Veld management in the Natal Drakensberg

Abstract

SUMMARY The annual extreme fire hazard in the Natal Drakensberg will limit forestry and the rugged topography and vulnerability of the soil discourage use of the area for grazing. Judicious patch-burning alternatively in spring and in autumn will reduce costs of fire protection and is expected to keep the veld stable. Quality and quantity of runoff is expected to be as favourable as possible in this very important catchment area. The area is especially suited for a nature and recreation reserve. The burning system proposed above is wholly compatible with management for water yield and nature conservation. OPSOMMING Die uiters gevaarlike brandtoestande wat elke jaar in die Natalse Drakensberge ondervind word, sal bebossing in hierdie gebied beperk, terwyl die ru topograjie en kwesbaarheid van die grond die gebied ongunstig vir beweiding maak. Oordeelkundige lapbrande al om die beurt in die lente en herfs sal brandbeskermingskoste verminder en die veld in 'n stabiele toestand hou. Hoeveelheid en kwaliteit van afloop behoort baie gunstig te wees. Die gebied is geskik veral as 'n natuur- en ontspannings-reservaat, Die brandsisteem wat aanbeveel word is heeltemal ooreenstemmend met die bestuur van die veld vir wateropbrengs en natuurbewaring.