HERMANUS CLIFF PATH MANAGEMENT GROUP

 

The CPMG was formed in January 2002 "to drive initiatives to environmentally enhance, conserve, maintain and secure the Cliff Path of Hermanus from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach (Piet se Bos) for the safe use and pleasure of the residents and visitors to the coastal community." It acts under the auspices of the Hermanus Botanical Society and within the structure of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. All funds raised by the CPMG are separately accounted for under the Cliff Path Management Plan and controlled by the CPMG committee. GOALS: To enhance Vegetation: Restore the natural biodiversity of the Cliff Path through the eradication of alien vegetation and by replanting locally indigenous plants; initiate a policy on garden encroachment; introduce a fire policy programme for the control and health of the fynbos. Cliff Path: Preserve and improve the physical and aesthetic qualities of the coastal path. Viewing areas: Improve the physical attributes of the sites (benches, ablution facilities, accesses); implement and control a coordinated directional signage programme. Pollution: Attain a litter-free environment. To maintain Protection of the fynbos from alien vegetation encroachment. Preservation of the path structure Conservation of the indigenous flora and fauna A control programme for recreation and ecotourism High standards of cleanliness. Archaeological sites along the length of the cliff path. To secure Protection and safeguarding of the paths and viewing areas by alerting , liaising with and supporting professional security structures in conjunction with established community programmes. ACTIVITIES PROGRESS REPORT HERMANUS CLIFF PATH MANAGEMENT GROUP With generous support from private individuals, the Cliff Path Management Group (CPMG) is right on schedule in achieving goals which it set itself when it was publicly constituted about eighteen months ago. Cliff Path Restoration: The path has been rebuilt or upgraded, from Kwaaiwater to Mossel River, from Mossel River to Langbaai and from Langbaai through to Kammabaai (Voëlklip), and re-routed and rebuilt just cast of Sieverspunt. More recently sections between Kraal Rock and Die Gang and a further se ction in Westcliff at the beginning of the New Harbour eastwards, have also been rebuilt. Two sections now feature attractive boardwalk bridges. All sections damaged by last year's big storm have been rebuilt in a considerably more substantial way. With a view to keeping the path unobtrusive and natural looking, a laterite (clay-like) surface has been used wherever possible. All new paths are now a comfortable 1.2 metres wide. A major objective under Phase 2 is to construct the path to wheelchair/pram specifications all the way ftom Kraal Rock to Kwaaiwater parking area, with up to five wheelchair access points to enable wheelchair users to enjoy the wonderful views that this section of the cliff path offers. Alien Species and Litter: Coast Care and the CPMG have removed many hundreds of black garbage bags full of litter from the cliff path and immediate environs. They have also removed or cut-and-poisoned large numbers of plants and trees and organised a successful public participation clean up of the cliff path in June. Thanks to a donation of a new grass-selective poison, the CPMG has embarked on a major campaign to contain the extremely invasive garden escapee, Kikuyu grass, which is smothering large sections of fynbos. New Signage Programme: Completely new, co-ordinated, attractive and. informative/educational signage is being developed for the entire Cliff Path section of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. THE CLIFF PATH NEEDS YOUR HELP! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO CONTRIBUTE AND ASSIST IN THIS PROJECT PLEASE CONTACT CHAIRMAN CPMG DAVID BEATTIE: PHONE/FAX 028 3121358 E-MAIL davidbeattie@telkomsa.net