from this meeting included:

a. Pagel Haefele’s management plan for systematic removal of large A. elata trees on the Jeugkamp terrain was received with appreciation and given full support.
b. There was agreement with the comment of the Committee of the Kogelberg Branch of BotSoc that a further management plan incorporating a far wider area is required, because A. elata has already spread so widely in the township. This requirement needs ongoing discussion with SANBI/HPNBG, the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association and Overstrand Municipality. The cooperation of owners on whose properties the species occurs, is vitally important.
c. As the Disa Jeugkamp is run on a charitable basis, financial assistance would be required to cover the cost of felling the large trees. SANBI ISP agreed to assist as far as possible in this regard.
d. Disa Jeugkamp pointed out that while it agreed that the felling of A. elata trees was necessary, this agreement went hand in hand with some regret as the trees were an aesthetic feature providing very useful shade. The row of large trees clearly demarcated the western border of this educational/recreational facility. It was therefore requested that in the event of the necessary funds being found, the trees at the border should not be felled at ground level, but that about 3m of the trunk should be left standing. Assistance was also requested with the selection of non-invasive tree species which could be planted between the trunks of the felled trees to provide shade in due course.

It is gratifying to be able to report that through excellent collaboration of all involved, the above recommendations have now found practical application. The photos at the end of this report show that the A. elata trees on the border have been felled, but with portions of the trunks left standing as requested by the Disa Jeugkamp. While these trunks still provide a clear visual demarcation of the western border, the next step is to plant non-invasive shade-giving trees between the remaining trunks. This is particularly important as the lower western portion is used for camping and caravan sites, where shade is essential. It should be noted however, that the A. elata trunks have been ring-barked at ground level and poisoned to eliminate the possibility of coppicing. SANBI ISP will continue to do follow-up operations on this population.

What is essential now is:

Firstly: that regular follow-up removal of A. elata saplings in this area is organised as it is inevitable that a seed store of this (and other) invasive species remains in the soil.

Firstly: that regular follow-up removal of A. elata saplings in this area is organised as it is inevitable that a seed store of this (and other) invasive species remains in the soil.

Secondly: That a sharp eye is kept on the occurrence of A. elata elsewhere in Betty’s Bay on both municipal and private properties. While saplings and small trees are decorative, the consequences of allowing them to grow to maturity has been clearly demonstrated on the Disa Jeugkamp terrain.

What has happened on the Disa Jeugkamp terrain can truly be regarded as a success and it is appropriate to express sincere thanks to all involved in this effort. This includes the Management of the Disa Jeugkamp, the SANBI ISP without whom the trees would still be standing, the Bio-Security Directorate of the DEA, the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, the Kogelberg Branch of the BotSoc. (especially their Hack Group) and private property owners who have cooperated by removing A. elata from their gardens. Too many individuals have been involved in this effort to enable separate mention of all, but appreciation for each and every effort is enormous.

Nevertheless it needs to be accepted that the “Acacia elata Battle” in Betty’s Bay has not yet been won – as a matter of fact, as for all alien invasive species, an ongoing effort by Authorities and private individuals alike is required, to avoid further spreading.