VE Berg trip

We have the full go-ahead and support of Eduard Goosen (Senior Conservation Manager Northern Drakensberg) and Frik Lemmer (Conservation Manager Monk's Cowl). They appreciate the help and will be joining us if they are able to at the time.

I've just had a phone chat with Frik Lemmer and we spoke about the following:
* Pines are relatively easy to kill in that they are simply cut down. A bow saw is used. No poison is needed.

* Other areas which we can tackle, if we have many volunteers, include Wonder Valley and some steep slopes / difficult access areas near Hlatikhulu Neck.

* Ideally he would want to stick to the 12 person limit but is willing to accommodate groups up to 20 in this case. If we have more people we will have to split up and tackle different areas.

* The long weekend will see many hikers at the popular camp spots like Keith Bush and the one at the base of Gatberg. We may have to use some of the lesser used ones, especially if we are big group already.

My own thoughts are that we could choose a different date in order to alleviate potentially high numbers of hikers in the Mhlwazini valley that weekend, though this would probably make it more difficult for some to be part of this event. On the other hand I could happily just stick to the intended date and venue (other areas may have the same challenge). Any thoughts on this?

Also, if we are more 20 and will be splitting up, we should try and have a big social evening at the main camp site on Friday evening at the start of the weekend, so that we can get to know everyone.

Monk's Cowl does offer quite a bit in terms of alternate campsites, so I think we'll be OK. Apparently Wonder Valley has a bad pine infestation, so we could also book and use Wonder Valley Cave.

I haven't been to Zulu Cave for about 6 years and it wasn't really on the smuggling route then, but things have certainly picked up since then. I have noticed the new smuggling track which heads down the valley in that direction! The pines near Hlatikhulu are difficult to reach and on steep slopes, so Frik Lemmer was saying it would be great if those got tackled.

Glad you mentioned climbing Sterkhorn, Stijn, since this has been on my mind. Thinking about adding on an extra day or so after the clean-up and camping at Bling Man's Corner. Will lug some climbing gear along to climb central and southern summits too. So, in reference to an earlier post of yours here is a thumbs up (I've added an extra smilie for that - see "More smilies").

The new smilies are wicked, intrepid!

wrt the VE trip, from Head office of EKZNW there was a major for this and more of these types of initiatives and partnerships. Aliens are a big issue, and while there are plans in the various reserves to attack them, it is very costly and labour intensive. The areas are therefore prioritised in terms of highest density, visitor numbers, wilderness value etc. Not an easy task!

Glad to be part of it though, and hope Frik and Ed will be there to join in. They are both great guys and have a massive passion for conservation, and the Berg in particular!

@BergAttie - start off by chatting to Eduard Goosen, you can find his details here . Mention that you are a member of VE. He is going to try join us at the event in March, so you could chat to him then if you want. Based on what he says, I reckon you'd contact the relevant Conservation Manager of the area you are heading into, just to keep them in the loop of what you'll be doing on a particular trip. It may also be good to maintain some sort of documentation of what was done: pictures, GPS co-ordinates, number of trees, date etc.

Looks like we are between 10 and 15 people on this one so far. Can everyone please give definite confirmation on this thread? Numbers are crucial in the planning.

An interesting stipulation from EKZNW Head Office was no chain saw or anything with a motor on it allowed - because of the noise. So its bow saws. Will check with them if they can supply us, else its no biggie to organise our own.