Invader Tree Eradication Jul 19

You are aware that all invader trees on the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation (DWAS) land at TSC must be removed by January 2022. The DWAS portion of land is the area below the gravel road (water side) from Site 104 up to the Clubhouse. There are approximately 400 invader trees left after the previous exercise. We have received quotations for the cutting down of the trees: R2000 per tree – this exercise will cost TSC R800 000.00 – money which we don’t have and an expense we do not want to pass on to the members.

Furthermore, the storm which battered TSC last weekend (21 – 22 June) revealed that the recent droughts have damaged the root systems of the trees more than we anticipated (see below photo).

We cannot afford the loss of more members’ caravans, caravan ports or cabins. The trees are also posing as a safety risk to all members. We now have the opportunity to become pro-active. We realise that the time-frames are tight BUT we could not pass on the offer to have the invader trees removed with minimal cost to TSC and the members.

ABC Chippers, the company appointed by DWAS to cut down all invader trees around the Theewaterskloof Dam, has agreed to assist us in this regard:

They will cut down the invader trees on DWAS land (on the waterside of the gravel road running from Site 104 to the Clubhouse);
They will stockpile the logs temporarily on the waterfront;
Minimal movement of caravans required;
Modern, state of the art equipment (see photos);
Logs will be fed into the chipper and removed from site;

Timeframe: 6 weeks.

ABC Chippers will commence their operations on Monday 08 July and will be on site for approximately 6 weeks.

You are kindly requested to mark your trees with a white paint (will be provided by the Office) should you wish to have your tree(s) cut down at a higher point than the standard. Remember that the processes will start on 08 July – you have roughly 2 weekends to mark your trees.

We will soon communicate with members regarding a re-planting initiative which will coincide with Arbour Week (1 – 7 September 2019).