Tokai trails restoration

[(Deon)]

Drone would solve a lot of issues from a patrol and security point of view, but SAN Parks don't allow them: No drones may be flown over the Park for either recreational or commercial purposes.

 

https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/activities.php

Besides, it's not really a sustainable measure.. charge times, flying area, dedicated pilot.. etc. Could work for a reported incident. 

[DJR]

Drone would solve a lot of issues from a patrol and security point of view, but SAN Parks don't allow them: No drones may be flown over the Park for either recreational or commercial purposes.

 

https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/activities.php

I recall them bragging about using drones to keep tabs on their rhino upcountry. So, I'm pretty sure it can be done. But I think there are probably better solutions. 

[Shebeen]

No effect on us, bro. This weekend trail build postponed cos Deon is on holiday and his presence is a requirement...

I was pointing more to the long term affect of galvanised community awareness, especially since it is a 'new' group too. There's riding on the lower tokai track, and trees up in the mtb section. 

[(Deon)]

Not knocking the technology but in recent discussions with a fairly large local group around the subject of security, it's clear that this method is reliant on certain ideal conditions, including having someone available daily to control this thing - or in the case with autonomous flight, ensuring battery power and good weather to last the day in the air. 

 

There are other plans being made to provide effective monitoring solutions taking place, unfortunately without the support of the "passionate" tree protesters. Simply put, as they have an agenda to save the trees, aligning will not bode well for the group who want to remain clear of any controversial publicity. This is a shame really as the two groups could have worked quite well together if security was the main intended outcome.

 

I recall them bragging about using drones to keep tabs on their rhino upcountry. So, I'm pretty sure it can be done. But I think there are probably better solutions.

[popcorn_skollie]

When Tokai opens in summer you're going to need protection.

From the rocks and also from the sun. PM me for pre-orders now.

 

http://i.imgur.com/cKZTiEj.jpg

[DJR]

When Tokai opens in summer you're going to need protection.

From the rocks and also from the sun. PM me for pre-orders now.

 

 

To go with my camo baggies. Them baddies will never even see me!

[Shebeen]

I agree with this thinking, but I don't think this has been the universal message (the "save the pines" voice seems to be much louder)

 

 

http://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/letter-tmnp-barking-up-the-wrong-tree-2065144

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I agree with this thinking, but I don't think this has been the universal message (the "save the pines" voice seems to be much louder)

 

 

http://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/letter-tmnp-barking-up-the-wrong-tree-2065144

yeah, the Save The Pines voice is by far the loudest, and most ill considered. Parks HAVE planted indigenous trees, and as more space is given to them they will plant more in suitable areas. But their mandate is to preserve teh local endemic species. It's useless arguing over the removal of the pine to further the agenda of shade, when the writers of the letter want the pine to go as well. 

[DJR]

I agree with this thinking, but I don't think this has been the universal message (the "save the pines" voice seems to be much louder)

 

 

http://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/letter-tmnp-barking-up-the-wrong-tree-2065144

That whole letter is so full of crap I can smell it on my screen!

[Jewbacca]

That's the same Jonathan Shrire who was part of Fair Cape development?

 

I think the point is being missed. The public don't have a say when it comes to conservation. Will we as a people rather watch various fynbos plants become extinct so we can have trees and shade?

 

I dunno..... It still just seems to be entitled people crying about 'what they want' as opposed to what best suits the Parks ability to right the wrongs and look after nature.

 

Being able to restore sand fynbos and it's eco system is so exciting and rad. Giving the little bugs and bees and stuff a chance at thriving as opposed to surviving.

 

I am certainly no Hippie but I can see the need to at least try vs the need to just embrace what the wealthy want....

[DJR]

Short version?

 

95% of Sandveld fynbos has been destroyed by housing estates, suburbs and townships in the peninsula. The rest is under vineyards or vegetables. 

 

Now these "save the pines" idiots (who live in the houses, eat the veggies and drink the wine, want their shade too. 

 

There is enough shade for them along the green belts, let them go and eat their cake there.

 

I say: Cut the bloody pines and be done with it. Let the owner of the timber exercise his right. Then let Parks do what they are supposed to do. Conservation. Listen to the experts, stupid!

 

Oh hell, there it became a medium version, wait for the long one.

[Jewbacca]

Short version?

 

95% of Sandveld fynbos has been destroyed by housing estates, suburbs and townships in the peninsula. The rest is under vineyards or vegetables. 

 

Now these "save the pines" idiots (who live in the houses, eat the veggies and drink the wine, want their shade too. 

 

There is enough shade for them along the green belts, let them go and eat their cake there.

 

I say: Cut the bloody pines and be done with it. Let the owner of the timber exercise his right. Then let Parks do what they are supposed to do. Conservation. Listen to the experts, stupid!

 

Oh hell, there it became a medium version, wait for the long one.

Is their argument not 'the greenbelts are unsafe' etc?

 

So rather than clean up the greenbelts they will insist that another body give them what they want at a great ecological cost because it suits them better.

 

Unfortunately entitlement and cake eating is common practice amongst those with a voice... silver spooners. 

 

I shouldn't be letting this bug me so much. But AAARRGGHHH!!!! (frantically looking for my blood pressure meds....)

[DJR]

................I shouldn't be letting this bug me so much. But AAARRGGHHH!!!! (frantically looking for my blood pressure meds....)

Whiskey, quickly! You do have an emergency stash don't you?

[DJR]

Just some more random thoughts:

 

That nice hard red laterite clay path all around the perimeter of Lower Tokai, it was built with CYCLING MONEY. Yes, from PPA funds. What we paid for our Argus entries! Say thank you when you walk there with your pram and your dog, ungrateful "save the pines" lot!

 

Those hundreds of indigenous trees planted along the same path, they were donated by a nursery. They were planted by the SANParks Honorary Rangers. Hard work that. Last year when they were starting to die from the drought, they were watered for months by the Tokai Mountain Bikers. Hard work again. They were planted so that when the pines are cut, there would be some indigenous trees already growing to make shade.

 

Forward thinking it what it is called. Hard work, sweat and time is what it cost. All donated for NOTHING by people with their heads screwed on RIGHT! None of which came from you, "save the pines" lot!

 

Damn, where is my Whiskey?

[Duane_Bosch]

Is their argument not 'the greenbelts are unsafe' etc?

 

So rather than clean up the greenbelts they will insist that another body give them what they want at a great ecological cost because it suits them better.

 

Unfortunately entitlement and cake eating is common practice amongst those with a voice... silver spooners. 

 

I shouldn't be letting this bug me so much. But AAARRGGHHH!!!! (frantically looking for my blood pressure meds....)

^^^^^^^^

This.

[Tim Brink]

Hate, hate, hate petitions, but here is a good one: 

 

https://www.change.org/p/help-restore-our-critically-endangered-sand-fynbos-at-tokai?recruiter=594741380&utm_source=petitions_show_components_action_panel_wrapper&utm_medium=copylink

 

Maybe we can show them we aren't all dim.