Guiding principles for reserve management - NCC Environmental ...

AUTHORIZATIONThis Strategic Plan (SP) for the Legalameetse Nature Reserve (LNR) was drafted and recommended bythe Reserve Planning Team (RPT), a multi-disciplinary team consisting of:NAMEPaulina MoengKaizer MdluliPOSITION AND ORGANISATIONReserve Manager, LNR, Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environmentand Tourism (LEDET)Regional Manager (Mopani), LEDETThe drafting of this SP was supported by the following Reserve Planning Specialist and other projectteam members:NAMEPOSITION AND ORGANISATIONM. Norval Reserve Planning Specialist and Core Planning Team Member, NCC GroupD. Ferreira Core Planning Team Member, NCC GroupJ. Jackelman Core Planning Team Member, EnvirocentricA. Purnell Core Planning Team Member, NCC GroupR.D. DyerProject Manager, NCC GroupK. Potgieter Technical Scribe & Editor, NCC GroupG. Benn Scientific Support Services, GeoCline ConsultingR. Colyn Scientific Support Services, NCC GroupR. Jangle Scientific Support Services, NCC GroupF. Ally Technical Team Member, NCC GroupS. Atmore Technical Team Member, NCC GroupF. Domingo Technical Team Member, NCC GroupT. Esack Technical Team Member, NCC GroupS. Rhoda Technical Team Member, NCC GroupReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 1

This SP is recommended for approval by:NAME AND TITLEMr Solly KgopongActing Head ofDepartmentLEDETSIGNATURE AND DATEThis SP is approved by:NAME AND TITLEMember of theExecutive CouncilLEDETInsert nameSIGNATURE AND DATEReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 2

ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMSABBREVIATIONS:APOAnnual Plan of OperationsBCEA Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997)CAPEXCapital ExpendituresCARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983)ECParksEastern Cape ParksEEEnvironmental EducationEEA Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998)EPWPExtended Public Works ProgrammeESKOMElectricity Supply CommissionFEPAFreshwater Ecosystem Priority AreaFPAFire Protection Association [in terms of the National Veld and Forest FireAct, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)]HDIHistorically Disadvantaged IndividualHOHead OfficeHODHead of DepartmentHRHuman ResourcesHRDHuman Resources DevelopmentIDP(municipal) Integrated Development PlanIUCNInternational Union for the Conservation of NatureITInformation TechnologyKPAKey Performance AreaLEDETLimpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and TourismLNRLegalameetse Nature ReserveLNRCMCLegalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management CommitteeLTALimpopo Tourism AgencyLTPLimpopo Tourism and ParksLRA Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995)MECMember of the Executive CouncilMETTManagement Effectiveness Tracking ToolMETT-SAManagement Effectiveness Tracking Tool for South AfricaNBRBSANational Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of1977)NEMBANational Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of2004)NEMPAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57of 2003)NEMWA National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2009 (Act No. 58 of 2009)NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)NPAESNational Protected Area Expansion StrategyNVFFA National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)OHSA Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)OPEXOperating ExpendituresPFMA Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999)PSA Public Service Act, 1994 (Act No. 103 of 1994)RMPReserve Management PlanRPTReserve Planning TeamReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 6

SANParksSouth African National ParksSANSSouth African National StandardSDA Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998)SISSecurity and Investigation ServicesSOKDRState of Knowledge Data RepositorySONRState-owned Nature ReserveSPStrategic PlanSTKSouth African Development Trust CorporationTGPTechnical Guidelines and ProceduresTORTerms of ReferenceTPATransvaal Provincial AdministrationUZMUse Zone MapVCAVeld Condition AssessmentWBRWaterberg Biosphere ReserveWfWWorking for WaterWOFWorking on FireWSA Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997)DEFINITION OF KEY PLANNING TERMS:ActivitiesGuiding principlesMonitoringObjectivesOutcomesOutputsPerformanceassessmentPerformance indicatorResourcesTargetUse zone mapValueVisionActivities are management tasks required to collectively realise theobjectives.Guiding principles provide overall direction to the implementation ofactivities.Monitoring is the collection of data and information in a consistent mannerover time for the purpose of evaluation.Objectives are derived from the vision. They represent key areas in whichachievements must be obtained in total, or in some combination, to givedirection to the management aspiration (the vision).Ideally outcomes are benefits produced from objectives and activities.Outputs are tangible results produced by activities.Performance assessment is a measurement of accomplishment against a setof pre-determined criteria (e.g. efficiency or effectiveness).A performance indicator is a measurement used to evaluate the success inachieving targets and realising objectives.Resources include the people, materials, technologies, money, etc. requiredto implement the activities.Targets are set for particular aspects of performance – financial returns,efficiency, quality of services, etc. – against which performance is monitoredand measured.A use zone map is a spatial framework that guides and co-ordinatesconservation and development activities in a protected area.A value is a specific attribute or feature (cultural, ecological or recreational)within a reserve that may require additional/special consideration duringthe planning process and subsequent management.Vision indicates the direction of management aspiration.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 7

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 8

1. INTRODUCTION1.1 The Reserve Management PlanThe Reserve Management Plan (RMP) is the overarching management planning document for theLegalameetse Nature Reserve (LNR).The accompanying guideline document ‘Guidelines for the development of management plans forLimpopo’s Provincial Nature Reserves’ details the purpose, scope, approach to, and elements of allRMPs for State-managed conservation areas in Limpopo Province.The Legalameetse Nature Reserve Management Plan comprises two complementary documents 1 :A Strategic Plan (SP) covering a period of five years (this document); andAn Annual Plan of Operation (APO) covering the current financial year.The relationship between these two documents is shown in Figure 1 below.Figure 1: The relationship between the five-year Strategic Plan (SP) and the consecutive Annual Plans of Operation (APO) thatguide the year-on-year reserve budget and activity planning.All the information necessary to guide the management of the LNR is included in these two documents.No major decisions potentially affecting the future of the reserve will be taken without reference to theRMP.This document constitutes the SP for the LNR and covers the period 2013-2017.1.2 Purpose and structure of the Strategic PlanThe purpose of the SP for the LNR is to set out the medium-term ambitions for the reserve. Theseambitions are expressed through the vision and objectives. The SP then describes how these ambitionswill be delivered through a range of management guidelines and management actions.1 These two planning documents may, in turn, be supported by a Reserve Database and program-specific, more detailed Subsidiary Plans.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 9

This SP has the following structure:SECTION 1SECTION 2SECTION 3SECTION 4SECTION 5INTRODUCTIONThis section briefly describes the: (i) planning context for the SP; (ii) purpose of the SP;(iii) structure of the SP; and (iv) approach to developing the SP.CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORKThis section provides a succinct summary of contextual information about the reserve.STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORKThis section defines the ambitions for the reserve, through the formulation of a visionand a set of objectives.This section also spatially represents the desired state of the reserve in the form of ause zone map for the reserve.STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKThis section defines how the vision and the objectives will be delivered. It details thekey management guidelines and management actions for six thematic areas (KeyPerformance Areas): biodiversity and heritage conservation; sustainable use;enforcement, security and access control; infrastructure and equipment (operations);stakeholder involvement; and administration and planning.RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORKThis section describes the: (i) governance arrangements for decision-making; (ii) rolesand responsibilities of affected institutions and stakeholders; (iii) the projected staffingrequirements; and (iv) the projected funding requirements for the implementation ofthe SP.1.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic PlanEight basic steps were taken in preparing this SP. These steps are outlined in the Table 1 below.Table 1: The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Legalameetse Nature ReserveSTEPSTEP 1: Data collection,background researchand site visit.STEP 2: Establishmentof a Reserve PlanningTeam (RPT).STEP 3: Identificationof the reserve values.STEP 4: Deciding on thedesired state for thereserve.STEP 5: Developmentof an action plan forthe reserve.STEP 6: Preparation ofthe first draft of the SPfor the reserve.PURPOSE OF STEPTo collect, collate and review the contextual reserve information thatinforms the reserve management planning process.To establish an inter-disciplinary team to guide and advise on thepreparation, and ongoing review and evaluation, of the RMP.To describe why the reserve was designated, and its associated values andbenefits.To develop and articulate a desired condition, state or appearance of thereserve (vision, objectives and use zone plan).To identify and develop the key management actions needed to achieve thedesired state for the reserve.To integrate all the information from Step 1 and Steps 3 to 5 into a first draftof the SP.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 10

Table 1 (contd.):The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Legalameetse Nature ReserveSTEPSTEP 7: Stakeholderconsultation.STEP 8: Revision of theSP to includecomments andrecommendations fromthe RPT and otherstakeholders.PURPOSE OF STEPTo create an opportunity for the RPT, and later the general public and otherstakeholders/interested parties, to review and comment on iterative draftsof the SP.To revise the draft SP, taking into account the comments received from theRPT and other stakeholders/interested parties and the public.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 11

2. CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK2.1 LocationThe Legalameetse Nature Reserve (LNR) is located in the Mopani Region of Limpopo Province, SouthAfrica (Figure 2). The reserve is located approximately 30 km to the south of Tzaneen and Lenyenye.The large settlement of Sekororo, with the small commercial centres of Trichardtsdal and Ofcolaco, islocated just below the escarpment from the reserve, while the Ga-Mampa and Ga-Mafefe settlementsare located to the west of the LNR, behind the escarpment.The LNR is located adjacent to the Wolkberg Wilderness Area and forms part of the Kruger to CanyonsBiosphere Reserve.The LNR covers a total area of 18 700.629 ha 2 and consists of portions of the following farms: BalloonNo. 71 KT, Crags No. 33 KT, Cyprus No. 68 KT, Haffenden Heights No. 35 KT, Malta No. 65 KT, Paris No.69 KT, Schelem No. 32 KT and The Downs No. 34 KT (Figure 3).Figure 2: Regional location of the Legalameetse Nature Reserve.2 Current actual size of the reserve, as confirmed by LEDET. Please note that the boundary fence of the reserve does, however, not correlatewith the cadastral boundary of the reserve as a result of the rugged terrain.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 12

Figure 3: Locality map of the Legalameetse Nature Reserve.2.2 Legal StatusThe LNR was formally proclaimed as a nature reserve on 9 March 1984 in terms of Section 3(1) of theNature Conservation in Black Areas Proclamation, 1978 (Proclamation R. 6 of 1978) and initially onlycovered an area of 18 125 ha. The area covered by the reserve was increased to 18 718 ha on 13September 1985 in terms of the same Proclamation.The LNR currently falls under the legal protection of the National Environmental Management:Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA), in terms of Section 12 thereof.Table 2 lists key national, provincial and local legislation that also has a direct influence on all reservemanagement activities.Table 2: Key national, provincial and local legislation with a direct influence on all reserve management activities 3NATIONAL LEGISLATION National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107of 1998) (NEMA); National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004(Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA); National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act,2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA); National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2009 (ActNo. 58 of 2009) (NEMWA); National Forest Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998);PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL LEGISLATION Limpopo Environmental ManagementAct, 2003 (Act No. 7 of 2003); Limpopo Tourism Act, 2009 (Act No. 2of 2009); Lepelle-Nkumpi Local MunicipalityBuilding Regulations By-laws; and Lepelle-Nkumpi Refuse Removal Bylaws.3 Including all regulations promulgated in terms of the legislation listed.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 13

Agriculture Laws Extension Act, 1996 (Act No. 87 of 1996); Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43of 1983) (CARA); Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989); National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998); Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997) (WSA); National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)(NVFFA); National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)(NHRA); Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984); Animal Health Act, 2002 (Act No. 7 of 2002); Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002); Fencing Act, 1963 (Act No. 31 of 1963); Tourism Act, 1993 (Act No. 72 of 1993); Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)(OHSA); National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act,1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977) (NBRBSA); Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999)(PFMA); Public Service Act, 1994, (Act No. 103 of 1994), as amended(PSA); Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995) (LRA); Basic Condition of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997)(BCEA); Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998) (EEA); Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998) (SDA); and Game Theft Act, 1991 (Act No. 105 of 1991).2.3 Institutional ArrangementsLand claims were submitted over the LNR by the Mamashiane, Mangena and Sekororo Communities interms of Section 10 of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No. 22 of 1994). The claim by theMamashiane Community has been settled, while the other two land claims are currently still in process.A co-management agreement provides for a State ‘Executing Agency’ to manage the reserve on behalfof the above-mentioned three communities for the purposes of ‘tourism, nature conservation andsocio-economic development’.The co-management agreement specifically describes the appointment of the Limpopo Tourism andParks Agency (LTP) as the ‘Executing Agency’. However, the LTP has been recently reconstituted as theLimpopo Tourism Agency (LTA). The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment andTourism (LEDET) and the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) are currently responsible for the conservationand tourism management, respectively, of the LNR.The co-management agreement further provides for the establishment of a ‘Legalameetse NatureReserve Management Committee’ 4 to represent the interests of the parties to the agreement in theongoing management and development of the LNR. The management committee has been constitutedwith representation from the relevant communities, the Local Municipality and LEDET, and meetsquarterly.4 Although the term “Management Committee” is used in the current co-management agreement, this committee will be referred to as theLegalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee for the remainder of this document pursuant to the requirements of the 2009National Co-Management Framework.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 14

In terms of the co-management agreement, the executing agency pays a conservation levy (R5/ha,adjusted annually for inflation) to the community trust account and shares the proceeds of ‘net profit’from reserve activities with the community on a 50:50 basis.Natural resources within the LNR, including wood, thatching grass, water and medicinal plants, areharvested by the local communities via a permitting system implemented by the ManagementAuthority.Table 3 details the current staff complement of the LNR.2.4 Reserve description2.4.1 HistoryTable 3: The current staff complement of the Legalameetse Nature ReservePOSTNUMBERReserve Manager 1Chief Nature Conservator 1Senior Field Ranger 1Field Ranger 35General Assistant (Cleaner) 6Intern 2Resort General Manager 1Tourism Staff (Permanent) 8Tourism Staff (Contract) 2Total 57Escarpments are known to provide shelter from wind and rain, therefore making it a popular locationfor human settlements. Three phases of human occupation can possibly be linked with the escarpmentareas of the greater LNR region: Stone Age inhabitants, Iron Age invaders and European settlers. TheStone Age lasted until displacement by Iron Age invaders from the north and it is highly likely that Sanpeople inhabited or visited the mountains in and around the LNR during the Stone Age period, based onrock paintings discovered in the Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve located to the south of the LNR. Iron Agesettlements are widely distributed in the general LNR area, but its presence within the reserve itself hasnot yet been confirmed. Progenitors of the modern Pedi people were most likely associated with boththe Stone Age and Iron Age human occupation phases in the LNR area. The first European settlerssettled in the LNR area in the early 1900’s, including Orrie Baragwanath and Frank Lewis, who acquiredand lived on the farm The Downs No. 34 KT. Pine and Blue Gum plantations were established in thearea by the aforementioned farmers around 1910.Historically two different patterns of farming were evident in the LNR area: Larger fields cultivated onHaffenden Heights No. 35 KT and The Downs No. 34 KT by commercial farmers, versus small fieldscultivated by Pedi farmers, which were scattered across the landscape. Seed potatoes and maize wereinitially produced on the aforementioned two properties, with the production of avocados becomingpopular in the area in the 1950’s. The early settlers also kept sheep and cattle.A number of farms in the area were expropriated in the early 1980’s and earmarked for inclusion in theLebowa homeland, whereafter the LNR was officially proclaimed as a South African Development TrustReserve over these properties in 1984. The reserve was initially managed by the Sub-directorate:Nature Conservation of the former Department of Development Aid, before being transferred to theNature Conservation Division of the former Transvaal Provincial Administration (TPA). After the 1994Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 15

democratic elections, management of the reserve was transferred to the new Northern Province andlater the Limpopo Department, now known as LEDET. Limpopo Parks and Tourism Agency (LTP) (laterreconstituted as the Limpopo Tourism Agency or LTA) then proceeded with the management of thereserve.Although part of the avocado orchards located in the area have recently been cut down, substantialareas are still being farmed on the farms Malta No. 65 KT, The Downs No. 34 KT and Crags No. 33 KT.Initially, commercial farmers leased the orchards that they previously owned back from the State,whereafter the orchards were managed by the South African Development Trust Corporation (STK).The orchards are currently being phased out under the management of the land owners (Section 2.3).Livestock has been grazing in the LNR since 1994 and continues to do so today under a communalsystem. Illegal grazing of cattle also takes place within the reserve.2.4.2 ClimateThe LNR receives an average annual rainfall of 800 mm to 1200 mm per annum, most of which fallsduring summer months. The amount of rainfall received varies according to altitude and aspect of thelandscape. The reserve receives the least amount of rainfall in August (with an average monthly rainfallof 11 mm per month) and the most in January (with an average monthly rainfall of 187 mm per month)(Figure 4).The monthly average for maximum temperatures within the reserve ranges from 19°C in July to 26°C inDecember. Temperatures can reach up to 31⁰C in the height of summer. The region is coldest in July,when temperatures can drop to 6°C at night (Figure 4).Figure 4: Graph illustrating the average monthly rainfall and maximum and minimum temperatures for the LekgalameetseNature Reserve (Mhlaba Weather Station: Latitude: 23.9338°S; Longitude: 30.2897°E; Altitude: 585 m above sea level).2.4.3 TopographyThe LNR is generally characterised by an extremely broken topography. The steep escarpment cliffslocated in the eastern parts of the reserve form the most important topographical feature of the area.The following additional landscape types can also be found within the reserve: A high-lying plateau;talus situated below the escarpment; foothills located under the talus; and plains, which are limited inReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 16

extent and have been extensively used for agriculture in the past. Several sinkholes, caves, blind valleysand tufa formations also occur in the south-western dolomitic sections of the reserve (Figure 3).Altitudes within the LNR vary from 720 m above sea level at the lowest point in the reserve to 1 838 mabove sea level at the point of highest elevation.2.4.4 Geology and Soils2.4.4.1 GeologyA variety of geological formations occur within the LNR, which can generally be grouped according tothe vegetation unit it supports.The geology on which Granite Lowveld occurs (Figure 5) ranges from Archaean granite and gneiss,Swazian Goudplaats Gneiss, Makhutswi Gneiss and Nelspruit Suite to the younger Mpuluzi Granite.Northern Escarpment Quartzite Sourveld geology (Figure 5) comprises Black Reef Group and WolkbergGroup quartzite.Northern Mistbelt Forest (Figure 5) occurs on Pretoria Group shales; Chuniespoort Group deriveddolomite; Black Reef Formation derived quartzite; granite derived from Nelspruit Basement; anddiabase derived from Mokolian intrusives.Poung Dolomite Mountain Bushveld geology (Figure 5) mainly comprises dolomite derived from theMalmani Formation of the Transvaal Supergroup and is always interlayered with chert.The geology of Tzaneen Sour Bushveld (Figure 5) comprises an Archaean granite dyke, as well aspotassium-poor gneisses of the goudplaats gneiss, which underlie most of this vegetation unit. Shalesand quartzite of the Wolkberg Group also occur, but are not common.The geology on which Wolkberg Dolomite Grassland (Figure 5) occurs, is comprised of Malmanidolomites of the Chuniespoort Group.2.4.4.2 SoilsA variety of soil forms occur in the LNR, which can generally be grouped according to the vegetationunit it supports.In the lowlands Granite Lowveld (Figure 5) occurs on clayey soils with a high content of sodium, whilesoils in the uplands are sandy.Northern Escarpment Quartzite Sourveld (Figure 5) occurs on nutrient poor, shallow rocky (quartzite)soils of the Mispah form.Northern Mistbelt Forest (Figure 5) occurs on highly weathered, clayey soils of the Hutton and Avalonsoil forms.Poung Dolomite Mountain Bushveld soils (Figure 5) are alkaline, high in calcium and magnesium andhave low levels of phosphorus. These soils are mostly derived from Mispah soil forms and are shallow,with occasionally deep soils derived from the Hutton and Griffin soil forms.Tzaneen Sour Bushveld soils (Figure 5) vary from shallow to deep, sandy or gravelly well-drained soils ofthe Mispah, Glenrosa or Hutton formations.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 17

Wolkberg Dolomite Grassland (Figure 5) occurs on nutrient rich, deep, red apedal soils with scattereddolomite rocks.2.4.4.3 Soil ErosionSoil erosion is problematic within the LNR as a result of the low plant canopy cover. This may be as aresult of a high fire frequency, combined with the grazing and trampling by livestock. Vehicle tracksplaced in wetlands and along steep slopes also seem to be characterised by the presence of erosion. Athorough assessment of all factors affecting the soils within the reserve, on which managementdecisions regarding soil erosion can be based, is, however, not currently available.2.4.5 Drainage and HydrologyThe LNR forms part of the Limpopo-Olifants System and is located within the Wolkberg MountainCatchment Sub-system.Eight perrenial rivers, including the Selati, Makhutse and a number of tributaries of the NgwabitsiRivers, originate within the LNR, which is also referred to as “the place of water”. These rivers aremostly fast flowing, with a number of riffle zones and small pools. Its water is generally of a highquality, which, in addition to its highly oxygenated status, provides a suitable habitat for a number ofdifferent aquatic species. Proposals have recently been made regarding the potentialcommercialization of the water supply within the reserve.The good quality of the water within the LNR has also been recognized by members of the localcommunities, who often harvest water from the waterfalls located within the reserve. Water obtainedfrom these waterfalls is believed to have spiritual significance.The combination of the unique geology and drainage features of the reserve has resulted in thepresence of a small tufa stream on the farm Malta No. 65 KT, which has been recognised as animportant conservation feature.2.4.6 Vegetation2.4.6.1 Vegetation TypesThe vegetation of the reserve comprises Lowveld and Central Bushveld vegetation units of the SavannaBiome; Mesic Highveld Grassland vegetation units of the Grassland Biome; and a Zonal/Intrazonal forestunit straddling the ecotone of the Grassland and Savanna Biome (Figure 5).Savanna is characterized by a herbaceous layer (usually dominated by grasses) with a woodycomponent – most typically an overstorey of trees. In southern Africa, bushveld is an apt description ofthe vegetation structure, as the vegetation most often does not comprise distinct shrub and tree layers.Instead, shrubs and trees occur in a matrix with a grass-dominated herb layer.Grassland is characterised by relatively short and structurally simple herbaceous vegetation dominatedby grasses and often with a fair proportion of low-growing herbs and herbaceous perennials. Woodyplants are rare or restricted to specific habitats, such as koppies. Grasslands are fire prone ecosystemsand hence fire is essential to maintaining both its structure and floristic component. Fire returnintervals in grassland are one to four years and fire occurs from July to September.Forests are defined as multi-layered vegetation dominated by trees, whose combined strata haveoverlapping crowns (i.e. a canopy cover of 75% or more) and where grasses are rare in the herbaceousReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 18

stratum. The Forest Biome is not fire prone and although fire plays a role in defining the forest edge, itmust be excluded from it.The vegetation description for the LNR follows Mucina and Rutherford (2006).Northern Escarpment Quartzite Sourveld (VU - Vulnerable)Northern Escarpment Quartzite Sourveld is rich in forb species and is characterised by short, closedgrassland with scattered trees and shrubs. As a result of the soils being leached, plant biomass is lower.This, together with the rocky landscape, has resulted in a reduced fire frequency and intensity, makingthis vegetation unit slightly woodier than the surrounding units. Dominant species include Protearoupelliae subsp. roupelliae (small tree); Lopholaena coriifolia (succulent shrub); Aristida junciformissubsp. galpinii, Loudetia simplex, Melinis nerviglumis, Panicum eckloni and Trachypogon spicatus (allgrasses); and Rhynchosia woodii (herb), amongst others.Figure 5: Vegetation map of the Legalameetse Nature Reserve.Wolkberg endemics include Asparagus rigidus and Hemizygia rehmannii (low shrubs); Thesiumgracilentum (semiparasitic shrub); Annisopappus junoddii and Scabiosa transvaalensis (herbs); and A.thompsoniae (succulent herb).Plants endemic to this vegetation unit include the following species: Encephalartos brevifoliolatus, E.cupidus, E. nubimontanus and Protea laetans (small trees); Erica rivularis, Euclea dewinteri, Hemizygiarugosifolia and Lopholaena festiva (low shrubs); Schoenoxiphium shweckerdtii (graminoid); Cinerariahederifolia, Inezia speciosa, Monopsis kowynensis, Monsonia lanuginose, Schistostephiumartemisiifolium and Streptocarpus decipiens (herbs); Brachystelma pachypodium, Crocosmiamathewsiana, Cyrtanthus huttonii, C. junodii, Dierama adelphicum, Disa aristata, Drimiopsis davivsonae,Ledebouria sp. nov. (‘rupestris’), L. galpinii, L. petiolata, Schizochilus crenulatus, Tulbaghia coddii, T.simmleri and Watsonia strubeniae (geophytic herbs); and Aloe nubigena (succulent herb).Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 19

Granite Lowveld (VU - Vulnerable)Granite Lowveld occurring on the uplands comprises of tall shrubland with few trees to moderatelydense low woodland dominated by Terminalia sericea, Combretum zeyheri and C. apiculatum and aground layer consisting of Pogonarthria aquarrosa, Tricholaena monachne and Eragrostis rigidior. Inthe lowland areas dense thicket to open savanna with Acacia nigrescens, Dichrostachys cinerea andGrewia bicolorin dominate the woody layer. The dense herbaceous layer is mainly comprised ofDigitaria eriantha, Panicum maximum and Aristida congesta on fine-textured soils, while brackishbottomland soils support Sporobolus mitens. A dense fringe of Terminalia sericea and Eragrostisgummiflua occurs in areas where the topography changes from convex to concave.Northern Mistbelt ForestNorthern Mistbelt Forest comprises tall evergreen afrotemperate forests forming small, fragmentedpatches. These forest patches primarily occur in east-facing areas which are excluded from fire, such assubridge scarps and moist sheltered kloofs. Dominant trees include Brachylaena transvaalensis,Combretum xymalos monospora, Podocarpus latifolius, Combretum kraussii, Curtisia dentata, Drypetesgerrardii, Kiggelaria africana, Ocotea kenyensis, Syzigium gerrardii and Olea capensis subsp.macrocarpa. Small trees such as Cassipourea malosana, Oxyanthus speciosus subsp. gerrardii andEnglerophytum megalismontanum also occur. Psychotria capensis and Canthium kruntzeanum aresome of the tall shrub species which dominate this vegetation unit. Other species include Begoniasonderiana (herb), Dietes iridioides (geophytic herbs) and Carex spicato-paniculata, Cyperus albostriatusand Oplismenus hirtellus (grasses).Biogeographically important species include the following species with regard to its southerndistribution limit: Anthocleista grandiflora (tall tree); Psychotria zombamontana and Coptospermarhodesiacum (tall shrub); Ensete venticosum and Strelitzia caudata (megaherb); and Plectranthusswynnertonii and Sphaerocionium capillare (herbs).The following species are endemics of the Barberton Centre: Faurea galpinii (Tall tree); and Duvernoiaadhatodoides (soft shrub).Plants endemic to this vegetation unit include Cryptocarya transvaalensis and Ochna gamostigmata (talltrees); Dombeya pulchra and Heteropyxis canescens (small trees); Mystacidium brayboniae (epiphyticherb); Pavetta barbertonensis (tall shrub); Streptocarpus davyi, S. fenestra-dei, S. micranthus, S.parviflorus, S. roseo-albus and S. wilmsii (herbs); and Clivia caulescens (geophytic herb).Poung Dolomite Mountain BushveldPoung Dolomite Mountain Bushveld is a shrub dominated, open to closed woodland with small treessuch as Hippobromus pauciflorus, Kirkia wilmsii, Seemannaralia gerrardii and Euphorbia tirucalli(succulent trees). Dominant shrub species include Pouzolzia mixta and Senna petersiana (tall shrubs);Asparagus intricatus, Barleria rotundifolia and Rhynchosia nitens (low shrubs); and Plectranthusxerophilus (succulent shrub). Grasses that occur in this vegetation unit include Bewsia biflora,Brachiaria serrata, Eragrostis lehmanniana and Loudetia simplex.Biogeographically important species include the following Northern Sourveld endemics: Asparagusfourei (low shrub), Chorisochora transvaalensis (soft shrub), Dracaena transvaalensis (megaherb) andHaemanthus paucifolius (geophytic herb), as well as the following Sekhukhune endemic: Lydenburgiacassinoides (small tree).Plants endemic to this vegetation unit include: Encephalartos dolomiticus and E. inopinus (small trees);Melhania integra (low shrub); Delosperma vandermerwei and Euphorbia grandialata (succulent shrubs);Barleria dolomiticola and Lotononis pariflora (herbs); Brachystelma minor, B. pravulum, GladiolusReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 20

dolomiticus, G. pavonia and Ledebouria dolomiticola (geophytic herbs); and Aloe branddraaiensis, A.monotropa, Gasteria batesiana var. dolomitica, Huernia blyderiverensis and Plectranthus dolomiticus(succulent herbs).Tzaneen Sour Bushveld (EN - Endangered)Tzaneen Sour Bushveld is characterised by a well-developed, tall grass layer and deciduous, tall openbushveld occurring on low to high mountains with undulating plains below the escarpment. Dominantplant species which occur in this vegetation unit include Acacia polycantha, Albizia versicolor and Ficussansibarica (small trees); Olea europaea subsp. africana and Pseudarthria hookeri var. hookeri (tallshrubs); Agathisanthemum bojeri, Barleria elegans and Dicliptera clinopodia (low shrubs); andCymbopogon caesius, C. nardus and Hyparrhenia cymbaria (grasses), amongst others.Wolkberg Dolomite GrasslandWolkberg Dolomite Grassland is characterised by short, closed grasslands rich in forb and grass species,often dominated by Loudetia simplex and Diheteropogon amplectens (both grasses). Dominant smalltree species include Acacia davyi and Vitex rehmannii. Other grasses such as Andropogon schirensis,Brachiaria serrata, Heteropogon contortus and Themeda triandra are, amongst others, dominant in thisvegetation unit.2.4.6.2 Species of Conservation ConcernTable 4 lists the plant species of conservation concern known to occur within the LNR area 5 .Table 4: Plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the Legalameetse Nature Reserve areaPLANT SCIENTIFIC NAMEEncephalartos dolomiticusEncephalartos laevifoliusLeucospermum saxosumOcotea bullataWarburgia salutarisAloe monotropaBarleria dolomiticolaCeropegia decidua subsp. pretoriensisDisa aristataHypodematium crenatumPrunus africanaThesium davidsonaeThesium gracilentumBrachystelma minorClivia caulescensCurtisia dentataLachnaea filicaulisLydenburgia cassinoidesMerwilla plumbeaLotononis parifloraIUCN STATUSCritically EndangeredCritically EndangeredEndangeredEndangeredEndangeredVulnerableVulnerableVulnerableVulnerableVulnerableVulnerableVulnerableVulnerableNear ThreatenedNear ThreatenedNear ThreatenedNear ThreatenedNear ThreatenedNear ThreatenedCritically Rare5 The species of conservation concern indicated in this section have a strong probability of occurrence at this reserve, based on the Plants ofSouth Africa (POSA) database. The POSA includes a database of all plants recorded by means of voucher specimens lodged with one of therecognised herbaria in South Africa. The actual occurrence of these species will, however, need to be ground-truthed as part of KPA 1:Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation (Objective 1.5).Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 21

Table 4 (contd.):Plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the Legalameetse Nature Reserve areaPLANT SCIENTIFIC NAMEThorncroftia mediaDracaena transvaalensisEuphorbia restrictaHelichrysum junodiiHesperantha brevicaulisSyncolostemon rugosifoliusAdenia gummifera var. gummiferaBoophone distichaCallilepis leptophyllaCrinum macowaniiCryptocarya transvaalensisElaeodendron croceumGunnera perpensaHypoxis hemerocallideaIlex mitis var. mitisRapanea melanophloeosIUCN STATUSCritically RareRareRareRareRareRareDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDeclining2.4.6.3 Invasive Alien PlantsA variety of invasive plant species occur within the LNR and at varying densities. Large stands of oldEucalyptus plantations, as well as fruit trees, are remnants of historical agricultural activities.Indigenous forests are currently invaded by Acacia spp. and Eucalyptus spp. with Pinus patula onplateaus.The invasive plant species found at the LNR includes Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia (Category 3),Black Wattle Acacia mearnsii (Category 2), Australian Blackwood Acacia melnoxylon (Category 2),Bugweed Solanum mauritanum (Category 1), Syringa Melia azederach (Category 3), Pom Pom WeedCompuloclinium macrocephalum (Category 1), Coral Porterweed Stachytarpeta mutabulis, Triffid WeedChromalaena odorata (Category 1), Guava Psidium guajava (Category 2), Lantana Lantana camara(Category 1), Mauritius Thorn Caesalpinia decapetala (Category 1) and Patula Pine Pinus patula(Category 2) (Figure 6).Figure 6: Distribution of alien invasive plants throughout the Legalameetse Nature Reserve - November 2010 (from Bass AirAviation, 2010).Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 22

2.4.7 Fauna2.4.7.1 MammalsDuring the latest aerial survey undertaken in 2012, 295 head of game was counted. This is only threemore than the total of 292 that was recorded in the LNR in 2012, which means that there has not beenmuch recruitment of game over a two year period and may point to high poaching or other externalfactors influencing the recruitment of wildlife populations. The following mammal species wererecorded in the reserve in 2012: Burchell’s Zebra, Mountain Reedbuck, Warthog and Waterbuck(grazers); Bushbuck and Klipspringer (browsers); Common Duiker and Eland (mixed feeders); as well asChacma Baboon and Black-backed Jackal (other feeders). Relatively large numbers of cattle, donkeys,goats and humans were also recorded in the reserve boundaries during both of these aerial surveys: 1686 head of cattle was counted during the 2010 survey, which is significantly more than the totalnumber of game recorded within the reserve, and in 2012 286 head of cattle was recorded.In addition to the mammal species listed above, Leopard, Brown Hyaena and Samango Monkey are alsoknown to occur within the reserve. Some of the smaller mammal species known to occur in LNR are:Cape Clawless Otter, Water Mongoose, Side-striped Jackal, Red Duiker, Caracal, African Civet, AfricanWild Cat, Yellow Spotted Rock Hyrax, Serval, Honey Badger, Klipspringer, Aardwolf and a number of batsand rodents, amongst others. A complete mammal species list for the LNR is included in the reserveState of Knowledge Data Repository (SOKDR).2.4.7.1.1 Mammal Species of Conservation ConcernThe mammal species of conservation concern listed in Table 5 are known to occur in the LNR.Table 5: Mammal species of conservation concern known to occur in the Legalameetse Nature ReserveSCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME IUCN STATUSPanthera pardus Leopard Near threatened.Cercopithecus albogularis Samango Monkey Least concern, but habitatdependant.Dendrohyrax arboreus Eastern Tree hyrax Least concern, but locally rare.Hyaena brunnea Brown Hyaena Vulnerable.2.4.7.2 AvifaunaThe LNR is part of the Wolkberg Forest belt, well known for its avifaunal diversity and has beenidentified as a Global Important Birding Area (IBA No. 005). The landscape is characterised bynumerous cliff lines, peaks, kloofs and forested gorges, whilst the diverse vegetation types present arecomprised of six different vegetation units. The heterogeneity and diversity within the landscape andvegetation allow the LNR to host a wide range of grassland, woodland, forest and cliff-nesting avianspecies. The presence of eight perennial rivers, including the Selati, Makhutse and a number oftributaries of the Ngwabitsi Rivers, offers numerous habitat types for various waterfowl andriparian/wetland associated species.There are currently 39 verified avian species, of which 21 occur on the IUCN Red List of ThreatenedSpecies, occurring at the LNR, namely African Crowned Eagle (Near-threatened), African Finfoot(Vulnerable), Ayres’s Hawk-eagle (Near-threatened), Bat Hawk (Near-threatened), Black Stork (Nearthreatened),Bateleur (Vulnerable), Black-bellied Bustard (Near-threatened), Broad-tailed Warbler(Near-threatened), Cape Parrot (Endangered), Cape Vulture (Vulnerable), Half-collared Kingfisher (Nearthreatened),Denham’s Bustard (Neat-threatened), Lanner Falcon (Near-threatened), Lesser KestrelReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 23

(Vulnerable), Martial Eagle (Vulnerable), Orange Ground Thrush (Near-threatned), Peregrine Falcon(Near-threatened), Red-billed Oxpecker (Near-threatened), Secretarybird (Near-threatened), TawnyEagle (Vulnerable) and White-backed Night Heron (Vulnerable). The level of endemism reflected withinthe current verified avian species inventory includes eight endemic species. The total species richnessof the LNR is undoubtedly higher than the current species inventory, but is yet to be established and/orrecorded.Three verified IUCN listed species, namely African Crowned (Near-threatened), Martial (Vulnerable) andTawny (Vulnerable) Eagle, not only have IUCN significance, but are apex predators in their respectiveecosystems and would therefore fulfil an ecologically significant role. Other verified cliff-nesting specieslisted as threatened under IUCN classification include Peregrine Falcon (Near-threatened) and BlackStork (Near-threatened).The LNR hosts a breeding population of the range restricted, Endangered (IUCN classification) andendemic Cape Parrot. This species has experienced numerous range contractions and subsequentpopulation reductions as a result of habitat loss, human predation, disease and low reproductivesuccess. Low reproductive success is thought to be correlated with the felling of Yellow Wood(Podocarpus spp.), which are preferred by this species for foraging and breeding.2.4.7.3 Reptiles and AmphibiansSeventy-five different reptile species can be found in the LNR. The Woodbush Legless Skink Acontiasrieppeli is considered vulnerable and is found in no other Limpopo nature reserve, except theneighbouring Wolkberg Nature Reserve. The Wolkberg Dwarf Chameleon, which occurs in the LNR, alsohas a restricted range. Some of the snakes found in the LNR are: Many-spotted Snake, Puff Adder,Wolkberg Adder, Black Mamba, Southern File Snake, Black File Snake, Eastern Bark Snake, Olive HouseSnake, Snouted Cobra, Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Green Water Snake, Spotted Bush Snake, ShortSnouted Whip Snake, Southern African Rock Python and Southern Vine Snake, amongst others.Of the 33 amphibian species know to occur at the LNR, the Northern Forest Rain Frog Brevicepssylvestris is endangered and is also endemic to Limpopo Province. The Raucus Toad and the NatalCascade Frog, which can also be found in the reserve, are endemic to South Africa.Species lists for both reptiles and amphibians are available as part of the SOKDR.2.4.7.4 FishNo data available.2.4.8 Heritage ResourcesThe LNR is rich in cultural and heritage resources.Church Forest, located on the farm The Downs No. 34 KT, is known for its role in the community life ofthe early settlers and was used as a wedding venue until recently. This forest also represents one of thelimited examples of easily accessible montane forest on a level area.Beyer’s Rest is an enormous individual of Sneezewood Ptaeroxylon obliquum, which was named after aBoer Commander who used it as a resting place as he travelled from the farm Crags No 33 KT, which islocated on the escarpment, to the farm The Downs No. 34 KT, which is located below the escarpment.A number of pioneer graves (of soldiers who settled in the area after the Anglo-Boer War) are presentwithin the reserve. The grave of the first European settler who lived in the area, Mr Orrie Baragwanath,Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 24

is also located within the reserve. A number of other well-known graves can also be found in thereserve, including that of Ramaluti, an induna or headman or councillor of the local tribes whopreviously occupied the area. The grave of Gordon McNeill, a former owner of the farm Cyprus No. 68KT, is also located in the area. Mr McNeill made an important botanical and horticultural contributionin the area.A number of relatively old buildings and ruins are scattered throughout the LNR (Photo Plate 1),including the Nazarene Mission, Makwens, Barra, Ledienda, Yellowoods, The Crow’s Nest andHaffenden Heights. The heritage value of these structures have, however, not been evaluated to date.Photo Plate1: One of the ruins located within the Legalameetse Nature Reserve.2.4.9 Reserve InfrastructureThere are currently two access points to the LNR, namely the main gate, which is located on theTrichardtsdal side of the reserve, approximately 3 km from the nearest tarred road (R36), and theMakgapane gate, located on the Mafefe Village side of the reserve. The access road to the reserve iscurrently in a moderate to good condition.Most of the gravel roads within the LNR are currently in a poor condition and need to be upgraded.The LNR has never been fully fenced-off as a result of the challenges posed by the topographicalfeatures of the area. The largest part of the existing fencing is furthermore damaged, allowing the freemovement of game and livestock into and out of the reserve.A reception office is located at the main entrance gate of the reserve. Staff offices are located near thereception office and are currently in a good condition.The LNR has the following overnight facilities, all of which are equipped with electricity, self-cateringkitchens and bathroom facilities and are currently in a good condition:The Makhutswi Chalets, comprising seven self-catering chalets;An old style Paris Guest House, sleeping 12 people; andOne eight sleeper group camp.Staff accommodation within the reserve includes a five bedroom house in a poor condition, plus a newfour bedroom apartment that is currently in a good condition.One store room can be found within the reserve and is currently in a good condition.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 25

No servitudes are located within the boundaries of the LNR.2.4.10 Social ContextThe LNR is surrounded by a population of approximately 40 614 individuals 6 .2.5 Local and Regional PlanningThe LNR is located within the Lepelle-Nkumpi and Maruleng Local Municipalities, which form part of theCapricorn and Mopani District Municipalities, respectively.No mention is made of the LNR in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the Mopani DistrictMunicipality for the period 2011 to 2016.The IDP of the Capricorn District for the period 2012/2013 acknowledges the LNR as a proclaimednature reserve within the region that is recognised for its salient tourism features.The IDP of the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality for the period 2012-2016 identifies the LNR as a keytourism area with potential for consolidation with the Bewaarskloof and Wolkberg Nature Reserves. Italso identifies poaching as a major threat to the LNR.The IDP of the Maruleng Local Municipality for the period 2012/2013 to 2017 makes no mention of theLNR.2.6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and ThreatsTable 6 lists the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that were identified for the LNR.Table 6: Key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats identified for the Legalameetse Nature ReserveKEY STRENGTHSWell-developed tourism facilities and infrastructure.Exceptional scenic qualities.Extremely rich and diverse cultural heritage and historical background.Ease of vehicular access to the reserve from provincial roads.Good database of available information.Good relationship between the LTA and LEDET staff.Orchards are being phased out.Good water quality.Popular birding area.An abundance of butterfly species, many of which are rare.6 The social context of the MNR was determined by identifying the municipal wards within which the reserve is located, as well as thoseimmediately bordering the reserve. Using the results of the South African National Census of 2011, the total number of people within thesewards was then calculated to give a representation of the population in the vicinity of the reserve. It should be kept in mind that ward sizesdiffer considerably and that the value listed may include individuals residing relatively far from the reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 26

KEY WEAKNESSES (ISSUES & CHALLENGES)Centralised budget hinders management actions and limits future planning.As a result of the reserve’s history, invasive alien species continue to be a problem.There are four catchments within the area, but they are not managed or monitored.The reserve is not entirely fenced-in (as a result of the topography of the area), and localsaccess the reserve and plant Cannabis illegally.Illegal grazing by cattle within the reserve.Poaching, illegal harvesting of medicinal plants and theft.OPPORTUNITIESTo consolidate the reserve with the Wolkberg, Thabina and Bewaarskloof Nature Reserves.High tourism potential.Old infrastructure and ruins can be marketed for its tourism potential and registered as heritagefeatures according to provincial and national legislation.Environmental Education (EE) in surrounding communities and farm owners within the reserve.A catchment area is located just outside the boundary of the reserve. A proposal has been putforward to include this area into the reserve, based on its high conservation value and the factthat it is being degraded by the surrounding local communities.THREATSPoaching of wildlife by neighbouring communities.Uncontrolled fires may enter the reserve from surrounding areas.High demand of natural resources from within the reserve.Erosion and decreased ground cover.No effective structure to handle land claimants.Individuals have commercialised orchards to other communities, which is currently a source ofconflict.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 27

3. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK3.1 PurposeA number of farms were expropriated in the early 1980’s and earmarked for inclusion in the formerLebowa homeland, including the properties on which the LNR is located. The LNR was subsequentlyproclaimed as a South African Development Trust Reserve over these properties in 1984 for thefollowing reasons:It forms a logical link to the Wolkberg Nature Reserve to the west.It forms part of Drakensberg Mountain Range.It contains areas of historical importance, e.g. the Orrie Barragwanath Pass to the LeydsdorpGoldfields.It is regarded as a catchment area of high importance.In present times, the value of the LNR as a conservation area can also be attributed to the following:It includes a portion of the vulnerable Tzaneen Sour Bushveld, a threatened and protectedecosystem.It includes portions of the endangered Tzaneen Sour Bushveld (which is regarded as beingpoorly protected) and the vulnerable Northern Escarpment Quartzite Sourveld vegetation units.It contains portions of the poorly protected Poung Dolomite Mountain Bushveld and NorthernMistbelt Forest vegetation units.A total of 13 threatened reptile, amphibian, bird and/or mammal species occur at the reserve.It has been earmarked for expansion as part of the North-Eastern Escarpment Area by theNational Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES).It is located within a National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA), an Upstream FEPA, aPhase 2 FEPA and a Fish Support Area.It is dissected by the critically endangered Ngwabitsi River, the endangered Ga-Selati River andthe vulnerable Makhutswi River.It is regarded as playing an important role in terms of ecological processes associated with thefollowing: Hydrology; dolomite and ridges and escarpments. It is furthermore also located in acentre of endemism.The reserve contains areas classified as “irreplaceable” in terms of Critical Biodiversity Values.It is regarded as playing an important social support role in local and surrounding communities.It forms part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve and is therefore of internationalimportance.It is regarded as having a high income potential.3.2 Reserve ValuesThe following key values of the LNR were identified by the RPT:Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 28

KEY RESERVE VALUES The reserve has the potential to demonstrate the efficacy, and benefits, of functionalpartnerships between the State and communal land owners in the collaborative administrationand management of provincial nature reserves. The LNR forms part of the Limpopo-Olifants System and is an important component of the theWolkberg Mountain Catchment Sub-system. Eight perrenial rivers, including the Selati,Makhutse and a number of tributaries of the Ngwabitsi Rivers, originate within the reserve. The reserve has an extremely rich historical background and a diverse cultural heritage. The abundant water sources arising in the reserve are of a high quality and are locally believedto have medicinal value. The reserve is characterised by an extremely broken topography and has exceptional scenicqualities. Its diverse landscape types include: steep escarpment cliffs; a high lying plateau; talussituated below the escarpment; foothills located under the talus; and plains (to a limitedextent). Several sinkholes, caves, blind valleys and tufa formations add to this diversity. The reserve conserves significant biodiversity particularly with regard to its flora with at least 36plant species of conservation concern (including critically endangered species) found in thereserve. Leopards are also known to occur within the LNR and this species is classified as NearThreatened. The reserve is also noteworthy for its high abundance of butterfly species, many ofwhich are rare. The Legalameetse Nature Reserve forms part of the registered Wolkberg Forest Belt ImportantBirding Area. Some of the bird species known to occur within the reserve include the NarinaTrogon and Cape Parrot. The reserve forms part of Wolkberg/Bewaarskloof/Thabina Nature Reserve complex withexpansion and consolidation potential.3.3 The Reserve VisionThe vision of the reserve describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection anddevelopment of LNR. The following vision was developed by the RPT:VISIONWe see a collaborative partnership between the State and the relevantcommunities in the ongoing conservation and sustainable use of theLegalameetse Nature Reserve.From this partnership, we envisage securing: Meaningful and sustained benefits derived for the Mamashiane,Cypress, Mangena, Balloon, Madeira and Paris communities; Protection of the reserve’s outstanding scenic qualities; Preservation of the reserve’s unique historical ,cultural andarchaeological attributes; and Conservation of the biodiversity of the six vegetation units found in thereserve; and its associated fauna. Equitable access to, and responsible use of, the reserve and its naturalresources.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 29

3.4 Key Performance Areas and ObjectivesThe RPT identified 24 Objectives for the LNR. Collectively these objectives are anticipated to contributeto realising the Vision for the reserve.These objectives have, in turn, been grouped into six Key Performance Areas (KPAs), as follows:KEY PERFORMANCEAREAS (KPA)KPA 1:Biodiversity andHeritageConservationKPA 2:Sustainable UseKPA 3:Enforcement,Security and AccessControlKPA 4:Infrastructure andEquipment(Operations)KPA 5:StakeholderInvolvementOBJECTIVES1.1 Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locallyindigenous fauna in the LNR.1.2 Maintain a natural fire regime within the LNR.1.3 Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive alien plants and bushencroachment in the LNR.1.4 Protect the heritage resources of the LNR.1.5 Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targetedresearch and monitoring program to guide biodiversity management inthe LNR.2.1 Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildingsand infrastructure in the LNR.2.2 Develop, deliver and maintain a diverse range of tourism and recreationalservices for visitors to the LNR.2.3 Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing,awareness-raising and educational programme for the LNR.2.4 Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources by the six relevant localcommunities of the LNR.2.5 Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservationmanagement, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the LNR.3.1 Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the LNR.3.2 Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the LNR.4.1 Develop and maintain the road, track and footpath network in the LNR.4.2 Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in theLNR.4.3 Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operationalbuildings and infrastructure in the LNR.4.4 Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the LNR.5.1 Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functionalLegalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee (LNRCMC) inthe planning, development and management of the LNR.5.2 Develop, implement and maintain effective mechanisms for ongoingcommunications with co-management partners, private stakeholders andneighbouring land owners.5.3 Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economicdevelopment initiatives that may affect or benefit the LNR.5.4 Identify, and enable access to, employment, empowerment and capacitybuilding opportunities for the six affected communities.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 30

KPA 6:Administration andPlanning6.1 Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the LNR.6.2 Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staffcomplement for LNR.6.3 Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capabilityin the LNR.6.4 Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on theLNR and its ongoing management.3.5 ZonationBased on available information, and in consultation with the RPT, a Use Zone Map (UZM) is presentedas a broad overarching medium-term spatial planning framework for L NR (Figure 7).The use zone map indicates the extent and location of suitable visitor use zones for the reserve, withmanagement guidelines and broad conservation and tourism infrastructural requirements designatedfor each use zone.Annexure 1 describes the objectives, characteristics, uses and management guidelines for each of theuse zones shown in Figure 7.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 31

Figure 7: Use zone map for the Legalameetse Nature Reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 32

4. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKThis section translates the strategic objectives framework described in Section 3 into guiding principlesfor management, management actions and management targets (for each set of objectives withineach KPA), which will be used to inform annual plans of operation and the resources required toimplement it.The guiding principles are the norms and standards by which LNR will make its operational managementdecisions and conduct its activities.Management actions are the key strategic activities that should be implemented to achieve the reserveobjectives. Management actions are defined and prioritized for the five-year time horizon of this SP.Each management action has been prioritised as follows:CATEGORYHIGHMEDIUMLOWPRIORITIESCritical to the effective management 7 of the reserve. Funding and resources should besecured to implement these actions.Important to the effective management of the reserve, but its implementation may bedelayed because of limited funds or resources.Constitutes good management practice, but not necessarily critical or important toreserve management effectiveness. Implementation may be dependent on theavailability of external funding or support.Time Frames, Targets, Key Performance Indicators and Responsibilities are, in turn, allocated to eachmanagement action, or a group of linked management actions.In this section, the guiding principles and management activities (organised by management action,priority, target, performance indicator, responsibility and timelines) are presented separately for eachKPA and its set of related objectives.7 As reflected in the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT).Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 33

KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATIONGuiding principles for reserve managementFauna# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to wildlife management: Guideline for aerial game census on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/1); Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7); Technical management guidelines and procedures for game registers on provincialnature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincial1nature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); Technical management guidelines and procedures for the introduction of mammalsinto provincial nature reserves (2008); Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to HistoricallyDisadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; Provincial directive on the control and management of damage-causing wild animalsin Limpopo Province; and Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves.2Wildlife management in the reserve must be focused primarily on protecting the ecologicalfunctioning of the reserve.3456Wildlife stocking densities should be maintained within the ecological capacity of thesupporting habitats of the reserve.A regular programme for monitoring the veld condition, the animal numbers and the physicalcondition of animals must be in place to ensure that the ecological capacity of the reserve isnot exceeded.Population management of wildlife species shall be required to ensure that such species arenot causing the ecological degradation of the reserve.Wherever practicable, non-lethal and environmentally-friendly measures should bedeveloped and implemented to limit, or mitigate, the impacts of any indigenous problemcausinganimal in, or escaping from, the reserve.Fire# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NVFFA.23Unplanned wildfires that occur in areas where it could have undesirable ecological effects,threaten reserve infrastructure or threaten neighbouring properties shall be suppressed orcontrolled wherever possible.Unplanned wildfires that occur in reserve areas where it will cause no ecological harm and/orthreaten properties may be allowed to burn, provided that safety concerns are notcompromised.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 34

456Fire protection measures and resources (equipment, trained personnel, firebreaks, etc.) mustbe maintained and effective in the reserve at all times.The reserve management shall, wherever possible, establish partnerships with neighboursand other role-players through agreements and membership of FPAs.Controlled block burns can only be implemented after an ecological assessment of the drymatter/fuel load has been completed.Invasive alien plants / bush encroachment# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of Sections 64-77 of NEMBA and therelevant sections of CARA, as amended.23All declared invasive alien plant species occurring in the reserve shall be eradicated, using themost cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods.While active bush encroachment control measures (mechanical, fire, biological and/orchemical) shall be adopted in the reserve in the short-term, the primary long-termmanagement objective is sound veld management practices (conservative wildlife stockingrates, natural patch burn regimes, adequate water provision and soil conservation).Heritage resources# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NHRA.Biodiversity inventory, research and monitoring# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to monitoring: Guideline for monitoring of climate and maintenance and establishment of climaterelatedinfrastructure on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/2).2The collection of baseline information, support for research projects and the ongoingimplementation of monitoring programmes shall be focused on, and directed towards,supporting operational planning and decision-making in the reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 35

Management actions and targetsKPA 1: Biodiversity and Heritage ConservationObjective 1.1: Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locally indigenous fauna in the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Develop and maintain a basic Wildlife Management Programme forthe LNR.(ii) Under the direction of the Game Monitoring Strategy conduct anAerial game census (during late winter).(iii) Based on the outcomes of the most recent game census data, thecurrent veld condition assessment (VCA) and the stocking ratesdetermined in the Wildlife Management Programme, annuallydetermine and implement the culling/capture requirements formedium-sized and large game species.(iv) Annually determine and allocate, in accordance with therequirements of the Legalameetse Co-Management Agreement, thecommunity portion of the culling activities for the six affectedcommunities.(v) Under direction of the Wildlife Management Programme(supplemented by consultation with wildlife specialists and theLegalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee),implement any wildlife restocking or new introductions that may berequired.(vi) Assess, and implement, environmentally friendly measures toreduce the impacts of any damage-causing and problem animals(notably Chacma Baboon, Bush Pig and Vervet Monkey).All wildlife stockingdensities containedat levels below theecological capacity ofthe vegetation.Carrying capacity ofvegetation (based onVCA) vs. Large andmedium-sized gamecounts (based on gamecensus).ResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)ManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)ManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerLegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)Reserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 36

Objective 1.2: Maintain a natural fire regime within the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Prepare a simple, functional Fire Management Programme for theLNR.(ii) Under the direction of the Fire Management Programme, maintaina system of perimeter fire breaks and fire breaks around keyinfrastructure (e.g. the tourism camp, administrative facilities andstaff housing), as well as controlled burning activities.(iii) Ensure that all reserve management staff are adequately trainedand equipped to implement the Fire Management Programme.(iv) Establish and maintain formal and informal partnerships withneighbours, and fire management agencies (including Giyani, theGreater Tzaneen District Municipality, Maruleng, Lepelle-NkumpiLocal Municipality, WOF based at Maruleng and the TzaneenFPA) to improve the capacity of the reserve to implement the FireManagement Programme.(v) Collaborate with local communities on the management risks andfuel loads in areas adjacent to the reserve and the preservation ofsufficient thatching grass for harvesting within the reserve.(vi) Install and maintain basic fire protection measures (e.g. fireextinguishers, fire hoses and roof sprinklers) in all affected tourism,administrative and staff accommodation buildings.(vii) Maintain, in accordance with the requirements of the FireManagement Programme, records of all fires occurring in the reserve(including timing, cause and extent of fires).Fires in the reservedo not haveundesirableecological effects,threaten reserveinfrastructure orthreatenneighbouringproperties.Cost of damage resultingfrom fires spreading toneighbouring properties(based on insuranceclaim).Cost of damage toreserve infrastructurefrom fires (based oninsurance claim).Ecological condition(based on vegetationmonitoring).Objective 1.3: Contain the spread, and impacts of, invasive alien plants, bush encroachment and soil erosion in the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Develop and maintain a basic Soil Erosion, Invasive Alien PlantSpecies and Bush Encroachment Management Programme for theLNR.No seeding invasivealien plants.No spread, orExtent, by density, ofinvasive alien plants.Extent, by density, ofResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve Manager;Tourism Operator/sReserve ManagerResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)/Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 37

(ii) Under the direction of the Soil Erosion, Invasive Alien Plant Speciesand Bush Encroachment Management Programme eradicate, on anongoing basis, all known invasive alien plant infestations occurring inthe reserve (including Lantana, Chromalaena, Black Wattle andothers).(iii) Develop partnerships with funding and implementing agencies(e.g. WfW) to improve the capacity of the reserve to sustain,implement and manage its invasive alien plant control program.(iv) Establish and maintain relationship with contractors to make useof alien plant species such as black wattle for charcoal production(outside the reserve)(v) Map, and annually monitor, the extent and density of areas in thereserve subject to unacceptable levels of bush encroachment.(vi) Map, and annually monitor, the extent and density of areas in thereserve subject to unacceptable levels of soil erosion (particularlynorthern section of the reserve).(vii) Implement an ad hoc programme of mechanical and chemicalcontrol, as required, to contain the further spread, densification andimpacts of bush encroachment.(viii) Implement an ad hoc programme of mechanical and manualcontrol, as required, to contain the further spread and impacts of soilerosion and to rehabilitate degraded areas.Objective 1.4: Protect the heritage resources of the LNRdensification, of bushencroachment.bush encroachment.Management action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) In collaboration with academic institutions, research, documentand inventorize the heritage resources of the reserve (including themapping of existing cultural and heritage resource sites).(ii) Develop informational and interpretive materials about thereserve’s heritage resources.Heritage resourcesdocumented, andproperly maintained.State (using a gradingsystem) of heritageresources.Reserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve Manager;WfWRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit) /Reserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit) /Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerResponsibilityRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerTourismOperator/s;Reserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 38

(iii) Determine community access requirements to cultural andheritage resources (in collaboration with the communities).(iv) Develop and implement a prioritised programme of maintenanceof these heritage resources.Reserve Manager;LegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeReserve ManagerObjective 1.5: Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targeted research and monitoring program to guide biodiversity management inthe LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Identify and prioritise the reserve’s biodiversity managementrequirements for baseline information, research and monitoring.(ii) Collect key baseline biodiversity data and research information forthe reserve, including vegetation community and species mapping;faunal species data and population profiles; carrying capacities of thereserve; optimal stocking rates of wildlife; fire history; optimal fireregimes for the reserve; the state of bush encroachment; and wateravailability and quality.(iii) Develop, implement and/or maintain key biodiversity monitoringactivities in the reserve, including vegetation monitoring; state of bushencroachment; and game counts.(iv) Facilitate access for external research institutions to implementthe reserve’s priority research and monitoring requirements.(v) Maintain information from field patrol fauna and flora records.Reserve database ofmanagementorientedbiodiversityinformation.n/aResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 39

KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USEGuiding principles for reserve managementTourism and recreation infrastructure and services# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1In developing and maintaining tourism and recreational infrastructure and services, thereserve shall obtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water,drainage, health, safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws.234Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services developed within the nature reservemust be appropriate to the purpose for which the reserve has been proclaimed, and must notthreaten its biodiversity or ecological function.Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services shall be developed in response totourism market demands and opportunities within the reserve, and should be carefullyassessed to determine its viability.A portion of the income derived from tourism and recreational services in the reserve shall bedistributed to the Legalameetse communities in accordance with the relevant clauses in theLegalameetse Co-Management Agreement.Marketing, awareness-raising and education# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall collaborate and cooperate with key local, regional and institutional partnersto: (i) strengthen the marketing of the reserve’s tourism and recreational infrastructure and1 services; (ii) improve the awareness of the reserve, and its prospective uses, in localcommunities; and (iii) further develop the use of the reserve as a local educational resourcefor teaching institutions.Natural resource harvesting# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to natural resource use: Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7); Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincial1nature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to HistoricallyDisadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; and Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves.2Sustainable use of natural and biological resources may be undertaken under strictlycontrolled conditions, provided that it does not compromise the ecological functioning orbiodiversity conservation imperatives of the reserve.3The Legalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee shall review options for, andmake recommendations to the ‘Executing Agency’ on, the distribution of benefits accruingfrom the consumptive harvesting of natural and biological resources in the reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 40

Managing environmental impacts of use# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall strive to continually improve its environmental management systems,through reducing or mitigating the environmental impacts of, inter alia: administrative andvisitor infrastructure; solid waste disposal; water supply and distribution systems; energysupply and distribution networks; sewage systems; and herbicide and fuel supplies.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 41

Management actions and targetsKPA 2: Sustainable UseObjective 2.1: Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings and infrastructure in the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Upgrade, renovate and maintain the overnight visitor buildings,facilities, equipment and linked infrastructure (including bulkinfrastructure), to meet the LTA/LEDET standards for the provision ofnature-based tourism products.(ii) Upgrade, renovate and maintain the day visitor facilities in andaround the designated picnic site.(iii) Standardise, install and maintain directional and informationalsignage within, and en route to, the reserve.Functional overnightand day visitorbuildings andinfrastructure.Level of conformance(%) with South AfricanNational Standard(SANS) 1197:2012.Objective 2.2: Develop, deliver and maintain a range of tourism and recreational services for visitors to the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Support entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities toparticipate in the provision of tourist and recreational products andservices (e.g. catering, cultural experiences, etc.).(ii) Maintain and promote the use of the existing small to mid-sized(maximum 50 people) event and conferencing facility.(iii) Design, market and institute a guided interpretive heritage routefor reserve visitors (with consideration given to using local communitymembers as guides).(iv) Facilitate controlled access to the reserve for othercomplementary recreational activities, including mountain biking,hiking, horse riding, trail running and 4x4 trail use.Effectively managedand regularlymaintained tourismand recreationalservices.Level of conformance(%) with South AfricanNational Standard(SANS) 1197:2012.ResponsibilityLTA; ReserveManagerReserve Manager;LTAReserve ManagerResponsibilityLegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee;Reserve ManagerLTA; ReserveManagerLTA; LegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeReserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 42

Objective 2.3: Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing, awareness-raising and educational programme for the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Continually provide updated information in the ongoingdevelopment of corporate, regional and provincial tourism marketingproducts and materials.(ii) Design, publish and distribute reserve-specific brochures andpamphlets for visitors and users.(iii) Develop a simple and functional EE program in collaboration withlocal schools.(iv) Establish links with local educational institutions and networks inorder to promote subsidised access to, and use of, the reserve as aneducational resource as outlined in the above program (e.g. the SAWildlife College and Tshwane University of Technology).(v) Maintain daily information about the reserve visitors and users(e.g. numbers/group, age category, gender, time of visit, length ofstay, nationality, etc.) in a standardised corporate format.Improved awarenessof tourism andrecreation productsin the reserve.Numbers of visitors andusers.ResponsibilityReserve Manager;Regional ManagerLTA; ReserveManager;ManagementAuthority(CommunicationDirectorate)Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerTourismOperator/s;Reserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Objective 2.4: Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources by the six affected communities in the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Annually determine the culling allocations to the communities, ifapplicable.Levels of naturalresource use by thesix affectedcommunities areecologicallysustainable.Compliance withguidelines (measured byField Ranger reports).ResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);LegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 43

(ii) Establish and maintain a medicinal plant nursery for use bytraditional healers.(iii) Develop, and administer, guidelines for the sustainable harvestingof grass (from June to July), medicinal plants (on request) and broommaterial from the reserve, as well as the use of the reserve forinitiation schools.Committee;Reserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);LegalameetseNature ReserveManagementCommittee;Traditional Healers’AssociationReserve Manager;LegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee;Traditional Healers’Association(Tzaneen based);ManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)Objective 2.5: Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation management, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Introduce more environmentally-friendly technologies (e.g. lowwattage lighting, dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, water savingshower heads, the removal of baths, bio-technology for wastetreatment, drought tolerant grass, etc.) during the renovation andupgrading of the tourism and recreational buildings andinfrastructure, wherever this is cost-effective.(ii) Close and rehabilitate solid waste dump sites in the reserve, andremove all solid waste to the relevant municipal dump sites.(iii) Close/remove/demolish and rehabilitate all extraneous andNo extraneousbuilding, equipmentand infrastructure inthe reserve.n/aResponsibilityLTA; ReserveManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 44

unused buildings and foundations, dumped materials, old equipmentand old fencing from the reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 45

KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROLGuiding principles for reserve managementBoundaries and access control# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to boundaries and access control: Technical management guideline and procedures for the management of access andaccess control on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/4); and Guidelines for the fencing of provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/3).23The boundaries of the reserve shall, at all times, be clearly demarcated and be regularlymaintained.All entry and exit points shall be properly managed to ensure that access to, and through, thereserve is effectively controlled at all times.Law enforcement and compliance# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1An adequately trained and suitably equipped field ranger complement shall be deployed inand around the reserve to, inter alia: control illegal activities; ensure the safety of visitors;monitor the activities of users and visitors; collect baseline information; and undertake basicmaintenance of equipment and infrastructure.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 46

Management actions and targetsKPA 3: Enforcement, Security and Access ControlObjective 3.1: Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Ensure that all reserve visitor gates and management entry pointsare adequately staffed and administered.(ii) Ensure adequate security for reserve infrastructure, tourismfacilities and assets.(iii) Complete the construction of the perimeter fencing (i.e. change~47km of a total of 63 km of fencing to game fencing) to meet allrequirements of the LEDET Technical Guidelines and Procedures (TGP)for fencing.(iv) Ensure the regular maintenance of the perimeter fencing in thereserve.(v) Develop, and implement, mechanisms for subsidised entry for localcommunity user and interest groups.(vi) Provide, on request, controlled access to recognisedcultural/religious sites and non-destructive or consumptivecultural/religious practices.(vii) Facilitate controlled access for external institutions undertakingrelevant research and monitoring programs within the reserve.The reserve assetsare secure.The reserve visitorsand users haveequitable access tothe reserve, and aresafe from harm.Profile of reserve visitorsand users.Incident record of illegalaccess.ResponsibilityReserve ManagerLTA; ManagementAuthority: SISReserve ManagerReserve ManagerLegalameetseNature ReserveManagementCommittee;Reserve ManagerLegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 47

Objective 3.2: Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Ensure the provision of enforcement and compliance training for allreserve field staff.(ii) Ensure that the field ranger staff complement is adequatelyresourced and equipped to fulfil an effective enforcement andcompliance function.(iii) Maintain regular patrols of the reserve and its boundaries.(iv) Maintain and collate information on all enforcement incidents.(v) Develop and promote a better understanding of environmentallegislation and the local situation among local magistrates and theSAPS. Also develop a good working relationship with these parties.(vi) Establish a facility for the temporary impoundment of cattle andgoats that are found within the reserve.(vii) Undertake a threat analysis to determine all potential threats tothe safety and security of the reserve.An incrementaldecrease inincidences of illegalactivities occurring inthe reserve.Number of formalwarnings and finesissued, and successfulprosecutions concluded.ResponsibilityManagementAuthority: HR &HRDManagementAuthority: HR, HRD& SISReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerManagementAuthority: SONR;AffectedCommunityRepresentatives;ManagementAuthority: WildlifeTrade & Regulation;ManagementAuthority: SpecialInvestigationsManagementAuthority: SONR &SpecialInvestigationsTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 48

KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS)Guiding principles for reserve managementRoads, track and footpaths# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to the development, maintenance and upgrading of roads: Technical management guideline and procedures for the development, maintenanceand upgrading of roads in provincial nature reserves.2The reserve shall rationalise the network of roads, tracks and footpaths to reduce themaintenance costs and limit the environmental impacts, while ensuring adequate access fortourism and operational management requirements.Bulk services# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following legislation in supplyingbulk services: NEMWA;1 WSA; NBRBSA; and Municipal By-Laws.2The reserve shall strive to phase out bulk services that have a detrimental impact on theenvironment. It shall, in turn, seek to introduce more sustainable technologies, whereverpracticable and cost-effective.Administrative and other operations infrastructure# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1In developing and maintaining administrative and operations infrastructure, the reserve shallobtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water, drainage, health,safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws.2Administrative and operations infrastructure and services must be limited, and appropriatelyscaled, to the necessary administrative and operational requirements of the reserve, andmust not threaten its biodiversity or ecological function.Operations equipment and vehicles# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall acquire and/or replace the equipment and vehicles necessary to implementthe high priority activities identified in this SP.2All reserve equipment and vehicles shall be regularly maintained in accordance with themanufacturers’ specifications.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 49

Management actions and targetsKPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment (operations)Objective 4.1: Develop and maintain the road, track and footpath network in the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Schedule, and implement, the upgrade and maintenance of the allmanagements roads in the reserve, with a strong focus on maintainingand mitigating highly erodible areas.(ii) Close and rehabilitate all unused, extraneous and/or highlyerodible, tracks and roads in the reserve.(iii) Renovate and maintain a rationalised network of self-guidedand/or guided hiking trails traversing the reserve.Rationalised networkof well-maintainedvisitor roads andfootpaths.Objective 4.2: Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in the LNRState (using a gradingsystem) of visitor roadsand footpaths.Management action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Investigate the feasibility and, if applicable, facilitate the provisionof ESKOM power to the critical staff accommodation andadministrative facilities in the northern section of the reserve.(ii) Install and maintain generator and/or solar power systems for thefunctioning of remote park operational equipment (e.g. water pumps)and the smaller tourism and recreational facilities, as well as for staffaccommodation facilities in the southern section of the reserve.Capacity of bulkservices exceedsadministrative userequirements andreserve visitordemands.Records of instances ofoverloading of the bulkservice supplies.Objective 4.3: Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operational buildings and infrastructure in the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Construct a new laundry facility to replace the current dilapidatedfacility.(ii) Upgrade a chalet at Makhutswi, as well as the associated ablutionSufficient, andadequatelymaintained, reserveState (using a gradingsystem) of reservebuildings andResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve Manager;LTAResponsibilityRegional ManagerReserve ManagerLTALTAResponsibilityTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 50

facilities, to accommodate disabled visitors.(iii) Ensure the regular maintenance of all reserve administrative, staffand operational buildings and infrastructure(iv) Maintain and constantly update an equipment and infrastructureregister.administration, staffand operationsbuildings andinfrastructure.Objective 4.4: Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the LNRinfrastructure.Management action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Procure, install and maintain a reliable internal communicationsnetwork for the reserve, including repeaters, a base station, handheldradios and vehicle radios.(ii) Procure and maintain a tractor driven/towed road grader for roadmaintenance purposes.(iii) Assess the cost effectiveness of the acquisition of a grader (orsharing of a grader within the reserve cluster) and, if feasible, procureit.(iv) Maintain and/or replace all reserve vehicles and equipmentaccording to the manufacturers’ specifications and/or corporatereplacement cycles.(v) Determine the feasibility of establishing an electronic network (i.e.internet and e-mail) for, and connect services and applications to, thereserve.Sufficient, andadequatelymaintained reserveequipment andvehicles.State (using a gradingsystem) of reserveequipment and vehicles.Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerResponsibilityRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerRegional ManagerManagementAuthority:TransportManagementAuthority: ITTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 51

KPA 5: STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENTGuiding principles for reserve managementLegalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management and Advisory Committees# GUIDING PRINCIPLE12The reserve shall actively participate in, and support, the Legalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee as an important governance mechanism to achieve the aims andobjectives of the Legalameetse Co-Management Agreement.The reserve shall establish and maintain an effective Reserve Advisory Committee based onthe Regulations for the Proper Administration of Nature Reserves, promulgated in terms ofSection 86 (1) of NEMPAA.Stakeholder communications# GUIDING PRINCIPLEStakeholder communications shall be focused on strengthening a sense of ownership andempowerment in the six affected communities through an improved understanding of the1contribution of the reserve to socio-economic development and heritage/biodiversityconservation.2Stakeholder communications shall seek to develop a common understanding in surroundingcommunities of the issues affecting the integrity of the reserve, and collaborative approachesto resolve these.Local and regional initiatives# GUIDING PRINCIPLE12The reserve management shall actively collaborate with national, provincial and local tourismand conservation initiatives that could contribute to meeting the objectives of this SP.The reserve shall strive to work with the relevant government institutions in order tointegrate all local and regional planning and socio-economic development activities affectingthe reserve.Employment, empowerment and capacity building# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall strive to meet to the socio-economic development commitments made inthe Legalameetse Co-Management Agreement.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 52

Management actions and targetsKPA 5: Stakeholder InvolvementObjective 5.1: Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional Legalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee in the planning,development and management of the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Provide ongoing support (logistical, administrative, technical,professional, financial and/or leadership) to, and actively participatein, an effectively functioning Legalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee.(ii) Continually review, and amend (as required), the structure,representation and TOR of the Legalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee to ensure that it contributes to realising theintent of the terms of reference.(iii) Support the ongoing capacity building of the affected communityrepresentatives on the Legalameetse Nature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee.Regular meetings ofthe LegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee.Implementation ofdecisions made bythe committee.Record of meetings anddecisions.ResponsibilityReserve Manager;Regional ManagerLegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeReserve Manager;Regional ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Objective 5.2: Develop, implement and maintain effective mechanisms for ongoing communications with co-management partners, private stakeholders andneighbouring land ownersManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Host a regular monthly meeting, each in a different neighbouringvillage, to present and discuss issues of mutual concern.(ii) Host a regular monthly meeting with neighbouring commercialfarmers to present and discuss issues of mutual concern.Regular meetingswith neighbouringvillages, communallandowners andcommercial farmers.Record of meetings.ResponsibilityLegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee;Reserve ManagerLegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 53

(iii) Hold quarterly (more regular if required) meetings with theLNRCMC to ensure that co-management decisions are madetimeously and effectively.Quarterly meetingswith the LNRCMC.Record of meetings.CommitteeReserve Manager(iv) Under the guidance of the Regulations for the properadministration of Nature Reserves, as promulgated in terms of Section86 (1) of NEMPAA, establish a Reserve Advisory Committee and meeton a regular, agreed to basis.Regular meetingswith the LNRMAC.Record of meetings.Reserve ManagerObjective 5.3: Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic initiatives that may affect or benefit the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Participate in local municipal IDP planning processes, with a specificfocus on the provision of municipal infrastructure and services to thereserve and supporting local economic development initiatives in thesurrounding communities.(ii) Support and comply with the requirements of the local FPA, with aspecific focus on rationalising the reserve firebreaks and improvingaccess to fire-fighting resources and support.Improved costeffectivenessofreserve operations asa result oflocal/regionalpartnerships.n/aResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve Manager;Regional ManagerObjective 5.4: Identify and enable access to employment, empowerment and capacity building opportunities for the six affected communitiesManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Review and select the preferred mechanisms for optimisingemployment, empowerment and capacity building opportunities forthe six affected communities.(ii) Develop and consider opportunities for selected individuals fromthe surrounding communities to be trained and directly employed inappropriate conservation and tourism related work, including fencingconstruction and maintenance, capital development projects, tourismDirect andmeasurable benefitsaccrue to the sixaffectedcommunities fromthe LNR.Extent (number ofbeneficiaries) and nature(employment –permanent/ temporary;business opportunity;training; capacitybuilding)of communitybenefits.ResponsibilityLegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee;Reserve ManagerLegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee;Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 54

services, invasive alien plant and bush encroachment control, security,road and footpath maintenance and guiding services.(iii) Develop opportunities to facilitate an empowerment componentfor selected individuals from the six neighbouring communities in anyoutsourcing/concessioning of tourism and recreational products.(iv) Identify, and make application for, EPWP-related funding forrelevant tourism and conservation initiatives in the reserve.Reserve ManagerTourism Operator/sManagementAuthority:EconomicDevelopmentReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 55

KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNINGGuiding principles for reserve managementLegal status# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The legal tenure for the effective planning and management of the reserve as a provincialprotected area shall be secured.Human resources# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following human resourceslegislation: LRA; BCEA;1 EEA; SDA; OHSA; and PSA.2The reserve shall, in partnership with the Legalameetse community, identify opportunities forthe training, capacity building and/or preferential employment of individuals permanentlyresident in the surrounding villages.Administration# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following financial managementlegislation: PFMA (and associated Treasury Regulations).23The reserve shall conform with the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to supply chain management: Draft procedure manual for demand and acquisition management.The reserve shall conform to all relevant provincial/departmental financial and administrativereporting requirements.Information management# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1All information that is used to support the operational planning and decision-making in thereserve shall be collected, collated, updated, maintained and presented in a cost-effectiveformat that is readily accessible for use by management.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 56

Management actions and targetsKPA 6: Administration and PlanningObjective 6.1: Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Review the efficacy and ongoing relevance of the Legalameetse Co-Management Agreement as per the requirements of the 2009National Co-Management Framework, and amend or revise, asrequired.Transparent andefficientmanagement.Updated comanagementagreement.Objective 6.2: Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff complement for the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Ensure that all vacant posts in the reserve’s approved organogramare filled.(ii) Identify training needs, and facilitate access to training programsfor reserve staff, with a priority focus on field ranger, first aid,hospitality and IT skills training.(iii) Implement the institutional staff performance appraisal system.(iv) Ensure that each staff member is regularly issued with uniform,protective clothing (as may be required) and the necessary equipmentto fulfil their job function.(v) Maintain all staff information for the reserve (leave records,attendance registers, overtime, etc.).(vi) Implement the institutional Occupational Health and Safetypolicies and procedures in the reserve.ResponsibilityLegalameetseNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee;ManagementAuthorityResponsibilityn/a n/a Regional ManagerReserve Manager;Regional ManagerReserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 57

Objective 6.3: Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capability in the LNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Maintain and update all assets and stock inventory registers andreports for the reserve.(ii) Maintain a reserve-based record of all purchases made, accountspaid and services procured in support of reserve operations over eachfinancial year.(iii) Prepare the reserve’s Annual Plan of Operations (APO).(iv) Facilitate the implementation of annual METT-SA assessments forthe reserve.Asset inventory,stock registers,financial records,monthly reports andAPOs are all up todate.Spot checks.Objective 6.4: Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the LNR and its ongoing managementManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Prepare and submit monthly reports to the Regional Manager.(ii) Institute and maintain an electronic and/or hard copy filing systemfor all reserve-specific information.(iii) Determine the economic valuation of the LNR.Up to date, andaccessible,information on thereserve and itsmanagement.n/aResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 58

5. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORKThis section provides brief recommendations on the minimum staffing complement and funding thatwould be required to implement the RMP (i.e. the SP and APO).This section also briefly describes the key responsibilities of the Reserve Management Team and theLegalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee (LNRCMC) in the development,implementation, monitoring and review of the RMP.5.1 Staffing RequirementsIt is proposed that the following minimum staffing complement would be required to implement thisSP 8 :POST DESIGNATIONNUMBERReserve Manager 1Tourism Manager 1Chief Nature Conservator 2Nature Conservator 3Senior Field Ranger 4Field Ranger 9 10Gate Guard 8Logistical Support Services:CleanerGeneral Worker220Administrative Officer 1Community Liaison Officer 1Artisan 1Storeman 1Tourism Staff (Including ResortManager)11Total 668 The staffing requirements reflected in the SP are premised on two elements: (i) a critical assessment of the efficacy of the current approved(not actual) organogram for the reserve in respect of current reserve management responsibilities; and (ii) a facilitated discussion with the RPTon any (mostly minor) adjustments/changes that may be required to this approved organogram in order to more effectively implement the SPfor the next five years.9 Including Sergeant and Principal Field Ranger.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 59

5.2 Funding RequirementsIt is proposed that the following operational 10 and capital 11 budget would be required to implement this SP:KEY PERFORMANCE AREAKPA 1: Biodiversity and heritageconservationCAPEX(R)2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018OPEX (R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX (R)CAPEX (R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)400,000 100,000 400,000 80,000 200,000 65,000 250,000 65,000 200,000 50,000KPA 2: Sustainable use 1,000,000 50,000 1,500,000 80,000 2,000,000 50,000 500,000 45,000 200,000 45,000KPA 3: Enforcement, security and accesscontrol2,000,000 100,000 2,000,000 100,000 1,000,000 80,000 500,000 50,000 500,000 50,000KPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment 2,000,000 50,000 2,000,000 100,000 1,500,000 100,000 500,000 80,000 500,000 80,000KPA 5: Stakeholder involvement 0 100,000 0 100,000 0 100,000 0 20,000 0 100,000KPA 6: Administration and planning 0 50,000 0 40,000 0 45,000 0 55,000 0 55,000Total 5,400,000 450,000 5,900,000 500,000 4,700,000 440,000 1,750,000 315,000 1,400,000 380,00010 Operational costs are roughly based on an area-complexity factor (i.e. different cost ranges per ha, based on the level (high, medium or low) of management complexity). This was then moderated against documentedexpenditure for operational costs in Limpopo’s provincial reserves, wherever available. This was then again moderated against equivalent reserves in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape, as well as reserves of SANParksand ECParks, where operating costs have stabilised and are well documented over a period of three to five years.11 Capital budget requirements are roughly based on known costs for similar capital investments, either in terms of replacement costs (e.g. vehicles), infrastructure development costs (e.g. cost/ha or cost/km for fencing orroads), bulk services (e.g. costs/m for pipelines, etc.), or building costs (e.g. cost/m 2 for staff accommodation or chalets), etc.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 60

5.3 Roles and ResponsibilitiesThe key responsibilities of the reserve management team and the LNRCMC in the development,implementation, monitoring and review of the RMP are summarised as follows:Reserve Management Team (SONR)Regional Manager(Mopani)Reserve Manager(Legalameetse NatureReserve)Biodiversity Unit(ManagementAuthority HO)The Regional Manager shall have overall responsibility for: Ensuring the alignment of the SP with Provincial and LEDET policies andguidelines. Ensuring the coordination and alignment of the SP with otherdepartmental activities and initiatives. Providing oversight of the implementation the SP and APO. Reporting on the performance of the LNR in the implementation of theSP and APO to the Senior Manager (SONR). Instituting corrective actions to ensure that the SP and linked APO isimplemented, reviewed and updated. Approval of the APO.The Reserve Manager shall have direct responsibility for: Annually drafting an APO to operationalise the priority activitiesidentified in the SP. Implementation of the APO. Monitoring of performance against the APO (and the SP). Reporting of performance against the APO (and the SP) to the LNRCMC. Management of reserve staff, resources and finances in theimplementation of the APO. Communicating with the Regional Manager about obstacles in theimplementation of the APO.The Biodiversity Unit of the Management Authority shall have directresponsibility for: Implementation of the designated priority activities in the SP, andlinked APO. Providing professional and technical support to the Regional Manager,Reserve Manager and LNRCMC in the implementation of the SP andAPO.Legalameetse Nature Reserve Co-Management CommitteeThe LNRCMC shall have overall responsibility for: Representing the interests of the different reserve stakeholder groups and institutions duringthe preparation of the SP and APOs. Overseeing the drafting of the SP and APOs. Providing strategic inputs into the drafting of the SP, and technical inputs into the annualdrafting of the APOs. Making recommendations to the Regional Manager on the adoption of the SP and annual APOs. Reviewing the quarterly and annual performance of the APO (and SP). Providing inputs into ad hoc and emergency reserve decision-making not adequately addressedin the SP/APO.The Regional Manager and Senior Manager (SONR) are the officials responsible for submitting the SP tothe Head of Department (HOD, Economic Development, Environment and Tourism) for formal approvaland adoption. The HOD will then submit the approved SP to the Limpopo MEC for EconomicDevelopment, Environment and Tourism as per the requirements of NEMPAA. This can be summarizedas follows:Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 61

RESERVEMANAGEMENTPLANCOMPONENTSP / APO Reserve Manager LegalameetseNature ReserveCo-ManagementSP / APORESPONSILBILITY SUBMIT TO OUTCOME SOUGHT FREQUENCYRegionalManagerCommitteeSenior Manager(SONR)Approval of finaldraft.Approval of finalversion of SP andAPO.DepartmentalSPSenior Manager HOD (LEDET)(SONR)adoption of SP.SP HOD (LEDET) MEC (LEDET) Formal approvaland adoption as perlegal requirements.SP (at 5-yearintervals);APO (annually)SP (5-yearly);APO (annually)SP (5-yearly)SP (5-yearly)Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 62

6. BIBLIOGRAPHYThe following references were extensively consulted during the drafting of this document:Bass Air Aviation. 2010. Game Count: Legalameetse Nature Reserve – 2010. Unpublished report.Capricorn District Municipality. 2012. IDP/Budget: 2012/2013. District Municipal IntegratedDevelopment Plan.Cowan, G.I. & Mpongoma, N. 2011. Guidelines for the development of a management plan for aprotected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003.Unpublished document.Envirodel. 2005. Legalameetse Nature Reserve Ecological Management Plan. Unpublished report.eWISA. 2012. [online] Available at: http://www.ewisa.co.za/misc/School/oLIFANTS%20COVER.pdf[Accesed July 2012].IUCN. 2012. [online] Available at: [Accessed July 2012].LEDET. 2012. Guidelines for the development of Management Plans for Limpopo’s Provincial NatureReserves. Unpublished planning guideline.Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality. 2012. IDP: 2012 - 2016. Local Municipal Integrated DevelopmentPlan.Limpopo Department of Agriculture. 2012. [online] Available at: [AccessedJune 2012].Limpopo Tourism Agency. 2012. [online] Available at: http://www.golimpopo.com/park/provincialparks/lekgalameetse-provincial-park.html>[Accessed July 2012].Maruleng Local Municipality. 2012. IDP: 20122013 - 2017. Local Municipal Integrated DevelopmentPlan.Mopani District Municipality. 2011. IDP: 2011 – 2016. District Municipal Integrated Development Plan.Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.). 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.Municipal Demarcation Board. 2012. [online] Available at: http://www.demarcation.org.za/#[Accessed December 2012].Nel, E.J. & Kruger, J.W. 2012. Scientific Review: State Owned Nature Reserves – Limpopo. Unpublishedreport.ShowMe. 2012. [online] Available at: [Accessed July 2012].Stats SA. 2012. [online] Available at:http://interactive.statssa.gov.za/superweb/loadDatabase.do?db=Descriptive11_wd [AccessedDecember 2012].Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 63

ANNEXURE 1: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS)The main characteristics of each use zone are summarized in the tables below:ZONE ZONE OBJECTIVE CHARACTERISTICSNaturalUsers:− To provide easy accessto experience thereserve’s naturallandscapes, habitats,species and heritageresources.Conservation:− To minimise andmitigate the effects ofvisitor use on thereserve’s naturalhabitats and speciesand its cultural sites.- Areas of extensive andaccessible naturalhabitats and species.- Areas with importantheritage sites andfeatures.- Areas whose primaryhabitats, species andcultural sites areresilient to the impactsof regular visitor use.- Areas with popular viewsites or natural andcultural attractions.- Areas with an extensiveand accessible road, trailand track network.- Areas that require activeconservationmanagementinterventions.- Areas with moderatelevels of visibilityobtrusiveness.VISITORACTIVITIES- Game viewing.- Motorised 2x4 selfdriveaccess ondesignated routes.- Permitted motorised4x4 trails ondesignated routes.- Day hiking trailsand/or short trails.- Bird hides, canoeing,mountain biking androck-climbing,where appropriate.- Other recreationalactivities that maybe consideredappropriate byreservemanagement.- No accommodationor camping.−−−−−−−FACILITIES /INFRASTRUCTURESelf-drive roads and 4x4tracks. Roads may besurfaced where visitor uselevels are high.Management accessroads and managementtracks.Perimeter firebreaks.Small picnic areas andablution facilities may beprovided.Parking or viewing sites/areas may be provided.No accommodation orcamping.Signage may be erectedto designate routes(including 4x4, horse,MTB, canoe, 2x4 selfdrive,etc.), closed areasor junctions.VISITOR ACCESS- Cater for all reservevisitors.- Vehicle access ondedicated routes,with pedestrianaccess from parkingareas or adjacentdevelopment zones.- On water, only nonmotorisedcraftsallowed, unlessotherwise agreed.MANAGEMENTGUIDELINESVisitor andconservationmanagement:- Intensivemaintenance ofvisitor facilitiesandinfrastructure.- Activeenforcement ofreserveregulations.− Intensiveconservationmanagementactivitiesundertaken.Consumptive Use:− Sustainable useof naturalresources may,where feasible,be considered onapplication, andsubject to aformal permittingarrangement.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 64

Development – Low IntensityUsers:− To provide small tomedium-sized picnic,accommodationand/or campingfacilities and services.− To facilitate access toenvironmentaleducational facilitiesand services.Conservation:− To contain the impactsand footprint ofreserve visitorfacilities, services andinfrastructure.−−−−−−−−−−Areas with acontained, low-densitydevelopmentfootprint.Areas with roads, trailsand small to mediumscalerecreationalfacilities andaccommodationinfrastructure.Degraded ortransformed areas.Natural or seminaturalhabitats.Areas with a highvisitor absorptivecapacity.Areas with limitedbiodiversitysignificance.Areas that are easilyaccessible from thereserve entry points.Areas where risk offire damage toinfrastructure is low,or can be mitigated.Areas with lowvisibility from thesurroundinglandscape.Areas that have accessto potable water, andnot sensitive todisposal of treatedwastewater.−−−−−Picnic and braaiing.Parking.Overnightaccommodation.Camping/caravanning.Environmentaleducation.- Reception offices.- Small camping/caravanning facilities.- Small lodges/ tentedcamps/ self-catering units.- Small restaurant orcatering facilities forovernight guests only.- Surfaced roads andparking areas.- Bird hides.- Services (power, wastemanagement, water,etc.).- Cater for all reservevisitors.- Motorised self-drivecar access.- Tour bus access.- Parking and walk-infor day and overnightvisitors.- Intensivedevelopment andmaintenance ofvisitor facilities,services andinfrastructure.- Activeenforcement ofreserveregulations.- Limitedconservationmanagementactivitiesundertaken.− Risk management(e.g. fire safety)measuresimplemented.− Developmentfootprint activelycontained.Consumptive Use:− Sustainable useof naturalresources may,where feasible,be considered onapplication, andsubject to aformal permittingarrangement.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 65

Development – High IntensityUsers:− To provide mediumsized to large scaleaccommodationfacilities, andassociated attractionsand conveniences.Conservation:− To contain the impactsand footprint ofreserve visitorfacilities, services andinfrastructure.−−−−−−−−−−Areas with an extensivehigh-densitydevelopment footprint.Areas with roads, trailsand small to mediumscalerecreationalfacilities andaccommodationinfrastructure.Degraded ortransformed areas.Natural or semi-naturalhabitats.Areas with a high visitorabsorptive capacity.Areas with limitedbiodiversity significance.Areas that are easilyaccessible from thereserve entry points.Areas where risk of firedamage toinfrastructure is low, orcan be mitigated.Areas with low visibilityfrom the surroundinglandscape.Areas that have accessto potable water, andnot sensitive to disposalof treated wastewater.- Picnicking andbraaiing.- Overnightaccommodation.- Camping/caravanning.- Meetings, workshopor mini conferenceactivities.- Parking.- Swimming.- Medium-sized lodges orhotels.- High density self-cateringunits.- Medium to large-scalecamping/ caravanningfacilities.- Fuel supply pump.- Amenities, includingrestaurants and shops.- Surfaced roads.- Services (power, wastemanagement, water, etc.).- Swimming pool.- Air strip.- Cater for all reservevisitors.- Motorised self-drivecar access.- Tour bus access.- Parking and walk-infor day and overnightvisitors.- Air access may bepermitted.Visitor andconservationmanagement:- Intensivedevelopment andmaintenance ofvisitor facilities,services andinfrastructure.- Activeenforcement ofreserveregulations.- Limitedconservationmanagementactivitiesundertaken.− Risk management(e.g. fire safety)measures−implemented.Developmentfootprint activelycontained.Consumptive Use:- None.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 66

Development - Reserve AdministrationTo define the location ofthe infrastructure andfacilities for reserveadministration.- Areas with extensivedegraded or transformedfootprints.- Areas able toaccommodate highdisturbance, with noidentified sensitivebiodiversity.- Areas proximate to highand low intensitydevelopment zones.- Areas with low visibilityfrom the surroundinglandscape.- Areas that are easilyaccessible from thereserve entry points.- Areas that have access topotable water, and notsensitive to disposal oftreated wastewater.n/a − Administrative offices.− Storage facilities.− Garage facilities.− Workshops.− Game capture andholding facilities.− Parking.NOTE:Reserve administrative officesmay also be located within theDevelopment - Low/HighIntensity Zones.Access to reservereception andadministrative offices.n/aReserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 67

Special Protection / Special ManagementSpecial Protection (Species, Habitats,Heritage)Special Management (ResourceUtilisation)−−−Protection ofspecies,habitats orheritage sitesof specialconservationconcern.Restrictaccess topreventdisturbanceand/ordamage.Regulationand control ofresourceutilisation(commercialand/orcommunitybased),includinghunting.- Sites or areas whereuncontrolled publicaccess is undesirable dueto the presence ofthreatened species andhabitats or sensitiveheritage features.- Demarcated sites orareas where seasonalutilisation of naturalresources (e.g.harvesting of grass forthatching, collection ofreeds for buildingmaterial, hunting ofwildlife for trophies ormeat, etc.) takes place.- Research.- Guided nature/heritage visits understrictly controlledconditions.- Motorised access ondesignated routes(primarily gravelroads).- Walking access ondesignated footpathsand trails.- Commercial hunting,under strict permitconditions.Usually none, but footpathsand tracks to allowmanagement access may bepermitted.Where visitor access ispermitted, strict accesscontrol is required to delimitaccess routes, and, ifnecessary, screen visitors; i.e.hides, boardwalks, screenedroutes, and paths with railingsmay be appropriate.Self-drive roads, 4x4 tracks,management access roadsand management tracks.Parking or viewing sites/ areasmay be provided.Basic accommodation orcamping facilities may beprovided.Signage may be erected todesignate seasonally closedareas.Public / tourism accessnormally not allowed.May be permitted undervery tightly controlledconditions, to bedetermined per site.Public / tourism accesswill only be regulatedduring the resourceutilisation season.For hunting areas, thezone will be closed for allother visitors.For other resourceutilisation zones,public/tourism accessmay be permitted,although the specificaccess conditions willvary from site to site.Visitor andconservationmanagement:− Restrictions onaccess andnumbers ofvisitors may beenforced.− Activeconservationand heritagemanagementactivitiesundertaken, asrequired.Consumptive Use:- None.Visitor andconservationmanagement:−−Seasonalrestrictions onaccess may beenforced.Activemanagement ofresourceutilisationpermits.Consumptive Use:- Naturalresourceharvesting andcollection.Reserve Management Documents: Legalameetse Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 68

Guiding principles for reserve management - NCC Environmental ...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?