Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Image: Adobe Stock
No-go zones: These CapeNature reserves are closed following recent fires
Two CapeNature reserves will be closed until the end of June as a result of a recent blaze which led to the destruction of the hiking trails in these reserves.
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Image: Adobe Stock
On Sunday 21 February, a fire raged through nature protected areas around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for an extended period of two weeks, causing major ecological damage in the Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch nature reserves in the Western Cape.
UNCONTROLLABLE BLAZE
CapeNature’s firefighting team tried hard to combat the blaze, but the terrain and weather conditions at the time of the fire turned the firefighting task into a “mission impossible”.
Two firefighters sustained serious burns while trying to put out the blaze in the Jonkershoek Valley and are in hospital in a stable condition.
THESE RESERVES WILL BE CLOSED
Both Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch nature reserves will remain closed to the public until the end of June. This will allow CapeNature and its team of experts to carry out assessments and observations of the affected areas, as well as to allow the vegetation to regenerate after the blaze.
According to Travelnews, CapeNature will conduct assessments of damage incurred to the hiking trails and other infrastructure such as signage, bridges and trails at the Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch Nature Reserves.
ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE TO TRAILS
CapeNature’s scientists expect that the soil in certain parts of the hiking trail network may have been become “hydrophobic” because of the intense heat during the blaze.
The organisation has therefore decided to prohibit visitors from entering the affected reserves at this time since human recreational activity could lead to further damage of the trails, resulting in soil erosion.
INACCESSIBLE AREAS
The affected areas include Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch, Bergriver Dam and the mountains behind Banhoek. These areas will remain inaccessible to visitors and outdoor enthusiasts for at least another three months.
The closure of such areas will affect all planned events and filming activities that were due to take place since these will no longer be possible.
Fortunately, there are numerous other reserves in the CapeNature portfolio, which adventure-seekers and nature lovers can still access. More details can be found at www.capenature.co.za.
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