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1 TRANSPORT FOR CAPE TOWN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT Koos Retief Biodiversity Area Manager: Milnerton T: E: T A B L E B A Y N A T U R E R E S E R V E QUARTERLY REPORT APRIL JUNE 2017 CONTENTS Pg. 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES CONSERVATION PLANNING FLORA FAUNA SOIL WATER FIRE PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION STAFF LAW ENFORCEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT APPENDIX A: MAP OF RESERVE APPENDIX B: PRESS ARTICLES The City of Cape Town s Nature Reserves webpage can be accessed by clicking this link. City of Cape Town Error! No text of specified style in document. 1

2 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A blue-green algal bloom in Rietvlei resulted in the closure of the water since 17/03/2017. Income from visitors at the Rietvlei Water Area during this quarter was therefore the lowest ever recorded. The water was only opened to the public again on 30/06/2017. The new visitor tariffs for the 2017/18 financial year came into effect the next day on 1/07/2017. The daily entrance fees and environmental education fees at the Rietvlei Water Area remained unchanged for the new financial year. Two Cape grysbok surveys were conducted in Milnerton Racecourse, indicating that the grysbok numbers are as high as 30 animals there. Other fauna monitoring activities included camera traps at Milnerton Racecourse, small mammal trap arrays in the Milnerton Lagoon, and an integrated water bird census. A Protected Area and Management Effectiveness Tracking review was conducted for the Nature Reserve on 20/06/2017. The Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) had its seventh meeting on 20/04/2017, which was attended by 24 representatives from 17 organisations. Alien and invasive plants that were cleared, including Port Jackson (Acacia saligna), Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops), Manatoka (Myoporum tenuifolium), Smooth prickly pear (Opuntia monocantha), Yucca species, Lavatera (Malva arborea), Spanish broom (Spartium junceum), Caster-oil plant (Ricinus communis), Spanish Giant reed (Arundo donax), Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), Red River gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), and Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) visited the Milnerton Racecourse on 26/04/2017 and the Coastal Section on 01/06/2017. CREW invited members of the staff and public to learn about identifying indigenous plants and monitoring threatened and endangered flora. The Milnerton Racecourse land swap restoration project started with the removal of compacted laterite gravel and the transfer of topsoil, mulch, seeds, and bulbs to the receptor site. Plant cuttings were taken from living plants in the Nature Reserve to propagate for later replanting into the restoration site. The dust control operation, that was intended to suppress dust emanating from the season pans, was stopped and all pipes and other materials were removed from the pans by 09/06/2017. Level 4 water restrictions were approved by the City of Cape Town. Rainfall remained below average for most of this quarter until June, when the measured rainfall at Rietvlei increased to above the average for that month. A very large storm hit the Western Cape on 7/06/2017, bringing with it significant rainfall, strong winds, and a very strong storm surge that pushed into the Milnerton Lagoon from the sea. A firebreak was constructed at the northern edge of the Coastal Section adjacent to the Dolphin Beach Hotel to prevent the possible spread of wildfires from the Nature Reserve onto the hotel property. Wildfires occurred in the Zoarvlei Section on 24/04/2017 and in the Diep River Section on 14/05/2017. The Nature Reserve facilities benefited 584 people over 24 event days. Environmental Education also generated 340 person days of benefit over ten event days. Training of permanent and temporary staff amounted to 24 person days over 11 training event days. Illegal overnight structures and displaced people were removed from various locations in the Nature Reserve, including the Coastal Section, Rietvlei Section, Zoarvlei Section and the Milnerton Lagoon. Other illegal activities included illegal footpaths, dumping of building rubble, littering, and illegal cattle grazing in the Diep River Section. Two site cleaning teams worked in the Zoarvlei Section to address the littering. Figure 1. A group photo of the Table Bay Nature Reserve team. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

3 2 HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES 2.1 CHALLENGE: A blue-green algal bloom in the Rietvlei Water Area resulted in its closure since 17/03/2017. It remained closed for public safety reasons throughout this quarter. The water was only reopened to the public again on 30/06/2017 after a consistent decline in the algae toxins was observed. The water was visibly green (sometimes almost opaque) and at certain times there were very toxic bluegreen scum layers that formed on the shoreline. Samples from these scum layers (sample code: RTV21) were analysed, and the toxin levels were almost as high as 1600 micrograms of microcystin toxin per liter at times. This exceeded the World Health Organisation s (WHO) guidelines for recreational water bodies by two orders of magnitude (see Figure 2 below). Apart from the scum samples, weekly water samples from the Milnerton Aquatic Club shoreline (sample code: MAC) and the Rietvlei jetty (sample code: RTV02) were analysed and graphs of the trends in the various parameters were maintained. The total count of blue-green algae (Cyanophyceae) cells as well as chlorophyll levels fluctuated throughout this quarter, but remained high. This indicated that blue-green algal bloom was persistent (see Figures 3 and 4). The most important parameter, however, was the microcystin toxins that are released from the algae cells. Results indicated a gradual and consistent decline in these toxins over a period of three months, even though some fluctuations were observed at times. The fluctuations could have been caused by variations in the ambient temperature, the amount of light exposure and light penetration into the water, as well as the effects of wind. Towards the end of the quarter it became clear that, despite there being high levels of algae in the water, the quality approached the standard of drinking water (1 microgram of microcystin toxin per liter) (see Figure 4 below). This justified the re-opening of the water to the public Mar Apr May Jun-17 RTV21 microcystins 10 micrograms/liter Figure 2. Microcystin toxin levels from scum samples at Rietvlei slipway (RTV21) Mar Apr May Jun-17 MAC Cyanophyceae RTV02 Cyanophyceae WHO moderate probability guideline Figure 3. Cyanophyceae (Blue-green) cell count from MAC shore and Rietvlei jetty compared to WHO guidelines Mar Apr May Jun-17 MAC Cholophyll-a RTV02 Chlorophyll-a WHO moderate probability guideline Recreational chronic limit WHO low probability guideline Figure 4. Chlorophyll-a levels from MAC shore and Rietvlei jetty compared to WHO guidelines Mar Apr May Jun-17 MAC microcystins RTV02 microcystins 10 micrograms/liter 1 microgram/liter Figure 5. Microcystin toxin levels from MAC shore and Rietvlei jetty compared to WHO guidelines. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

4 2.2 HIGHLIGHT: Two Cape grysbok surveys were conducted in the Milnerton Racecourse Section by contract reserve supervisor, Kyran Wright, on 26 and 28/06/2017 (see Figure 6 below). Kyran used Biodiversity Management Branch staff in order to determine whether a previous survey that was conducted by the former contract reserve supervisor, Landi Louw, and a team of public volunteers, was accurate. Some fauna specialists were of the opinion that Landi Louw s survey over-estimated the amount of grysbok, due to the inexperience of the public volunteers. The results from Kyran s survey however indicated that the grysbok numbers were indeed very high with perhaps even more animals than what Landi s team counted. Figure 6. Biodiversity Management Branch staff conducted a drive-count census of Cape grysbok in the Milnerton Racecourse Section. 3 CONSERVATION PLANNING 3.1 Protected Area reviews and Management Effectiveness Tracking reviews of the North Region s nature reserves were conducted on 20/06/2017. Table Bay Nature Reserve was one of the reserves assessed during the review, including also the Tygerberg, Blaauwberg and Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserves. 3.2 The Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) for Table Bay Nature Reserve had its seventh meeting on 20/04/2017. The meeting was attended by 24 representatives from 17 organisations, including: African Institute for Marine and Underwater Research, Exploration and Education (AIMURE) Cape Bird Club Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve CCT: Biodiversity Management Branch CCT: Environmental & Heritage Management Branch CCT: Environmental Health CCT: Subcouncil 1 CCT: Subcouncil 15 Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area Friends of Rietvlei Milnerton Aquatic Club Milnerton Central Residents Association Paardeneiland City Improvement District SANCCOB Sunset Beach Homeowners Association Centurion Academy Woodbridge Island Body Corporate Some of the items on the agenda included: Public participation process for the 'Haarlem' shipwreck test excavations, presentation by Dr Bruno Werz (AIMURE) SANCCOB upgrade construction works, presentation by Ms Nicky Stander (SANCCOB) Determining Water Resources Classes and Associated Resource Quality Objectives in the Berg Catchment (including Diep River), presentation by Mr Koos Retief on behalf of Ms Candice Haskins Milnerton Lagoon Water Quality, feedback by Mr Koos Retief Diep Estuary Action Plan, feedback by Mr Koos Retief Protected Area Advisory Committee, new application from Table View Ratepayers Association. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

5 4 FLORA 4.1 Alien and invasive vegetation was cleared in several of the Nature Reserve sections Hester Pentz, intern reserve supervisor at the Coastal Section, removed various alien species including Port Jackson (Acacia saligna), Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops), Manatoka (Myoporum tenuifolium), Smooth prickly pear (Opuntia monocantha), Yucca species, and Lavatera (Malva arborea) using a combination of manual removal and chemical control methods (see Figures 7 10). Figure 7. Felled Rooikrans plants near Dolphin Beach Hotel. Figure 8. Felled Rooikrans plants in the Coastal Section. Figure 9. Prickly pear plant about to be removed. Figure 10. A Yucca plant. We request neighbours to report alien plants that they might observe in the Nature Reserve and remember to never dump garden plants into the Nature Reserve. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

6 4.1.2 Reward Nzuza, intern reserve supervisor at the Zoarvlei Section, removed various alien species including Spanish broom (Spartium junceum), Caster-oil plant (Ricinus communis), Port Jackson (Acacia saligna) and Spanish Giant reeds (Arundo donax). The giant reeds concealed illegal structures for several years and they were therefore cut to discourage illegal occupation (see Figures 11 & 12). Figure 11. Cutting Spanish giant reed with a brushcutter. Figure 12. Applying herbicide to Spanish giant reed stems Christopher Singo, reserve supervisor for the Diep River Section, removed various alien species including Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), Red River gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), and Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (see Figures 13 16). The water hyacinth clearing programme, which is administered by a WESSA/Coke partnership project, came to an end on the 28/04/2017. Figure 13. Cutting off the Pampas grass inflorescences to prevent seed dispersal. Figure 14. Applying herbicide to the remaining Pampas grass plant. Figure 15. Ring-barking of Red River Gums. Figure 16. A stretch of the Diep River cleared of Water Hyacinth. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

7 4.2 The Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) visited the Milnerton Racecourse on 26/04/2017 and the Coastal Section on 01/06/2017 (see Figure 17 right). CREW invited members of the staff and public to join their expeditions in order to learn about identifying indigenous plant species as well as monitoring threatened and endangered flora. CREW regularly visits portions of the Nature Reserve including the Coastal Section, Diep River and the Milnerton Racecourse. Figure 17. Members of CREW visiting Milnerton Racecourse. 4.3 The Milnerton Racecourse land swap and restoration project was implemented by the environmental consultant, working for the racecourse, and the contract reserve supervisor, Kyran Wright: The compacted laterite gravel tracks and lunging rings in the land parcel that will be added to the Nature Reserve (sites 2 and 3) were excavated and removed. This was done because the laterite gravel was an artificial hard surface that was added by the Milnerton Racecourse some time ago, and this covered the natural vegetation. The laterite s removal will expose the original sand layer again and thereby provide an opportunity for the natural vegetation to push through. The site that will be lost to the racetrack re-alignment (site 1) was brush-cut to remove the vegetation, and the cut material was stockpiled, chipped and then used to spread as mulching on the bare sand areas in sites 2 and 3. This mulching contains some seeds and plant material that will introduce nutrients and assist with the establishment of natural vegetation on the bare sand areas. A layer of the topsoil was also removed from site 1 and used to fill in the excavated tracks and lunging rings in sites 2 and 3. The topsoil contains the seed bank of the indigenous vegetation as well as soil microorganisms that are required for nutrient cycling and other ecological processes. Various bulbs (geophytes) that were previously excavated from site 1 were replanted in sites 2 and 3. Plant cuttings were taken from living plants in the Nature Reserve. These cuttings will be propagated into new plants at the Westlake Veld Restoration Facility to be re-planted in the restoration site at Milnerton Racecourse next year. Figure 18. Biodiversity staff selecting plants to take cuttings from. Figure 19. Layout of the Milnerton Racecourse restoration project. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

8 5 FAUNA 5.1 Monitoring of fauna included setting of camera traps at Milnerton Racecourse to gather data about Cape grysbok densities, as well as small mammal trap arrays in the Lagoon section. The trap arrays included funnel-, pitfall- and Sherman traps and are being used to collect baseline data on fauna species. 5.2 An integrated water bird census was conducted on 21/04/2017. The census was done by the Nature Reserve team, covering 11 surveys sections. The water birds numbered a total of 3,874 birds comprising of 41 species (see Figures for details). 15 species with single-figure counts (totalling 43 birds) accounted for 1,1% of the water bird census, including: one Great crested grebe, Cattle egret, Purple swamphen, Kittlitz's plover, and Three-banded plover each, two Little grebe, Yellowbilled egret, Redbilled teal, and African fish eagle each, three Blackheaded heron and Caspian tern each, five African black duck and Mallard hybrid (alien) each, six African spoonbill, and eight African darter. 16 species with double-figure counts (totalling 530 birds) accounted for 13,7% of the water bird census, including: 10 Spurwinged goose and Pied kingfisher each, 16 Whitebreasted cormorant, 18 Cape teal, 23 Ringed plover, 25 Common moorhen, 31 African black oystercatcher, 32 Grey heron, 33 Little egret, 34 Cape wagtail, 36 Blackwinged stilt, 45 Reed cormorant, 50 Little stint and Swift tern each, 52 Cape shoveller, and 65 Greater flamingo. 10 species with triple-figure counts (totalling 3,301 birds) accounted for 85,2% of the water bird census, including: 108 Sacred ibis, 140 Blacksmith lapwing, 146 Redknobbed coot, 200 White pelican, 212 Yellowbilled duck, 349 Hartlaub's gull, 420 Unidentified waders, 441 Kelp gull, 530Egyptian goose, and 755 Lesser flamingo species with single-figure counts 16 species with double-figure counts 10 species with triple-figure counts Figure 20. Relative contribution of low, medium and high counts. Zoarvlei North, 24 Lagoon South, 144 Lagoon North, 453 Potsdam WWTW, 91 Zoarvlei South, 209 Diep River, 200 North Vlei, 889 Ibis & Aliens, 5 spoonbill, 114 Plover & waders, 736 Cormorant s, 61 Herons, egrets and darter, 79 Ducks & Geese, 829 Gulls & Terns, 843 Pelicans, 200 Milnerton Channel, 8 Dolphin Beach, 960 Central Pan, 307 South Vlei, 169 Fish predators, 12 Flamingoes, 820 Coots & Moorhens, 172 Grebes, 3 Figure 21. Relative contribution from each survey section. Figure 22. Relative contribution from the various bird groups. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

9 5.3 A Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) was observed in the Rietvlei Section by wildlife photographers, Jan and Frieda Prinsloo (see below Figure 23). Figure 23. A Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) (photo by Jan and Frieda Prinsloo). 5.4 Lesser and Greater flamingoes often flock together at Rietvlei. The Figure 24 below illustrates the differences between Lesser flamingo (left) and a Greater flamingo (right) as they stand together. Figure 24. Lesser flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) left and Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) right (photo: Jan and Frieda Prinsloo). CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

10 5.5 A Cape Grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) drive count census was conducted 26 and 28/06/2017 at the Milnerton Racecourse Section. Kyran Wright, contract reserve supervisor for the Milnerton Racecourse, planned the census and used City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management staff, students and interns for the survey. From the results of the survey it is estimated that there are more than 30 Cape grysbok in the Milnerton Racecourse Section (see Figures 25 27). In order to protect the Critically Endangered Cape Flats sand fynbos from over-browsing, some of these animals will be relocated to other nature reserves. Figure 25. Cape Grysbok trapped behind a fence at The Met residential complex was rescued & released in the Nature Reserve. Figure 26. Kyran Wright briefing the drive-count team. Figure 27. A very small baby Cape grysbok was observed in the Rietvlei Section (photo by Jan and Frieda Prinsloo). CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

11 6 SOIL 6.1 The dust control operation that was intended to suppress dust emanating from the season pans was stopped and all pipes and other materials were removed from the pans by 09/06/ WATER 7.1 Level 4 water restrictions were approved by the City of Cape Town, effective from 1 June 2017 until further notice. The following prohibitions are in place: RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS No watering/irrigation with municipal drinking water allowed. This includes watering/irrigation of flower beds, lawns, vegetables, agricultural crops, other plants, sports fields, golf courses, schools, learning institutions facilities, nurseries, parks and other open spaces. (Nurseries and customers involved in agricultural activities or with historical gardens may apply for exemption. See below.) City departments may only irrigate sports fields, parks, etc. using non-drinking water and upon agreement of days and times with Water and Sanitation department. Facilities/customers making use of boreholes, treated effluent water, spring water or wellpoints are encouraged not to water/irrigate within seven days after rainfall that provided adequate saturation. All boreholes and wellpoints must be registered with the City and must display the official City of Cape Town signage clearly visible from a public thoroughfare. For information on how to register, see Register a borehole. Flush toilets (manually using a bucket) with greywater, rainwater or other non-drinking water. Borehole/wellpoint water must be used efficiently to avoid wastage and evaporation. Borehole/wellpoint water users are strongly encouraged to irrigate only on Tuesdays and Saturdays before 09:00 or after 18:00 for a maximum of one hour. All properties where alternative, non-drinking water resources are used (including rain water harvesting, grey water re-use, treated effluent water and spring water) must display signage to this effect clearly visible from a public thoroughfare. Visit No washing or hosing down of hard-surfaced or paved areas with municipal drinking water allowed. (Users, such as abattoirs, food processing industries, care facilities, animal shelters and other industries or facilities with special needs may apply for exemption. See below for the process.) The use of municipal drinking water for ornamental water fountains or water features is prohibited. RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS No washing of vehicles, trailers, caravans or boats using municipal drinking water is allowed. These must be washed with nondrinking water or waterless products. Customers are strongly encouraged to install water efficient parts, fittings and technologies to minimise water use at all taps, showerheads and other plumbing components. No topping up (manually or automatically) of swimming pools allowed, even if fitted with pool cover. This includes the filling of new pools or the refilling of an existing pool after a repair. The use of potable or any temporary play pools is prohibited. No increase of the indigent water allocation over and above the free 350 litres a day will be granted, unless through prior application and permission for specific events. Use of municipal drinking water, at 100 litres per person per day is strongly encouraged. RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS No washing of vehicles, trailers, caravans or boats with municipal drinking water allowed except where an exemption has been granted. This applies to both formal and informal car washes. Vehicles, trailers, caravans and boats should be washed with nondrinking water or waterless products. Exemption on application may be granted if water recycling is used in the washing process. (See below for the application process.) The use of fitted pool covers for public swimming pools is strongly encouraged where possible. No automatic top-up systems for swimming pools are allowed. Customers/facilities must install water efficient parts, fittings and technologies to minimise water use at all taps, showerheads and other plumbing components in public places. Golf courses, sports facilities, parks, schools and learning institutions are not allowed to establish any new landscaping or sports fields, except if irrigated only with non-drinking water. For users supplied with water in terms of special contracts (notarial deeds, water service intermediaries or water service providers), the contract conditions shall apply. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

12 7.1 Level 4 water restrictions continued Other restrictive measures, not detailed above, still apply as stipulated in Schedule 1 of the Water By-law, 2010, available on our website: Know your water regulations. Visit our website to find out how to apply for exemption from water restrictions. All exemptions granted under Level 2 or Level 3 restrictions are withdrawn with immediate effect and re-application will not be considered unless otherwise stated above. Please note that water pressure may be reduced to below applicable regulations or standards requirements to limit water leaks and may cause intermittent water supply. For further information visit or contact us at water.restrictions@capetown.gov.za. 7.2 Rainfall recorded in the Table Bay Nature Reserve remained below average for most of this quarter until June, when the measured rainfall at the Rietvlei Water Area increased to above the average for that month only. The total rainfall during this quarter was 147mm at Rietvlei and 111.5mm at Milnerton Racecourse (see Figures below). 7.3 A very large storm hit the Western Cape on 7/06/2017, bringing with it significant rainfall and strong winds. While only 26mm of rain was recorded at the Rietvlei Water Area in a 48-hour period during the storm, a very strong storm surge from the sea was observed pushing into the Milnerton Lagoon (see Figure 28 right). The storm surge dislodged the remnants of Commodore II s wreck and floated it all the way up to the historic Milnerton Wooden Bridge. Figure 29 below indicates the monthly rainfall records of Rietvlei and Milnerton Racecourse in 2017 plotted over the average rainfall pattern Figure 28. Storm surge pushing into the Milnerton Lagoon. Figure 30 below indicates the rainfall accumulation curves of Rietvlei and Milnerton Racecourse in 2017 plotted over the average accumulation curve Average Rietvlei Racecourse Figure 29. Monthly rainfall records of Rietvlei and Milnerton Racecourse in 2017 plotted over the average rainfall pattern. Average Rietvlei Racecourse Figure 30. Rainfall accumulation curves of Rietvlei and Milnerton Racecourse in 2017 plotted over the average accumulation curve. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

13 8 FIRE 8.1 A firebreak was constructed at the northern edge of the Coastal Section adjacent to the Dolphin Beach Hotel to prevent the possible spread of wildfires from the Nature Reserve onto the Dolphin Beach Hotel property and buildings (see Figure 31). Intern reserve supervisor, Hester Pentz, used the Nature Reserve team to clear the firebreak. 8.2 Wildfires occurred in several management sections of the Nature Reserve, including in the Zoarvlei Section on 24/04/2017 and in the Diep River Section on 14/05/2017 (see Figures 32 33). Several smaller spot fires also occurred and were all suppressed by Fire Department and Nature Reserve staff. All fire boundaries were mapped with a GPS. Figure 31. Clearing of the firebreak next to Dolphin Beach Hotel. Figure 32. Wildfire in the Zoarvlei Section. Figure 33. Wildfire in the Diep River Section. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

14 9 PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION 9.1 Stakeholder Engagement Table Bay Nature Reserve staff engage with various stakeholders, both internal and external, by means of meetings and other platforms. Below is a summary of the meetings that were attended by staff this quarter Internal Meetings Table Bay Nature Reserve staff attended no less than 16 official internal meetings during this quarter: 05/04/2017: Organisational Development & Transformation Plan (ODTP) Phase 2 feedback; 07/04/2017: Ramsar City Wetland Accreditation planning; 19/04/2017: Hardening of cash receiving offices planning discussion; 21/04/2017: Table Bay Nature Reserve monthly operational meeting; 25/04/2017: Health & Safety representative election for Table Bay Nature Reserve; 03/05/2017: Boat trip with Jacques van der Merwe to Table Bay marine water sampling locations; 10-11/05/2017: Prioritisation for invasive species management in the city; 24/05/2017: Interviews with potential alternative placements candidates; 25/05/2017: Biodiversity Management Branch meeting; 29/05/2017: North Region Health & Safety committee meeting; 29/05/2017: North Region Biodiversity Management meeting; 30/05/2017: Veld restoration prioritization workshop with Dr Pat Holmes; 20/06/2017: North Region Protected Areas Reviews and Management Effectiveness Tracking; 23/06/2017: Project Management Capacity and Capability Assessment; and 28/06/2017: District Engineer Johan Massyn's Retirement Farewell External Meetings Table Bay Nature Reserve staff attended no less than 13 official external meetings during this quarter: 19/04/2017: Camera trap research planning meeting with Andrea Schentler; 20/04/2017: Table Bay Nature Reserve Advisory Committee; 05/05/2017: Milnerton Racecourse Environmental Management Committee; 08/05/2017: Milnerton Aquatic Club representative, Johan van der Merwe; 11/05/2017: The state of the catchment areas, outlets and storm water systems in Milnerton, Joe Slovo, Du Noon, Phoenix, Sand drift meeting; 11/05/2017: Friends of Rietvlei Annual General Meeting (guest speaker: Area Manager, Koos Retief); 17/05/2017: Protected Area Advisory Committee Chairperson's Forum; 18/05/2017: Blaauwberg Development Area Environmental Liaison Committee; 19/05/2017: CPUT Work-Integrated Learning progress meeting; 19/05/2017: Milnerton Aquatic Club representative regarding Rietvlei closure; 26/05/2017: Centurion Academy Work-Integrated Learning progress meeting; 27/06/2017: Al Mare Home Owners Association regarding erosion of the shoreline; and 27/06/2017: Site meeting at the Commodore II wreck between at the Milnerton Wooden Bridge. 9.2 Benefit to People Rietvlei Education Centre Usage The usage of the Rietvlei Education Centre, excluding formal environmental education programmes, generated 65 person days of benefit to people over three event days. DATE GROUP ACTIVITY PERSON DAYS 24/04/2017 EPWP workers First Aid, Health & Safety training 30 11/05/2017 Friends of Rietvlei AGM with Koos Retief as guest speaker 20 18/05/2017 Blaauwberg Development Environmental Liaison Committee Monthly Meeting 15 TOTAL 65 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

15 9.2.2 Rietvlei Boma Usage The usage of the Rietvlei Boma generated at least 519 person days of benefit to people over 21 event days. DATE GROUP ACTIVITY PERSON DAYS 5-7/04/2017 NCC Environmental Services Environmental management training /04/2017 Social Development and Early Childhood Development Leadership training /04/2017 EPWP workers / WESSA First Aid and Health & Safety training 60 20/04/2017 Protected Area Advisory Committee Quarterly meeting 24 21/04/2017 EPWP workers / WESSA First Aid and Health & Safety training /04/2017 NCC Environmental Services Learner support 18 11/05/2017 Khoisan Implementation OH&S and First Aid training 30 17/05/2017 Cape Nature 18/05/2017 CTEET NQF 2 Nature Conservation learnership Dassenberg Coastal Catchment Partnership Learner support 10 19/05/2017 Area Based service delivery, CCT Workshop 60 25/05/2017 Biodiversity Management Branch Quarterly meeting /05/2017 Cape Reptile Institute Snake handling ID and awareness course 70 29/05/ Water and Sanitation department Management team strategy session 01/06/ /06/2017 CTEET NQF 2 Learner support 7 TOTAL Environmental Education and Outreach Environmental Education and Outreach generated 340 person days of benefit over ten event days. DATE GROUP(S) LEARNERS TEACHER +ADULTS PERSON- DAYS PROGRAMME 5-7/04/ Holiday programme Mission H2O water theme 10-12/04/ /05/2017 Table View Seniors club Introduction talk on TBNR (off site) 21/06/ Koos Sadie Primary school 22/06/ Biodiversity programme (off site) 26/06/ Wolraad Woltemade Primary 27/06/ TOTALS TOTALS 9.3 Visitors and Income The new Rietvlei Water Area visitor tariffs for the 2017/18 financial year came into effect on 1/07/2017. The daily entrance fees and environmental education fees at the Rietvlei Water Area remained unchanged for the new financial year. Various other tariffs, however, were adjusted upward. Two new tariffs were also added, including (1) an annual entry ticket for students with a valid student card, and (2) the annual permit for Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling was split in two categories, with separate fees for adults and children. The tariff schedule for 2017/28 is printed overleaf. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

16 Daily Entry Adults 18 years of age and older per day Children (3 years to 17 years) per day 8.00 Children under the age of 3 per day No charge Senior citizen / Pensioner (60+ years) per day 8.00 Student with valid student card per day 8.00 Friends of Reserves Daily Entry for Friends of Reserve to the relevant reserve only (positive proof required) per day No charge Environmental Education Programmes Learner / student Govt Schools Feeding scheme & Govt approved Urban Renewal Zones per day No charge Learner / student "Green Flag Schools" in terms of the Eco Schools Programme per day 5.00 Learner / student All other schools per day 7.00 Vehicles and Watercraft Vehicles per day Vehicles (Physically disabled) Vehicles indicated as transporting physically disabled per day No charge Buses (<25 seater, includes passenger tariff) per day Power Boat per day Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling, per Adult (18+ yrs) per day Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling, per Child (-18 yrs) per day Annual ticket for entry to Helderberg, Tygerberg, Table Bay (Rietvlei), False Bay (Rondevlei) and Blaauwberg NRs Senior Citizens (60+) 365 day period of entry from date of issue annually Adults 365 day period of entry from date of issue annually Family (parents & 4 children to the age of 17) 365 day period of entry from date of issue annually Student with valid student card 365 day period of entry from date of issue annually Annual Tickets - Reserve Specific Power Boat 365 day period from date of issue annually Adults: Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling 365 day period annually Children: Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling 365 day period annually Power Boat Rescue Craft For boats that perform a public safety and rescue function annually No charge General Charges - Reserve Specific (excluding entrance fees) Day Fishing Permits, per Adult (18+) (max 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod) per day Day Fishing Permits, per Child (3-17) (max 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod) per day Day Fishing Permits, per Senior citizen (60+) (max 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod) per day Fauna Management: City Wide Call out fee If greater than 500 meters from a reserve, subject to resource availability. No fee will be charged for collection of species of conservation concern. per hour Hire of trap per week Permissible Commercial Activity Conservation Fee Film shoots, weddings, anniversaries, concerts and other events. Subject to the reserve management plan and Film & Events Policy and tariffs Activity involving 1-9 people per day Activity involving people per day Activity with more than 20 people Groups above 20 people buy further bundles as per above CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

17 Jan-10 Jun-10 Nov-10 Apr-11 Sep-11 Feb-12 Jul-12 Dec-12 May-13 Oct-13 Mar-14 Aug-14 Jan-15 Jun-15 Nov-15 Apr-16 Sep-16 Feb-17 Jan-10 Jul-10 Jan-11 Jul-11 Jan-12 Jul-12 Jan-13 Jul-13 Jan-14 Jul-14 Jan-15 Jul-15 Jan-16 Jul-16 Jan-17 Table Bay Nature Reserve Tafelbaai-natuurreservaat ULondolozo lwendalo lase-table Bay Income from visitors at the Rietvlei Water Area during this quarter was only R12,242 from 890 recorded visitors. This is the lowest amount recorded in any quarter since data collection started in 2010, and less that 20% of the income that was received in the same quarter of the previous year (2016). This massive decline in income was caused by the closure of the Rietvlei Water Area due to a persistent blue-green algal bloom since 17/03/2017. The Water Area was re-opened to the public on 30/06/2017. During this time no fishing or water-sports were allowed, but visitors could still use the bird watching routes and picnic facilities (see Figures 34 & 35 below) R50,000 R45,000 R40,000 R35,000 R30,000 R25,000 R20,000 R15,000 R10,000 R5,000 R- Recorded visitors/month Linear trend Total income/month Linear trend Figure 34. Trend in visitor numbers since Figure 35. Trend in income since STAFF 10.1 Staff establishment Kyran Wright, contract reserve supervisor at Milnerton Racecourse and Milnerton Lagoon, passed his driver s assessment on 25/05/2017 and is now allowed to drive the Nature Reserve s vehicles Fundiswa Sigwayi, senior worker at the Rietvlei office, was elected as the new health and safety representative for the Nature Reserve on 25/04/ The competence Assessments of nature conservation work-integrated learning student, Waseem Parker, was conducted on 27/06/ Training and development Training of permanent and temporary staff at the Table Bay Nature Reserve amounted to no less than 24 person days over 11 training event days, including the following training interventions: Date(s) 5-7/04/2017 Course NQF-5 Learnership: Demonstrate an understanding of integrated environmental analysis tools Number of days x Number of learners = Person days /04/ SAP HR Performance Management (T5-T9) 13/04/ /04/2017 Bird Identification Training /04/2017 NQF-5 Learnership: Learner Support Day /04/2017 Disciplinary Code: Chairman and Inititiator Training TOTALS CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

18 11 LAW ENFORCEMENT 11.1 Illegal overnight structures and displaced people were removed from various locations in the Nature Reserve, including the Coastal Section, Rietvlei Section, Zoarvlei Section and the Milnerton Lagoon. Figure 36. Displaced person that started to set up a camp in the Rietvlei Section was prevented from staying overnight. Figure 37. A displaced person's campsite that was broken down and removed from the Coastal Section. Figure 38. Illegal overnight structure in the Coastal Section. Figure 39. Remains of a Cape grysbok that was slaughtered by a displaced person in the field. Figure 40. Illegal structures removed from the Zoarvlei Section. Figure 41. Building material removed from the reed beds in Zoarvlei. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

19 11.2 Other illegal activities that were addressed in this quarter include, (1) illegal footpaths through the Coastal Section from houses in Sunset Beach, (2) dumping of building rubble from various housebuilding operations adjacent to the Nature Reserve, (3) alcohol bottles littering open access areas such as the Coastal Section, and (4) illegal cattle grazing in the Diep River Section. The illegal cattle grazing problem was previously addressed by meeting with the cattle owners and the local Councillor, during which the cattle owners agreed to stop grazing in the Nature Reserve. Since the meeting, however, the cattle owners have simply continued to graze their cattle in the reserve. Figure 42. Illegal footpath through the Coastal Section. Figure 43. Building rubble in the Coastal Section. Figure 44. Alcohol bottles collected from the Coastal Section The cattle that are illegally grazing in the Nature Reserve are destroying the natural vegetation and introducing a range of agricultural invasive species. There is no agreement with the cattle owners that allows them to utilize the land for grazing purposes. The Nature Reserve is planning to work with the Law Enforcement Department and the the Cape of Good Hope SPCA to impound these animals during a joint operation (see Figure 45 below). Figure 45. Illegal cattle grazing in the Diep River Section. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

20 12 INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT 12.1 Two site cleaning teams were working in the Zoarvlei Section under the supervision of intern reserve supervisor, Reward Nzuza. The teams were established from a combination of Ward Allocation and Expanded Public Works funding sources. The employees were selected from the Subcouncils job seekers database, which aims make work opportunities available for unemployed people. Their main focus was to clean areas where displaced people and illegal structures were removed from the Nature Reserve, as well as to do alien and invasive plant clearing Other maintenance activities in various parts of the Nature Reserve included (1) repairing holes in fences, (2) requesting that blocked stormwater and overflowing sewage drains be cleared, as well as (3) repairing and servicing all the operational vehicles of the Nature Reserve. Figure 46. Removal of litter from displaced people in the Zoarvlei Section. Figure 47. Removal of matrasses and bedding material form displaced people. Figure 48. Intern reserve supervisor, Reward Nzuza (left), with one of the site cleaning teams. CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

21 APPENDIX A: MAP OF THE MANAGEMENT SECTIONS OF THE NATURE RESERVE CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

22 APPENDIX B: ADDITIONAL PRESS ARTICLES THAT ARE RELEVANT TO THE NATURE RESERVE CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

23 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

24 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

25 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

26 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

27 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

28 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

29 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

30 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

31 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH

32 CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH