Morninghill resident Steve Wilder, along with a group of other residents, did a nature walk recently at the Morninghill koppie in Bedfordview, where he noticed a number of invasive plants that are detrimental to the area.
The nature walk was organised alongside Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys, where the 10 to 11 group of residents enjoyed the scenery and plant life along the slope.
“This section of the koppie is special as it is naturally covered by a great diversity of grasses and flowering plants,” said Wilder.
Wilder said this includes the suikerbos proteas, the only bush naturally occurring on the koppie.
He said while on the walk he noticed a number of invasive plants.
“For many years going back to the early 2000s, a national government environmental department known as Working for Water (WFW) sent teams in annually to remove and poison invasive alien plants. Trees such as black wattle and bluegum are located on the southern slope of what is known as Morninghill.
“Around four years ago I noticed this was no longer happening and invasive trees were present and increasing,” said Wilder.
Wilder said he approached WFW and was told the responsibility rests with the landowner, being the City of Ekurhuleni.
“They were not yet able to address the situation, so towards the end of 2017 WFW agreed as a concession to address it, providing that Ekurhuleni developed an acceptable plan to monitor and take action going forward,” said Wilder.
He said by the middle of 2018 significant growth of these trees were again evident.
“Discussions as well as onsite meetings were held with Ekurhuleni personnel over the next year and more,” said Wilder.
He said in November some relief was done when a contractor appointed by Johannesburg City Parks removed and poisoned a number of trees.
Wilder said follow-up action to remove felled biomass and removal of additional trees farther to the east is hopefully to take place soon, as well as a long-term plan of action by the city.
“These trees are very tenacious and ongoing monitoring and action is required.
“If this placed is conserved it can be used for recreation such as nature walks. It really is a unique habitat,” said Wilder.
Request for comment was sent to the Department of Environmental Affairs on January 14 at 10am.
Comment was requested by January 16 at 9am,
Request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on January 15 at 10am.
Comment was requested by January 16 at 9am.
Request for comment was sent to Johannesburg City Parks on January 15 at 2pm.
Comment was requested by January 16 at 4pm.
By the time of going to print no comment was received.
Pixzar
