Wattle trees have choked some stretches of the Umgeni, and threaten the demise of a fine trout stream. Wattles contribute tannins, fall into the river, shade the water, and due to the barren nature of the ground beneath them, contribute significantly to siltation. Siltation stops trout from breeding, and wattle trees also suck huge amounts of water from the system, exacerbating low winter flows.
'The Fly-fishing Community are Environmentally Conscious for many reasons. Firstly because it is the environment which attracts us out there, secondly because, naturally, it's the right thing to do and thirdly, without sustainable waters, we won't have sustainable fishing for ourselves and the generations to come. At this stage we have a conservative attendance estimate of a minimum of 40 people.' Said Dave Prentice.
NFFC invite you to join in their efforts which now have the added support of The WWF, read more about WWF participation.
Take a look at what happens at these clean-up sessions, Andrew Fowler loaded a video at the beginning of this year and another last month.
Join the Umgeni River clean-up no 3:
On 12th September 2015 members and non-members alike are encouraged to meet us at the Rotunda in Hilton to share lifts or get directions to Brigadoon farm. We will then travel up in convoy and spend the day tackling wattles that line the banks of parts of this important river.
This year we have considerable support from the WWF, prominent local conservationists, and the landowner. We will have contractors working with us and tractors to pull fallen trees from the river. So this one promises to be particularly productive, and we are excited at the prospects of improving even more stretches of river, so that members can return and enjoy the Trout fishing, which was particularly good in the latter part of last summer.
Bring a friend, a saw, some rope, a chainsaw if you can operate it safely, some sandwiches, and plenty to drink.
We plan to split into 2 groups: one to do a thorough job on a short stretch of river, to completely restore it, and another to move upstream at speed cutting the maximum number of smaller stems.
Contact person: Andrew Fowler
Mobile: 082 574 4262
Bus: 033 342 3177
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
News supplied by NFFC.