Precious reserve in sorry mess

I am in complete agreement with Anne Williams (“Kap River Reserve left in sorry state” on the letters page, January 21) and wish to take this matter further.

I have repeatedly approached the Ndlambe Municipality on various matters concerning the Kap River Reserve, one being the formation of honorary wardens who can assist in the monitoring of this pristine and unique paradise.

Where else along our coastline does a fresh water tributary flow into a tidal river two or three kilometres from its mouth, with the tributary still remaining fresh? The huge sponge-like wetland happily sorts out this phenomenon and should be properly conserved at all costs.

It is a great pity that the Kap River Reserve has fallen into such a mess and I think the problem lies in over-weighted, top-heavy management who could not care.

I have also written letters advising management that there are a lot of concerned and well-educated people who are willing to help raise the status of this reserve.

These letters remain unanswered and must have fallen on deaf, unconcerned ears. One proposal is to develop a bird sanctuary close to the Fish River Mouth, with a bird hide where keen “tickers” can watch the numerous varieties of species – pelagic, waders, bush lovers, raptors, ibj’s, and so on, at their leisure.

Should the concerned volunteers take matters into their own hands?

If so, I’m pretty certain the powers that be will not be happy!

Let us again bring tourists into the area and show them the gem of the Eastern Cape.

ED CUTTEN