Parkscape ‘ignored’

I HAVE enjoyed using Lower Tokai Park/Tokai Forest for many years. Now it appears we will shortly lose the last of our shaded recreation (and heritage) in the area.

In 2007, a Management Framework was negotiated for the area that allowed for biodiversity and shaded recreation – and included existing recreational activities.

Since last year’s fires, MTO Forestry will, in terms of their lease agreement, be felling the remaining pines and leaving the area before the end of 2016.

Given that SANParks have started no new planting, as per the Management Framework, and we know the pines will be going soon, I would be very keen to hear how SANParks plans to manage the implementation of the Management Framework.

Moreover, Friends of Tokai Park and other conservationists say the entire area is to be given over to fynbos. If this is the case, it is directly counter to the Management Framework and changes of this nature can’t be made without a full public participation process.

The very purpose of the Tokai Cecilia Management Framework was to achieve balance, and with it some degree of safety as created by the visibility provided by tall-stemmed trees. Attempts to engage with SANParks by the organisation I belong to (Parkscape) have been ignored for the past four months.

SANParks are legally obliged to engage with the public and affected interest groups. We’re all aware of the tragic incident of March this year when a young girl was murdered in the fynbos. While I accept that crime comes from outside the park, the unnaturally high and dense fynbos most certainly facilitated this heinous crime – and SANParks need to do something to prevent a further incident.

So SANParks, will you tell the public your plans for the area?

And will you engage with Parkscape, who represent close on 2 000 people from across Cape Town? And how will you ensure our safety?

Moreover, we urge you to prevent MTO from felling until proper public engagement has taken place.