The Control of Alien Invasive Vegetation on Private Property Eco Route Environmental Consultancy The Control of Alien Invasive Vegetation on Private Property

INTRODUCTION The following presentation is aimed at dealing with the control of alien invasive vegetation on private property in particular. The purpose, therefore, is to assist landowners to better understand the procedures that are required for the control of alien invasive vegetation in line with the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) and the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Regulations and Invasive Alien Species Lists (October 2016) of South Africa.

The Negative Effects of Alien Invasive Plants Species Alien invasive species can influence species diversity and abundance. The direct effects occur through competition for space, water, soil nutrients and sunlight , eventually leading to population declines and species extinctions. The loss of species leads to a more homogeneous environment which poses a threat to biodiversity.

The Negative Effects of Alien Invasive Plants Habitats Through their impacts on species and ecosystem processes, alien invasive species can result in the fragmentation, destruction, alteration or complete replacement of habitats.

The Negative Effects of Alien Invasive Plants Ecosystems The impacts of alien invasive species on ecosystems include changes to food chains and changes to the availability of resources such as water and nutrients. Examples of impacts on ecosystems include the following: Reduced water supplies for nearby communities and increased fire hazards. Invasive species that are particularly fire-prone may lead to a permanent loss of forests or grasslands. Acacia species are known for altering nutrient cycling processes in an ecosystem.

Invasive Alien Vegetation creates Fire Hazards

UNDERSTANDING THE LAW

THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BIODIVERSITY ACT, 2004 (ACT 10 OF 2004) (NEMBA) The regulations regarding the control of alien invasive vegetation is set out within the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (act no. 10 of 2004) and in the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, 2014. The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) Section 73 requires every person to exercise a Duty of Care relating to invasive species. Sec 73(2) : (a) Requires a landowner to notify the DEA, in writing of listed invasive species occurring on that land, (b) Take steps to control and/or eradicate the listed invasive species, to prevent it from spreading. (c) To take all the required steps to prevent or minimise harm to biodiversity.

WARNING! Failing to adhere to these requirements may result in the landowner receiving a directive from the DEA, compelling such landowner to take the required action or face legal action.

INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS In some instances (Section 75) the Act calls for an Invasive Species Management Program to be implemented, which should include the following details: Details about the property (.e.g. size, address, maps, land use, name of land owner etc.) Listed species present on the property Extent and distribution of the invasive species on the property Objectives and actions: Control Invasive Plant infestation Prevention Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) and eradication Monitoring

INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS In terms of the NEMBA Regulation 75, landowners are required to manage all listed IAS that occur on their land. However, not all properties require a Control Plan. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) developed criteria whereby Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Control Plans are required: Criteria for properties requiring IS Control Plans. Property size Hectares (ha) Square meters (m²) Requirements Timeframes for clearing < 0.05 Ha (5000 m²) Clear and remove plant material to approved Green Garden Waste site 30 days 0.051 – 1 Ha(5001 m² - 10,000 m²) Clear and remove plant material to approved Green Garden Waste site; or apply for fuel reduction burn (See details below); or chip; or utilize. Or alternatively submit a Control Plan with acceptable timeframes to the Department of Environmental Affairs 90 days (at least by the end of November (start of the fire season) – 5 Ha10,001 m² to 50,000 m² Clear or submit Control Plan with timeframes acceptable to the Department of Environmental Affairs 120 days to clear or 30 days to submit a control plan > 5.1 Ha> 50,001 m² Submit Control Plan with timeframes acceptable to the Department. Prioritize the urban edge boundaries that are high-risk fire risk. Fire breaks are to be in place. Permits are required to keep category 2 plants except when they are in riparian areas, or where they pose a fire risk, in these cases there are to be treated as category 1b and cleared. 30 days to submit control plan. On approval: Start implementing within reasonable timeframe 5 - 10 years

NEMBA 2004: ALIEN AND INVASIVE SPECIES REGULATIONS, 2014 Invasive Species are listed in four categories: Category 1a : Take immediate steps to combat, or eradicate where possible. Category 1b : Control the listed invasive species. Category 2 : Species which require a permit to carry out a restricted activity within an area, and keeping species is allowed under Permit conditions. Control species outside of the Permit conditions. Category 3 : Subject to certain prohibitions (e.g. sell). Category 3 plants in riparian areas are treated as Category 1b.

INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES LISTS 2016 The NEMBA: Draft Alien and Invasive Species List, 2016, identifies 379 invasive terrestrial and fresh water plant species in its National List of Invasive Species, in terms of section 70(1)(a). of the Act. The following table is an example from a section of List 1: National List of Invasive Plant Species: No. Species English Common Names Category/ Area Scope of Exemption from the provisions of section 71(3) /Prohibtions in terms of section 71A(1) 1 Acacia adunca A.Cunn. ex Don Cascade Wattle, Wallangarra wattle 1a 10 Acacia mearnsii De Wild.and hybrids, varieties and selections Black Wattle 2 Exempted for an existing plantation. 24 Ageratum houstonianum Mill. Mexican ageratum a.1b b. Sterile cultivars or hybrids are not listed

The Top 10 Invasive Alien Plants affecting the Western Cape: 1. Rooikrans 2. Black Wattle

3.Port Jackson 4.Silky hakea

5.Long-leafed wattle 6.Stinkbean

7.Australian myrtle 8.Spider gum

9.Cluster pine 10.Blackwood

WHAT ACTIONS NEED TO BE TAKEN? Start by obtaining and getting familiar with an up to date copy of the NEMBA acts, lists and regulations: THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BIODIVERSITY ACT, 2004 (ACT 10 OF 2004) (NEMBA) NEMBA: ALIEN AND INVASIVE SPECIES REGULATIONS 2014 NEMBA: INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES LISTS 2016 These documents can be downloaded from the following websites: www.gpwonline.co.za www.environment.gov.za

WHAT ACTIONS NEED TO BE TAKEN? Before purchasing, selling, developing or landscaping your property, do a thorough inspection to identify any vegetation that may be present on site. Notify the DEA and/or contact an independent EAP for a consultation and recommendation e.g.Eco-Route Environmental Consultancy. Adhere to the regulations .e.g. permit obligations or management programs that may follow.

WHO ARE ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED?

Stakeholders and Responsible Management Authorities The private land owner,estate agents and general public

We look forward to being of assistance to you! CONCLUSION Thank you for taking part in this presentation. By participating you have made yourself a more informed and better prepared citizen of the Garden Route. We hope that the information that you have aquired will aid you in your future property investment, property management and/or land use endeavours. Eco-Route Environmental Consultants provides a free of charge, no obligations, first site visit and consultation. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to being of assistance to you!

CONTACTS Eco-Route Environmental Consultants: Department of Environmental Affairs: Tel: 044 343 2232 Fax: 086 402 9562 Email: info@ecoroute.co.za Address: Forest Lodge Office Complex, Sedgefield Stiaan Kotze Tel: 021 441 2816 Fax: 021 441 2751 Email: SKotze@environment.gov.za Address: 14 Loop Street, Cape Town

REFERENCES http://www.capetowninvasives.co.za/news/2014/08/alien-and-invasive-species-regulations-published https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/nemba10of2004_alienandinvasive_speciesregulations.pdf Guidelines for compiling Invasive Species Control Plans On Private Land: In compliance with the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10, of 2004) And Invasive Species Regulations (October 2014) http://www.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/documents/documents/nembainvasivealienspeciesregulations-12feb2014.pdf http://www.fao.org/docrep/008/j6854e/j6854e06.htm http://www.capenature.co.za/care-for-nature/conservation-in-action/integrated-catchment-management/alien-vegetation-management/ http://www.invasives.org.za/legislation/item/909-australian-blackwood-acacia-melanoxylon