Nature-loving tree-hugger, Ermelo:
With regard to the cutting down of the willow trees at the Pet Dam the following:
Willow trees such as the Crack or Brittle Willow (Salix Fragilis) and the Weeping Willow (Salix Babylonica) fall under a list of invader plant species in South Africa.
In other words, they are not indigenous to South Africa. They are both classified as category 2 invaders and this means they may be grown under controlled conditions.
They are thirsty trees and absorb a lot of water, so cutting them down is not an offence and may even be regarded as a necessary control measure.
The big issue at the Pet Dam was not the actual cutting down of a few trees, although some people might disagree.
As I see it, the main issue, besides the fact that the trees were seen to be “interfering” with the overhead power lines, was the lack of foresight and planning on the part of the municipality, because the trees were cut down during the nesting time of the hundreds of Egrets that inhabit the trees at the dam.
Apparently this was not taken into account or even considered to be a factor by the municipality.
The insensitive disruption of the nesting birds and killing of the young chicks is what incensed the community and emotions understandably ran high.
To see living creatures suffer in this way is what upset the community.
I certainly hope that in future expert advice will be called in and more consultation and planning will be done before performing tasks that affect nature and the environment.
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