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A challenge for Islanders and friends of Leisure Isle
Much has been written and discussed about the protection and upgrading of the Northern Shores of Leisure Isle (Steenbok Park and Kingfisher Creek) to an improved conservation status - which would hopefully lead to this area being properly protected by the most appropriate environmental legislation available. The advantages of this are obvious - active and creative management is needed in order to nurture and protect anything of value.
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The areas covered by our ecological development plan are already well utilized by islanders and visitors for limited recreational purposes and it is important to do all we can to retain them as such.
The Path Ahead
Nothing comes for free and funds are required for both general maintenance and for capital items. A group of Islanders formed the Northern Shores Development Foundation (name recently changed to Friends of Steenbok Nature Reserve) in 2007 and pledged financial support. This Trust is used to receive and disburse funds for the project. Good governance is assured by a tightly worded constitution and trustees representative of stake-holders, with Brian Steele as Chairman. There is close cooperation with LIRA whose approval is obtained for significant actions. R600000 was initially raised and was sufficient to cover initial capital and maintenance requirements. Since then valuable support has been received from Canon, an environmentally focused trust, Gardening at Leisure (the local Garden Club). Knysna Municipality and many individuals and businesses.
However considerably more is needed to ensure sustainability of the project over many years to come.
What you can do
Support this project financially to ensure its long term sustainability. There will be any number of reasons why one shouldn't donate: don't live on Links Drive, don't use Steenbok Park/Kingfisher Creek, why should some subsidise others, some people won't give at all etc. All arguments have validity - however can you accept the possible gradual deterioration of the northern shores due to lack of caring maintenance and can anyone really understand the impact the loss of these pristine areas to development would have on the island as a whole - and do we want to find out when it is too late?
The Alternatives
You are encouraged to support this project in one of the following ways:
- Founder member contributing R20 000
- Life member contributing R10 000
- Member as a Friend of Steenbok at R250 per annum
- Including a bequest in your will
All contributions will be acknowledged with appreciation for the contribution to the development.
If you are interested in becoming a FRIEND please click here for further details and a simple application form and further instructions.
Kindly contact us to advise us of your positive response.
Or post to PO Box 676, Knysna, 6570
Banking Details
Northern Shores Development Foundation
Standard Bank
Knysna Branch 050-314
Account No 082579342
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© 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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