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      » Progress   » Plans

Medium Term Action Plan
(Recommended by Grant Johnson Associates and Nigel Wessels)

The primary objectives of this plan is to retain the existing very attractive open character; maintain a high species diversity in the natural areas; and at the same time increase its recreational potential.


 
Objectives
  • The varied character of the Steenbok Nature Park will be enhanced by increasing the diversity of local plant species in the dune grasslands and coastal dune thicket areas, as well as by the gradual replacement of exotic trees with locally indigenous trees.

  • Enhanced biodiversity will be achieved by the replacement of exotic with indigenous species, the addition of thorny species to the dune thicket and by increasing the species diversity of the dune grassland. These actions will provide improved butterfly habitats and bird feeding and nesting sites.

  • Recreation potential will be increased by improving access for wheelchair users with a brick path while boardwalks will enable comfortable access over salt marsh and wetland in Steenbok Nature Park

  • Interpretive signage relating to the restoration of the dune grassland and salt marsh, the estuary, and Leisure Isle hydrology is proposed. The display board at the main gate will be enlarged and used for seasonal information and news items.

  • Views of the estuary and the mountains will be maintained and views within the Park will be improved.

Existing Assets

Outstanding assets which should be retained are the:
  • open vistas, wide skies and feeling of space;
  • varied views within and beyond the park;
  • subtle landforms reminiscent of its sand dune origins;
  • diversity of vegetation and wildlife habitats;
  • capacity to absorb the varied activities of relatively large numbers of people;
  • potential to maintain a wild dune vegetation character (fast disappearing elsewhere in the region) in contrast to the surrounding high maintenance suburban gardens.

Problems

Some problem areas include:
  • Invasive grass species, which if unchecked will lead to loss of floral and faunal diversity;
  • A plethora of signage by different authorities, some of it placed without consideration of its visual intrusion;
  • Proliferation of ‘gardened’ areas – the danger being that they could stretch the capacity of maintenance manpower to the detriment of other areas.

© Steenbok Nature Reserve 2009
P O Box 676, Knysna, 6570
Tel (083)754 5390 or 044 384 1896
Email: info@steenboknaturereserve.org.za


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