Anger at tree felling on mountain
2007-04-25
RESIDENTS of Courtrai, Paarl South, are up in arms about the felling of the pine trees which has been taking place on the slope of Paarl Mountain below the Afrikaans Language Monument over the past few months.
The trees are situated on land belonging to the Department of Public Works adjacent to homes.
A spokesperson for the Monument, Horatio September, said that this felling was part of a country-wide program to eradicate alien trees.
“These pine trees are detrimental to the natural environment of the mountain, and in a time of severe water shortages such as we have been experiencing, they tap more water from the earth than any of the indigenous plants which grow on the mountain,” said September.
“With this felling, we want to encourage the growth of the natural fynbos in the area, and we will also be replacing some of the trees with indigenous ones. But not all the trees will be taken out - it is a thinning out process.
“The plan is to redevelop this area into a fynbos garden with picnic areas and walking routes for the public to enjoy.”
Furthermore, it is necessary to clear a section of approximately 20 metres to serve as a safe fire-break between the forest and the houses of Courtrai.
A spokesperson of the Drakenstein Municipality said that the whole of Paarl Mountain is to be rid of alien species within the next ten years.
“This is a national trend to rid our natural environment of alien and invasive vegetation which drain our natural resources.”
Although this may be the national trend, it remains a highly emotional affair.
A resident of Courtrai, Frank Meaker, said that the removal of the trees was a great loss to the green environment.
A member of the Paarl Mountain advisory committee said that the trees above Courtrai have become part of Paarl.
“The felling of these pines is going to disturb the landscape dramatically in this area.”
According to him, the actual culprit for destroying fynbos of the mountain is the wattle which has settled on the slopes and ravines of Paarl Mountain, multiplying at a rapid rate.
“The municipality should rather concentrate on this plague, instead of disturbing the beautiful pine forests of Courtrai” (see letter, page 7).
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