Sustainable multiple-use management of indigenous evergreen high forest in the Southern Cape, South Africa
1996
Zimbabwe Forestry Commission | Mushove, P. T. | Shumba, E. M. | Matose, F.
The Southern Cape forest is the largest indigenous forest complex in South Africa. It occurs at the southern end of Afromontane forest along the eastern escarpment and the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt forests on the lowlands along the east coast of South Africa. These forests cover an area of approximatelz 60 500 ha, of which approximatly 35 800 ha are managed by the state. The state-controlled forests are subjected to sustainable multiple-use management. Forest areas may be allocated to one of the following management classes: timber utilization, protection, nature reserve, recreation or research. Conservation of the ecoszstem (maintenance of species and habitat diversity) remains the overriding management objective. Secondary objectives provide for the utilization of forest produce (timber and ferns), outdoor recreation and research. Timber harvesting is carried out on a 10-year czcle in approximately 26% of the forest area. A single-tree selection szstem is used. Trees are selected for harvesting according to visible signs of senility that have been calibrated to mortality rates. Harvesting methods used limit damage to remaininng trees and the forest. Fronds of the fern Rumohra adiantiformis are picked by private contractors on a 15 month czcle. Picking intensities and the effects on the resource are monitored. Recreation facilities provided include picnic sites, hiking trails, day walks, viewpoints, mountain bike trails and horse trails. Other activities include ecological research, flora and fauna monitoring and weed control.
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