Twenty volunteers attended our 734th hack. This was the fourth hack of the year at the Dawidskraal River (blue). The objective is to clear the myrtle before the winter rain starts and access becomes problematic with higher water levels in the channels, slippery rocks and muddy embankments.
Six chainsaw operators found the going slow as the bases of the myrtle had to be cleared of dried flood debris before ‘cutting low and painting blue’. The draggers did a sterling job with continuously feeding a long line of hackers who passed the cut off branches to the stackers in the western fire break who created two piles (yellow) where it is accessible for removal with a vehicle by staff from the Harold Porter Botanical Garden.
A big thank you to Mary Whitelaw and Lee Boyd for providing the much needed sandwiches at the mid-morning break and to Dave Mourant for the flasks of boiling water and all the tea and coffee requirements.
It was hugely rewarding at the end of the hack to see more and more areas of fynbos liberated from the diminishing myrtle infestation. The battle continues,” Happie-vir-happie”
A special word of thanks to the hackers who travel from Rooi Els, Pringle Bay and Kleinmond to support us. It is always greatly appreciated and highlights that many hands do indeed make light work. Finally, to Christine Coupar for her generous donation of an aQuellé Sparkling natural spring water pack of 6 x 1.5L to be enjoyed by both the Betty’s Bay and Hangklip Hardcore Hackers.
As ever, on behalf of the Betty’s Bay Fynbos, thank you all for your efforts.
Rob Boyd
Convener Betty’s Bay Hack Group