A mounted challenge to unrestricted access to a number of hiking trails closed by CapeNature in recent years and months is being led by a group of frustrated hikers, mountaineers, members of Protected Area Advisory Committees (PAACs) and even tourism bodies.
The parties are interested in advocating access to Hottentots Holland and Jonkershoek Nature Reserves, and compiled a report entitled “Hottentots Holland and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Recreational Access Proposal”, which was submitted to CapeNature on Monday 17 July and has so far garnered a petition with over 6 000 signatures.
But CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape, has hit back, refuting the petition and stating that the petition generalises that trails are closed due to lack of maintenance by CapeNature, however, “trails well frequented by the public in these two reserves are well kept and maintained on a regular basis”, the agency stated.
The report was compiled by hiking experts and enthusiasts with years of experience and with vast knowledge of the access trails in concern, and include Steve Chadwick, Santie Gouws, Stuart Summerfield, Nardus Cronjé, Ralph Pina and Trevor Rennison.
The proposal outlines several factors and challenges to CapeNature decisions and is introduced as “The People’s Appeal to CapeNature”, and details how several concerns can be addressed and more importantly overcome to guide the reopening of trails.
A total of at least 18 trails are closed between Jonkershoek and the Hottentots Holland Mountain range of at least 29, and these include two trails that lead up to Sneeukop, which at 1 590 m is the highest peak in the Hottentots-Holland Mountain Rim and dominates the Helderberg bowl. Others include the trail from Bergrivier Nek to Assegaaiboschkloof, the ascent of Haelkop from Assegaaibosch and the Jonkershoek and Nuweberg link trails, among others.
Since March this year several stakeholder groups have been pressing for dialogue with CapeNature on the subject of reopening trails, so they can better understand why such drastic steps are necessary – whether it be for rehabilitation, safety or another purpose. (“Hiking trail closures ‘unjustified’ ”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 29 March).
And while this drags on, stakeholders have expressed concern that trails are being lost to nature as some have been closed for decades, no new trails are being opened, and the outdoor loving public is losing out on some of the most beautiful hikes and lookout points right on its doorstep.
In response CapeNature said in a statement that the petition holds no truth.
“CapeNature can confirm that the long connecting trails between Hottentots Holland and Jonkershoek have been closed for several years, primarily for safety reasons due to challenging terrain that limits accessibility in the event of an emergency, extreme weather conditions during winter and an increasing frequency of wildfire during the summer months. These trails have been used on occasion by special request only.
“CapeNature is in negotiation with stakeholders on proposals to effectively facilitate access and maintenance of these trails, with due consideration for hiker safety, access management and maintenance,” it stated.
Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature, said she encourages collaboration and partnerships, “through the protected area advisory committee for this area, CapeNature is in discussion with members of the hiking fraternity to address the concerns related to these closed trails and find possible solutions.”
The statement added that during the recent floods the circular road at Jonkershoek had been severely damaged and CapeNature is currently working closely with partners to restore it.
“In addition, CapeNature assessed damaged trails on both these reserves and will soon have contractors in the field to do repairs.”
According to co-author Steve Chadwick, the authors of the proposal find it difficult to understand how CapeNature can “refute” a petition signed by over 6 200 hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
“One has only to look at the last three versions of CapeNature’s Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve pamphlet covering some 15 years,” he said. “Every update of the reserve map shows a continued cutting of trails. Not just temporarily closed but shut with no plan to reopen.” Here he cited examples.
“Yes, some of us religiously attend all Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) meetings, which are held every three months, now overdue by two months. Unfortunately, CapeNature’s management at a senior level are hardly ever seen at PAAC meetings. So those who do attend feel a sense of frustration over PAAC meetings apparently not being taken seriously.
“We are, however, currently involved in negotiations with CapeNature regarding a reappraisal of trail access, and we sincerely trust this will lead to a positive reversal of closures. Hand in hand, hill enthusiasts along with CapeNature can work together.”
