Park targeted by eco-vandals
This is not the first time that indigenous dune vegetation has been destroyed in Shelly Beach
ECO-vandals have once again struck in Voigt Park, a much-abused conserved strip of natural coastal bush alongside the beach just north of St Michael’s beach.
Residents of homes overlooking Shelly Beach’s little green lung were horrified to discover a gang of workers had hacked and totally destroyed a huge swathe of the indigenous dune vegetation. They were particularly concerned about the blue duikers that used this section of dune vegetation for shelter.
According to residents, Hibiscus Coast Municipality was contacted and the damage was inspected by a municipal official. They believe the culprits have been identified. However, the South Coast Herald has not received any answer to a request, sent the the municipality on Monday this week, for information about the matter.
This is not the first time the park’s indigenous vegetation has been damaged or destroyed.
Over the past few years, huge chunks of the park’s dune vegetation have been removed. Even the ancient milkwood trees, the park’s most striking feature, have been targeted. A number of them have succumbed to poisoning or been badly damaged by people hacking off branches.
Voigt Park is part of the Hibiscus Coast’s green heritage. As well as the endangered blue duiker, it is home to many little animals and an interesting variety of birds.
According to the Integrated Coastal Management Act, it is illegal to remove or disturb natural coastal vegetation. It is also illegal to damage or destroy the park’s coastal red milkwood trees (Mimusops Caffra) as this species enjoys specially protected status.
