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Similarly to that of the compartment in Tokai that has just undergone harvesting, the pines will be harvested by forestry company, Cape Pine (formerly MTO Forestry) per the company”s harvesting schedule and will take approximately 4 – 5 weeks to complete. Although no road closures or major traffic delays are expected along upper Tokai Road, the public may experience some inconvenience during this time. Cyclists, pedestrians, vehicles and horse riders are urged to exercise caution when using upper Tokai Road, as heavy vehicles and forestry trucks may be encountered.

This particular area of the Tokai Plantation is the only place left on earth with the opportunity to restore an ecological corridor to link the lowland fynbos with the fynbos on the mountain and to ensure the long-term survival of the critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, as per the Management Framework for the Tokai and Cecilia areas of the TMNP. The harvesting of this compartment of pines allows for this ecological corridor to be created.

Horse riders, walkers and cyclists will not be able to make use of the gravel and horse track behind Forest Glade while harvesting is in progress.

SANParks will however engage with the harvesting company to ensure that access to the area over weekends is retained and that restrictions are kept to a minimum for all users. SANParks will also ensure that damages to the path by the heavy harvesting vehicles will be monitored and any damages repaired.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Cape Region Communications

Media Queries:
Wanika Rusthoi
Regional PR Officer: Cape Region
South African National Parks
Tel: 021 689 4441; Cell: 072 060 8188
Email: [email protected]