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An ecological burn that was planned for last year, finally sparked on May 15, at Brenton, just west of Knysna in the Western Cape.
Approximately 71 hectares on the southern slopes along Brenton-on-sea Road were burned, including portions 39 and 40 of the Uitzigt farm 216, which is in the Knysna Municipal area.
“It is a collective effort from all stakeholders because 85% of the fynbos scheduled to burn has not burnt in the last 30 years, according to Environmental Planner for the Garden Route National Park,” said Dirk Smit of the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association.
Partners include Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, SANParks, Knysna Municipal Fire Services, Working on Fire, Eden District Fire Services – Deputy CFO, PG Bison, Cape Nature, Knysna Municipality – Traffic Control and the local landowners in the area.
Everyone involved remain determined to restore Knysna Sand Fynbos and to provide habitat for the dependent species on this particular ecosystem, over the medium to long term.
“Many fynbos species only recruit [regenerate] after a fire as fire stimulates seed release and germination. In a landscape where fire is kept indefinitely [an area where fire is needed to keep habitation in order], fynbos often reverts to thicket vegetation or forest. Without fire, fynbos will lose its true character and species,” said Maretha Alant, Environmental Planner of the Garden Route National Park.
The remaining natural Knysna Sand Fynbos is approximately 1 478 hectares (9.6% of the original extent) and falls short of the conservation target of 3 531 hectares.
Sоurсе: tourismupdate.co.za