MORE ON WOLWESPRUIT

PARKS AND RESERVES

NORTH WEST ICONS

NORTH WEST REGIONS

Vision, Policies and Operating Guidelines

The Planning Process

The policies and vision are the initial part of the planning process for each formally protected area under the jurisdiction of the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWP&TB). They provide management with the broad strategic direction necessary to manage this Park. These strategies are expected to remain relatively constant over the short to medium term and they provide the basis for secondary, more detailed planning components that include:

· A development plan which would identify the infrastructure and resources required to realise the objectives and policies articulated in the vision.
· An associated business plan to ensure the financial sustainability of the Reserve and the achievement of the objectives.
· An operational plan and manuals which would identify functions to be performed, by whom and at what frequency.
· An operating budget for the Park as set out in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) of Government.

The vision and policies impose a responsibility on park management that carries concomitant responsibility by the Board to assist and support management in achieving the envisaged objectives.

Parks in the North West Province are not planned and operated in isolation. Each plays a co-ordinated role in achieving collectively the objectives of the North West Parks and Tourism Board Act No. 3 of 1997, namely:

· To establish and manage parks to conserve representative indigenous biodiversity.
· To promote tourism in the Province.
· To encourage people from elsewhere to visit the province.
· To promote travel services and facilities in the province.
· To encourage the people within the province to travel.

The vision and policies were compiled at inter-active workshops involving park management, other stakeholders and interested parties combined with an open public participation process.

Overview of Wolwespruit Dam Nature Reserve

Area: 2 800 ha

Locality: Situated on the Vaal River south of Wolmaranstad.

Main features: Vaal River and riverine Salix bush community. Birding and fishing.

Visitors: The number of visitors per annum is not recorded.

Visitor facilities:
Small rustic camp
Open picnic sites

Environmental and economic ranking out of 15 NW parks:

Finance (2001/2002 budget)

The following table shows historical financial comparisons:

Infrastructure:
Staff accommodation
Office
Entrance gate
Roads
Fence
Tourism facilities

Estimated value of infrastructure: More than R2 million.

Game (1999 census)

Partnerships

In keeping with the policy of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, Wolwespruit enjoys partnership relationships with a number of other public and private organisations. The following table itemises these organisations and lists the benefits that are expected to arise from the partnerships.

Overall vision and objectives for the Reserve

Wolwespruit Nature Reserve has a number of important attributes. These are itemised below and form the basis for the development of the vision for the Reserve.

Attributes:

· The only protected stretch of riverine bush (Salix community) along the Vaal River.
· The river with its rapids and associated habitats.
· Good fishing for indigenous fish species such as Yellow fish, especially with artificial flies in the rapids.
· A peaceful and tranquil environment.
· Birding for riverine species.
· Long term opportunities for development along the Vaal River.
· Good infrastructure, such as gate house and staff accommodation.
· Cultural assets including San paintings and old school with graves from 1918 flu outbreak.
· Good potential for non-powered water activities, such as canoeing.

Vision:

To facilitate and or develop the recreational and educational potential of the Reserve within the environmental constraints for the benefit of all.

From this vision a number of key objectives were identified which form the basis of prioritising management activities within and around the Reserve.

Objectives:

· To manage and conserve the indigenous riverine and adjacent communities for structural, compositional and functional integrity;
· Where necessary and appropriate, to interact with all users and managers of the fish and water resources and ensure that control is exercised and management is effective;
· To ensure that the recreational and educational opportunities are marketed and where appropriate, facilitate their development to optimise their use in line with the vision;
· To manage the Reserve and its users efficiently and effectively in line with Board policies and objectives;

Park management policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Management of the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve should be achieved through efficient use of resources in the most cost effective manner by implementing systems for planning, organisation and control.

Wolwespruit is an open system (because of the river) and management actions by any of the controlling authorities - such as neighbouring farmers from a different Province or the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) or any other body - will impact on the river and its natural and other resources. It is therefore necessary that the NWP&TB, through its appointed representatives, establishes mechanisms to co-ordinate and co-operate with these joint management activities.

Within the Board's policies and procedures the Warden is charged with overall responsibility for the ecological, human resource, tourist and financial management of the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve as well as reserve-related community issues. These will be carried out in accordance with the policies and guidelines in this document and within the social environment in which the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve exists.

Operating guidelines

The Warden is to ensure that operational plans and procedures are in place to achieve the vision, objectives and policies defined in this document. If performance cannot be achieved, then remedial action must be recommended, and this may include enlisting other Board resources. The operational plans and procedures must ensure continuity between Wardens.

Management control and efficiency

The Warden must establish a system of monitoring and recording all aspects of the Reserve so that control can be exercised and management improved.

Reserve Assets

All Board assets are to be adequately protected and maintained in working order and used only to contribute to the vision, goals and objectives spelt out in this document. Any relevant Board policies and procedures, such as insurance proceedures, must be adhered to.

Human Resources

The Warden will ensure that all NWP&TB staff are employed according to the policies and procedures laid down by the Board from time to time. A respectful efficient working environment must be created for all staff, both Board and others, working in the Reserve.

Funding

The funding of the Reserve developments and operations will be sourced in accordance with the needs of the respective benefiting parties.

Any private sector initiatives or developments must be funded from their own sources.

Financial management

It is intended that the operating income from the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve will be increased until, in the long term, it is sufficient to cover its operating costs which, themselves must be reduced.

Capital funding and short term bridging finance for development must be motivated for from donors and/or government grants.

All operational and development expenditure must be undertaken in an environmentally responsible and financially prudent manner in line with the Board's policies and procedures.

Natural resources and ecological management policy and operating guidelines

Policy

The ecological management will focus on the conservation of biological and genetic diversity and the maintenance of the dynamic natural processes to ensure environmental stability and to enhance the visitor experience and maximize income.

Where necessary and appropriate, the natural resources will be used in a sustained and responsible manner in line with the key objectives of the Reserve.

Operating guidelines

Soil

The soils of the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve are highly erodable and the steep banks near the river are also prone to erosion. For this reason, disturbance to sensitive areas must be minimised and if necessary mitigation measures must be taken to prevent accelerated erosion.

Water

The riparian area will be managed to provide good wildlife habitat. It is recognized that the water resource is not directly controlled by the NWP&TB, especially the water level, and therefore the need for co-ordination of managing the water level is critical if NWP&TB objectives are to be met.

Vegetation

The flora will be managed so as to maintain biological and genetic diversity, and where appropriate manipulated, to ensure that the objectives of the Reserve are met.

Burning

Fire will be used to achieve the objectives of the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve and specifically those set for vegetation and game management and water production.

Fire will also be used to keep fuel loads of the vegetation low so as to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires. Firebreaks and other fire control measures that may be required by law will be implemented where necessary and appropriate.

Alien plants

It is recognized that alien plants are a significant part of the South African landscape and that total eradication may not always be feasible. However, alien vegetation remains at low densities in the Reserve and priority should therefore be directed at eradicating it, especially those species which impact most significantly on the key objectives of the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve and which can be controlled within budget limitations. If problems are identified outside the Reserve which may impact on it in the future, then steps should be initiated to control alien vegetation and other Departments may be able to assist in this regard.

Herbicides

Management efficiency can often be increased with the use of herbicides. However these should only be used after thorough screening and evaluation has been done.

Fauna

The objective is to foster a diverse range of game species at a predefined carrying capacity to manipulate the vegetation structure and composition to improve tourism and production opportunities and thus increase income generation. However, this will be achieved within the overall objective of vegetation management.

Carrying capacity

The carrying capacity of the area will be allowed to fluctuate within predefined limits and according to feedback from monitoring. However, an upper limit of 8ha per Large Stock Unit (LSU) will be placed on the herbivore population. This will be allocated to the following feeder categories in the following percentages.

Mixed feeders 20%
Bulk Feeders 40%
Selective feeders 30%
Indigenous browsers 10%

Species composition, introductions and translocations

The Wolwespruit Nature Reserve is an important recreation area and because of this dangerous game will not be introduced. Further introductions of game species will be considered to pursue the tourism and income goals of the Reserve but will be restricted to those species which historically occurred within the area.

Any introductions of indigenous species must ensure they do not carry any disease or genetic incompatibility which may impact on existing populations and must be done with the authorization of other Departments.

Problem animals

Some animals, after continued contact with humans, may become problems. The Warden will deal with these issues on a case-by-case basis in line with relevant Board policies.

Domestic animals

No domestic animals will be permitted to reside in the Reserve. Staff may be allowed their own domestic animals provided these do not pose any threat to or compete with the indigenous wildlife. Visitors may not bring pets into the Reserve because of the threats or problems they may pose to wildlife or visitors.

Horses for riding purposes may be permitted but subject only to the Warden=s approval. They may not be allowed to freely graze or wander in the Reserve.

Monitoring

Monitoring of all components of the system (fauna, flora, climatological data, fire, erosion, water etc.) is essential to measure, and if necessary adapt, management effectiveness as well as to provide an ecological and economic audit of wildlife and natural resource use.

Use of natural resources

Wildlife based tourism, especially fly-fishing, is the main source of income and sustainable consumptive use of natural resources, including fishing, hunting and fish netting will be continued to contribute to financial sustainability, social benefits or ecological requirements.

Zonation policy and operating guidelines

Policy

The Wolwespruit Nature Reserve will be zoned to accommodate different activities and objectives. Initial zonation will be determined by the natural resource base, including geology, topography, soils, water, infrastructure and plants. These zones can then be further adapted to meet practical requirements of administration and physical constraints.

Operating guidelines

Broad zone categories (To view the zoning map click here)

Three broad types of zone are recognised:

Special areas

These are areas of a sensitive or critical nature where human impact should be minimized. No roads are permitted, but controlled pedestrian traffic should allowed on tracks or trails and hides may also be erected. No other permanent structures are permitted.

Low use areas

Minimal development is permitted and this is restricted to roads, tracks, trails, vistas and hides. These however should be minimized and EIAs would be required for any earthworks.

Medium use areas

Areas suitable for more extensive development within the limitations of the Reserve and it objectives.

Specific zone categories

Within certain of the broad zone types several specific types of zone can be established:

Development sites within medium use areas

Specific sites must be identified before development is permitted and a thorough EIA conducted. These would then be identified as development sites within the Medium use areas.

Concession areas

Controlled access to specified parts of the zoned areas of the Reserve may be granted to concessionaires. Such access would be reserved for such concessionaires and their guests, and additional fees above the normal entrance fee would be levied on concessionaires for access to these reserved areas.

These areas are identified on the attached map.

Water and fishing areas

Open water, river areas and adjacent shorelines will be separately zoned and the following conditions will apply:

· No boat of any type will be permitted to land except in areas designated by the Warden from time to time. These areas will comply with the zoning guidelines above.
· Other open water areas (except those above) will be zoned by the Warden (in consultation with and agreement from other controlling authorities) from time to time; zones and permitted usage will be clearly marked.
· Fishing areas, within the zonation described in this document, will be zoned by the Warden from time to time, as follows:
- Open access, where anyone who is permitted to enter the Reserve may fish with the necessary angling license.
- Permit access, where access will only be allowed for approved fishing competitions by registered angling clubs. If necessary these may be limited in number per year and bidding may be required.
- Closed areas where no fishing is permitted.
· The Warden may impose bag and size limits on anglers in these areas from time to time to conserve fish stocks.

Infrastructure policy and operating guidelines

Policy

The Warden will ensure that the conservation infrastructure is developed and maintained in the Reserve. Standards and quality will be set according to budgetary constraints and needs. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for all developments.

Operational and development guidelines

All developments must comply with the standards set for the different zones. All developments require the CEO's approval before they can be implemented.

Gates

All gates will be under the control of the Warden and at least one gate will be available for the public to enter the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve.

It is recognised that other gates may be allowed, but the party/ies benefiting from these must pay the full costs and they must be managed and maintained to Wolwespruit Nature Reserve standards.

Roads

Wolwespruit Nature Reserve is primarily for recreation and especially for fly-fishing activities. The road network should be sufficient to allow for this and for management use. Roads suitable for sedan vehicles should be kept to a minimum.

Services

Services such as electricity, telephones and water should be located so as to minimise their environmental impact.

Radio communications and other communication equipment

The Warden may require a two-way radio system for efficient park management. All other radios must comply with licensing and other regulatory requirements. Any repeater stations or the like must comply with EIA conditions and formal agreements must be entered into with the NWP&TB.

Visitor facilities

The development of visitor facilities in the Reserve will be undertaken primarily through partnerships with private sector developers, SMMEs and/or communities. Only where partnerships are not possible will the NWP&TB provide and maintain facilities to meet visitor demand, provided funds are available.

Siting of visitor accommodation

Accommodation for visitors must be located within the relevant zones and should be on the periphery of the Reserve.

All developments will be subject to positive legal environmental impact assessment and must ensure the safety of visitors and staff. All facilities should provide wheelchair access.

Waste disposal

Waste must be sorted for recycling and recyclable waste must be removed from the Reserve. All other waste must be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Waste disposal must be closely monitored to prevent pollution and other adverse impacts, especially of the water resources. EIAs and EMPs for all developments will be required to look closely at waste processing and subsequent monitoring. The use of SMMEs to assist in this regard should be investigated.

A comprehensive waste management plan with procedures must be developed and implemented for the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve.

Fencing

The Wolwespruit Nature Reserve will be adequately fenced in the most cost effective manner to ensure that assets are protected and losses minimised, and that environmental damage is kept to a minimum.

Private sector partnerships policy and operating guidelines

Policy

As a general principle the NWP&TB encourages strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with the private sector wherever such involvement can be handled cost-effectively and in a manner that meets with the NWP&TBs quality standards.

Operating guidelines

Any opportunities which are made available to outside parties should be done in the most appropriate manner and in line with the Board=s policies and procedures.

Any opportunities which may arise in the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve in which outside parties can participate should be advertised as widely as possible to achieve the following ends:

· Economic benefaction including job creation. Preference will be given to those proposals which maximize employment.

· Maximisation of investment in infrastructure, staff development and other social benefits.

· Financial return to the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve commensurate with opportunity.

· Contribution to the overall objectives of the Reserve.

· All other things being equal, opportunities should be made available to local people.

· Ecologically sustainable development.

Marketing policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Wolwespruit Nature Reserve offers many opportunities and benefits. These should be marketed as widely as possible.

Operating guidelines

Marketing and awareness building is split into four broad categories:

· Promoting awareness of the benefits of the natural environment and its systems. This is primarily envisaged through environmental education and interpretation. The Reserve can play an important role, but it is recognised that partnerships are important;

· Marketing business opportunities to the private sector. This is seen as the function of the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve and its Warden in particular, but is subject to Board policies and procedures;

· Marketing individual tourist facilities. This is borne by the party which runs and manages these facilities, and;

· Marketing the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve and the area as a >destination= and a brand. This is seen as a joint responsibility of the individual stakeholders in the Reserve, the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve and local, provincial and national tourism marketing authorities and initiatives.

Subject to the availability of resources, the Board may give attention to the marketing of SMMEs and to encouraging other stakeholders to do the same.

Tourism policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Outdoor recreation-based tourism for the domestic market is the primary product of the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve. Use of the Reserve is focused around the Vaal River

Because of its locality, the target market will be predominantly local.

The Reserve must rely more on income from visitors to contribute to its operating costs. Entrance fees and user fees will therefore be levied at rates sufficient to meet this need. Differential rates may be payable at different seasons and for different products offered.

Operating guidelines

Fees

The Warden will ensure that as many opportunities as possible are developed so that the public enjoys Wolwespruit Nature Reserve and that user fees are levied and collected for the products offered.

Visitor control

Visitors may need to be regulated in order to ensure that impacts on the natural environment and on the experience of other users are not compromised. Regulations will be drafted to ensure that the Warden can achieve this and, if necessary, these regulations may need to be approved by the relevant authority. The Warden will make recommendations in this regard from time to time.

Visitor carrying capacity

Visitor numbers should be regulated within respective zones to ensure that environmental impact is kept within acceptable limits and that visitor experience is maximized. The situation may arise where management needs to mitigate impacts. This must be done taking financial considerations into account.

Community and social policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Wolwespruit Nature Reserve forms part of the local community and wherever possible, steps should be taken to integrate communities more fully into the Reserve.

Operating guidelines

Within the framework and objectives of the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve the community should be accommodated through the following mechanisms:

Environmental education

This should be actively encouraged especially in the context of developing knowledge of the natural environment and the role of the Reserve in society. Where possible, partnerships should be established with role players and interested parties to ensure that this takes place.

Research

Research will be permitted only via formal agreements and projects will need to be registered. Investigation into the archaeological and cultural sites on the Reserve would be encouraged in order to develop a base line of information.

Other

Where appropriate the Reserve should interact with interested parties and organisations and establish forums in which the constructive use of the Reserve can be discussed. If necessary and appropriate, policies can be amended to accommodate such community involvement.

In this document the private sector refers to large, medium, small and individually owned business, including individuals or groups of individuals from the local communities who are interested in pursuing economic activities which are mutually beneficial (to the businesses and the park) within the park.

October 2001