Zenobia : Tour guide and Nature Conservation

Soil Survey:

2012-01-13T00:28:00.000-08:00

Zenobia Jacobs

Ecological and Business Plan:
Sondela Academy:
Soil Survey:
2011:

Balancing out Nature and Business!

Introduction:

An ecological Management Plan is a five year break down summary of how one intends to improve his/her farm to the extent that all living organisms on that farm can thrive in their environment.

It takes into consideration all living & non-living aspects of a farm that contribute towards the natural growth & survival of a farm or game reserve.

These include aspects such as Soil, Fire, Water Resources, Plant Species (Indigenous & Exotic, as well as Alien Invader Species), Wildlife & Tourism.

It is important that the wildlife farm is managed in such a way that it is a profitable entity without destroying the ecology. It need to be sustainable.

Process that will be followed:

è An identification will be made on the different soil types.

è The different plant and tree species in the different soil types will be identified.

è After you have identified the plants and trees, you can determine which type of animals will be found in the soil areas.

è A budget will be conducted on the maintenance of the different types of soil.

è After the budget, the implementation date will be scheduled

Part 1:

Survey Data:

Soil:

SOIL TYPES AND TESTING:

SOIL INTRODUCTION:

Ø Soil can be described in many different ways, such as heavy, light, sandy, clay, loam, poor or good. Scientists typically describe soil according to the:

• Color

• Compaction

• Moisture content

• Organic content

• pH

• Profile

• Structure

• Temperature, and

• Texture

• Although each of these factors are important, texture, organic content and pH are more important than the others.

• A brief overview of all nine factors will be provided.

Color:

• The Soil color can provide information about organic matter in the soil, drainage, biotic activity, and fertility.

• The chart below can give you some insight into the condition of soil just from its appearance.

• To identify the color of your soil, you should take a garden spade or shovel, and dig a shallow hole, at least 3" - 4" deep, and gauge the color.

Soil Chart:

CONDITION: COLOR:

DARK: MODERATE: LIGHT:

Organic Matter: High Medium Low

Erosion Factor: Low Medium High

Aeration: High Medium Low

Available Nitrogen: High Medium Low

Fertility: High Medium Low

Compaction:

• To have healthy soil, it needs to be able to breath and water needs to be able to move through it reasonably easily.

• Compacted soils don't allow much air to circulate to the root zone and water (rainfall or irrigation) runs-off.

• This will increase erosion and it will strip away the vegetation and topsoil.

• A normal, loosely compacted soil helps to absorb and retain water, releasing it slowly, this allows the root zone of plants to "breath".

• These soils are generally more productive, since plants can grow much more readily.

• Dense, highly compacted soils typically have less plant growth, which increases the runoff.

• The rate of infiltration of water is an excellent indication of soil health.

• You can measure the water infiltration rate very easily.

Water infiltration:

• First, get a large, empty coffee can and cut off the bottom.

• Second, begin about 9cm up from the bottom, mark the inside of the can every 9cm with a permanent marker.

• Drive the can about 9cm into the ground until the first mark is level with the ground (place a board on the top of the can and pound the board with a hammer this will drive the can into the ground. Do not irrigate the area first, since this will prevent you from getting an accurate measurement of the infiltration rate.)

• Fill the can with water to the top and begin timing the rate of infiltration.

• Measure the amount of water that has drained into the soil at the end of each minute for the first ten minutes.

• Determine the rate of infiltration in centimeters per minute by dividing the total number of centimeters of water that drained away in the can by 10 minutes.

• Knowing the actual water infiltration rate for your area is critical if you want minimize the amount of water you use.

• Repeat the experiment at several different areas.

• Record each location and its infiltration rate.

• If the infiltration rate at each location vary considerably, then draw a quick sketch of your area.

• Plot the infiltration rate for each area.

Soil Erosion:

Soil erosion is influenced mainly by ground cover and vegetation root structure, rainfall intensity, soil type and soil gradient.

Erosion may be monitored using fixed point photographs taken annually at the same time from the same point and in the same direction.

This also applies to the recovery process of an area where soil erosion is controlled.

Erosion should be monitored annually and the recovery of erosion bi-annually.

The point of photography should be marked with a permanent marker or post.

Sand:

• Sand is the largest particle in the soil.

• When you rub it, it feels rough.

• This is because it has sharp edges.

• Sand doesn't hold many nutrients or water.

Silt:

• Silt is a soil particle whose size is between sand and clay.

• Silt feels smooth and powdery.

• When its wet it feels smooth but not sticky.

Clay:

Clay is the smallest soil particle.

Clay is smooth when dry and sticky, or plastic when wet.

Soils high in clay content are called heavy soils.

Clay can hold a lot of nutrients, some clay can hold quite a bit of water.

The structure of clay doesn't let air and water move through it very well.

Most of the water in a clay soil is so tightly bound to the clay particles that plants can't get it loose.

Moisture:

• The amount of moisture found in soil varies greatly with the type of soil, climate and the amount of humus in that soil.

• The types of organisms that can survive in your soil is largely determined by the amount of water available to them.

• Since water acts as a nutrient transport and is necessary for cell survival.

• Soil moisture can be estimated visually, although this is quite imprecise.

• Soil moisture can also be determined by a soils laboratory.

• Soils labs typically dry a sample in an oven or on a hot plate (approximately 107’C for 24 hours).

• Compare the weight of the soil before drying to the weight after drying.

• The moisture content is reported as percent moisture on a weight basis.

• Several irrigation system manufacturers have developed soil moisture indicators that can be used to control irrigation more precisely, turning the system on only in areas where more water is needed and then only for the minimum time necessary to get the soil moisture back up to the desired level.

Organic Content:

• The organic content of soil greatly influences the plants, animals and the microorganism populations.

• Decomposing organic material provides many necessary nutrients to soil inhabitants.

• Without fresh additions of organic matter from time to time, the soil becomes deficient in some nutrients and soil populations decrease.

• The amount of organic material can be determined by ignition.

• Organic material is made of carbon compounds, which means when heated to high temperatures they convert to carbon dioxide and water.

• In the ignition process, a dry solid sample is heated to a high temperature.

• The organic matter in the soil is given off as gases.

• This results in a change in weight which allows for calculation of the organic content of the sample.

• Oven-dry the sample to remove water (see soil moisture).

• Weigh a crucible and lid, evaporating dish and cover, or other covered containers.

• Place approximately 10 grams of soil samples in the container, cover it and weigh the sample, container and cover.

• Place the container on a metal stand and heat it with a propane torch.

• Allow the fumes to escape, but not the soil particles.

• Heat the sample strongly after most of the gases have escaped.

• Continue heating until there are no visible fumes.

• Cool the container, lid, and sample.

• Reweigh and calculate the percent of organic material.

Soil pH:

• Most people think that rainwater has a pH of 7.

• Rainwater (if its not polluted) has a normal pH of about 6 - 6.5.

• which means it is slightly acidic.

• This is due to dissolved carbon dioxide from the air, which reacts with water to form a dilute acid (carbonic acid), much like the carbon dioxide in soda.

• It should then come as no surprise that most plants grow their best at around the same pH.

• You can determine the pH of your soil very easily using a universal indicator solution or pH paper.

• To determine the pH, just put a small amount of the soil to be tested in a clear or white container. Do not to touch the sample.

• Pour a small amount of universal indicator over the soil, then match the color of the indicator solution (not the soil) with the pH color chart.

• If you decide to use pH paper, pour a small amount of water on the soil sample.

• Touch the pH paper to the sample and match to color of the paper to the pH color chart.

• *Please note that some plants, such as rhododendron, camellias, azaleas, blueberries, ferns, spruce, pines, firs, and red cedar prefer soil that is more acidic, with a pH of 4.0 to 5.0.

• Other plants, such as beech, mock orange, asparagus and sagebrush tolerate soils with a pH 7.0 to 8.0.

• Above a pH 8.5, the soil is too alkaline for most plants, while if the soil pH is below 3.5 it will be too acid.

• You should also note that each layer of soil may have a different pH, which means that pH can vary within the soil, although the differences are usually not too great.

Soil Profile:

• If you really want to know about your soil, the best way to start is to obtain a cross-section of the various layers.

• This can be done fairly easily if you use a soil core tool.

• A soil core tool is little more than a hollow tube 61 - 122 cm’s in length with a handle and cross piece like a shovel to help push it in.

• Once the tool has been inserted into the soil, it should be turned to loosen the soil and then pulled out.

• The resulting soil core can be easily examined to identify the various layers (each layer is also called a horizon) in the soil, the aggregate of which is called a soil profile.

• To determine a soil horizon, you simply mark where the soil changes color and/or general appearance.

• Many soils have three major layers or horizons, top soil, subsoil and parent material

• Depending on where you sample, the top zone may be comprised of actively growing plants and dead plant materials.

• The top soil is typically darker colored and usually has more organic matter, higher biotic activity, abundant roots, and commonly lower in nutrients than underlying layers.

• The first centimeter of top soil may be lighter in color because many of the nutrients may have been leached out by water, and organic material may have been partially oxidized by sunlight and heat.

• The soil immediately below the first centimeter is usually somewhat darker, has many roots, moderate organic matter, and provides most of the nutrients for the plants.

• The next major layer is the subsoil.

• This layer is typically 30 to 61 cm below the surface and is characterized by a lighter color with much fewer, larger roots.

• The subsurface layer generally has less clay than the topsoil.

• The third layer, which may not be observable, is the parent material.

• This consists of unconsolidated, slightly weathered rocky materials from which soil develops.

• It is characterized by limited biotic activity and very few roots.

Soil Structure:

• Soil structure tells how the soil affects the movement of water, air and root penetration into the soil.

• The geometric shapes of the soil determine how it is put together.

• Words such as blocky (the blocks of soil are large, with the same number of cracks going horizontal as vertical).

• Granular (the blocks of soil are small, with the same number of cracks going horizontal as vertical)

• Columns (the blocks of soil and related cracks are generally longer in the vertical direction than in the horizontal)

• Plate-like (the blocks of soil and related cracks are generally longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical), describe soil structures.

• To determine the structure of your soil, carefully break apart each layer and match its characteristics with the appropriate structural type shown below.

Water capacity:

STRUCTURAL TYPE: WATER PENETRATION: DRAINAGE: AERATION:

Colums: Good Good Good

Blocky: Good Moderate Moderate

Granular: Good Best Best

Plate-like: Moderate Moderate Moderate

Soil Temperature:

• Soil temperature has a significant role in helping to determine the rate of plant growth, and whether a plant will even survive.

• The temperature in your soil changes greatly with depth.

• To measure soil temperature, find an area that is not in direct sunlight.

• Using a thermometer, measure the air temperature at shoulder height.

• Hold the thermometer still for about one minute (make sure your fingers are not on the thermometer bulb), read and record the air temperature.

• Next, measure the temperature at the surface of the ground.

• Put the thermometer flat on the ground and record the temperature after one minute.

• To determine the temperature below the ground surface, use a dowel that you have marked at 30cm, 61cm, 183cm and 366cm.

• Start by pushing the dowel into the ground till you reach the 30cm mark.

• Remove the dowel and insert the thermometer for one minute, then remove the thermometer and quickly record the temperature.

• Repeat this procedure to obtain temperature readings at 61cm, 183cm and 366cm.

• Take temperature readings at different times throughout the day at the same location.

• To compare with soil temperatures for areas in direct sun, just repeat using the same procedure but select an area that gets full sun.

• You will note that the soil temperatures in these areas are typically much higher than in the shaded areas.

Soil Temperature:

SOIL TEMPERATURE: CONDITIONS DURING GROWING SEASON:

4.5 Degrees Celsius No Growth. Bacteria and Fungi not very active

4.5 - 18.3 Degrees Celsius Some Growth

18.3 - 21.1 Degrees Celsius Fastest Growth

21.1 - 29.4 Degrees Celsius Some Growth

29.4 Degrees Celsius No Growth

Sandy Soils:

The pink out-line indicates where the sandy Soils on Sondela is.

As you can see, the sandy soils take up almost half of the farm.

Sandy soil absorbs more than 61cm of water per hour.

It is very porous, with large spaces between soil particles.

Little water is retained and the sandy soil dries out quickly.

The sandy soil area is originated from Big Granite Rocks (Koppies) which had weathered over the years.

This caused the sandy area that we have on Sondela today. These Granite rocks are obviously very smaller today.

The sandy area is higher than the rest of the farm.

This causes the water to wash from the higher point down to the lower areas.

The water runs down to the clay area, as the water washes/runs down it takes some of the nutrients with them.

This provides some areas with more/other nutrients and it also takes nutrients from the current areas.

Red clay/loam Soils:

The red outline indicates where you will find red clay/Loam soils.

Loam soil absorbs from 7- 61cm per hour.

The soil is loose and porous and holds water quite well.

Clay Soils:

The green spots are where you can locate the clay/turf soils.

Clay soil absorbs less than 1cm of water per hour.

Clay soil is dense with few air spaces between particles and holds water so tightly that little water is available for plants.

Different soil types:

Map Key:

Soil and Farm Border Calculations:

• Sandy Soils: 12km (400h Across Highway) + 21km =33km

• Red Clay: 27km

• Turf: 1,5km + 7km + 0,800km = 9,3km

• Farm Border: 13km (4ooh) +(Sondela) 28km = 41km

Characteristics of Different Soil Types:

• It can be argued that no two soils are ever exactly alike.

• Although this is true, it is useful to group soils into categories.

• Three major categories of soil dominate our area.

• These are:

• Sandy soil

• Loam soil, and

• Clay soil

• To figure out what type of soil you have, there are several easy methods.

• The first, called the rope test, requires that you squeeze a moist, but not muddy, one inch ball of soil in your hand.

• Then rub the soil between your fingers.

• Sandy soil feels gritty and loose.

• It won't form a ball and falls apart when rubbed between your fingers.

• Loam soil is smooth, slick, partially gritty and sticky and forms a ball that crumbles easily.

• It is a combination of sand and clay particles.

• Clay soil is smooth, sticky and somewhat plastic feeling.

• It forms ribbons when pressed between fingers.

• Clay soil requires more pressure to form a ball than loam soil, but does not crumble apart as easily.

• A second test is called a jar test and is very easy to do.

• Here's what you'll need:

• 1 clean quart jar and tight fitting lid

• clean water

• soil sample

• First, find an empty, clean quart jar.

• Fill the jar about 2/3 full with clean water.

• Next, take a sample of soil (break the large clods apart so it will fit through the jar opening) and fill the jar and water until the jar is nearly full, leaving about 4cm of air space at the top.

• Screw on the lid and shake it vigorously for a minute or two, until all the soil particles are broken down into suspension in the water.

• Now, allow the suspended soil to settle for about a minute, and place a mark on the side of the jar at the top of the layer that has settled out.

• This is the sand layer is comprised primarily of sand and larger particles.

• Set the jar aside, being careful not to mix the sand layer that has already settled and wait approximately an hour.

• Now, place a mark on the side of the jar at the top of the next layer to settle out.

• This is the silt layer.

• Again, place the jar aside for a full day, being careful not to shake or mix the layers that have settled out.

• After 24 hours, or when the water is once again clear (more or less), place a mark on the side of the jar at the top of the final layer.

• This is the clay layer.

• The percentage of each layer tells you what kind of soil you have.

Sandy Soils:

TYPE OF SOIL:

*Sandy soils can be found throughout Southern Africa and Southern California.

*It can be found near mountain Foothills, along rivers and streams and also at certain coastal areas.

*Sandy soils are comprised of 80-100% sand, 0-10% silt and 0 - 10% clay by volume.0-10% Clay 0-10% Silt 80-100% Sand

*Sandy soils are light and very free draining, known to hold very poorly due to the very low organic content.

EXAMPLE OF A TEST JAR:

Loam Soils:

TYPE OF SOIL:

*Loam soil is common in Southern Africa as well as in Southern Africa.

*You will find them in the valleys and fload areas (Flood plains) surrounding rivers and streams.

*Loam soil is comprised from 25-50% Sand, 30-50% silt and 10-30% clay by volume. 10-30% Clay 30-50% Silt 25-50% Sand

*Loam soil is heavier than sandy soils, they are also fairly free draining due to low organic content.

EXAMPLE OF A TEST JAR:

Clay Soils:

TYPE OF SOIL:

*Clay soils are found in around urban areas where fill soils have been used to establish grade in subdivision and developments.

*Clay soils are comprised of 0-45% sand, 0-45% silt and 50-100% clay by volume.

*Clay soils are not free draining and water takes a long time to infiltrate. 50-100% ,Clay 0-45% Silt , 0-45% Sand

*When wet the soil allows basically everything to run-off. Clay soils are heavy and difficult to work with when dry.

EXAMPLE OF A TEST JAR:

Conclusion:

Soil erosion is a major issue on Sondela.

A control plan needs to be worked out.

When working out a control plan, have in mind the different seasons, rainfall, etc.

Staff needs to be trained in the identification of soil erosion.

Open fields/plains without many trees as well as areas with heavy water flow are the ideal locations for soil erosion to occur.

Ensure that it is project driven.

Make sure it is at least 65% self Funding.

Part 2:

Broad Plan:

Who: Conservation department

What: Fix future problem areas leading to soil erosion on a schedule according to a time scale

When: Priorities need to be determined on the most effected areas over a period of time

Where: The areas that are indicated on the map

What thereafter: Regular surveys need to be done to report on the control successes

Detail Plan:

The detail plan indicates the priorities in each area/section.

The method that will be used.

The resources available.

The time allocated.

The rehabilitation process.

Formulate the monitoring aspect -beginning of a year.

The implementation of the yearly plan - done by the conservation department according to a project plan.

Part 3:

Budget: 2011/12

Soil:

As part of the bigger picture the idea is to be able to obtain funds to finance the rehabilitation of the eroded areas.

The conservation levy is one key income.

The other key income is the game drive income.

Budget:

No Item Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

A Income:

1 Game drives R 3,000 R 2,500 R 2,000 R 4,000 R 3,000 R 3,800 R 2,200 R 2,000 R 4,100 R 2,300

2 Conserv-ation Fee R 3,500 R 3,300 R 2,800 R 4,400 R 3,700 R 4,200 R 3,600 R 3,000 R 4,600 R 3,600

Total: R 6,500 R 5,800 R 4,800 R 8,400 R 6,700 R 8,000 R 5,800 R 5,000 R 8,700 R 5,900

B Expenses:

1 Equipment R 150 R 200 R 100 R 70 R 250 R 110 R 150 R 260 R 120 R 90

2 Labour R 1,000 R 1,000 R 1,000 R 1,000 R 1,000 R 1,000 R 1,000 R 1,000 R 1,000 R 1,000

Total: R 1,150 R 1,200 R 1,100 R 1,070 R 1,250 R 1,110 R 1,150 R 1,260 R 1,120 R 1,090

Income: R 65,600

Expenses: R 11,500

Total/Profit: R 54,100

Part 4:

Schedule rehabilitation:

Soil:

Schedule:

The distribution of the invaders were mapped as well as the methods of eradication determined.

The broad plan were formulated and budgeted for.

The scheduling now take place as it is not possible to eradicate all invaders at the same time.

The scheduling indicate that the plants that will partly fund the process will be done over the five year period. (Sickle bush)

Follow up ( monitoring) for returning infestations need to be done by doing regularly surveys of re-infestations.

The schedule is based on the approved plan and budget.

The schedule execution is project driven in terms of planning, budgeting and execution

Bibliography:

http://www.ehow.com/about_6676967_plant-sand-vs_-potting-soil.html

http://www.rain.org/global-garden/soil-types-and-testing.htm

P.S. The photo's didn't want to upload..

Maintenace Management Plan:

2011-10-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

Narrative 3:
Task 1:

Sondela Wildlife Centre:

Maintenance

Boma’s

Paths

Village – Kitchen

Village – Rooms

Village – Bathrooms

Clinic

Drains

Water

Lights

Bathrooms – Toilets

Bathrooms – Sinks

Bathrooms – Showers
Electric fences

Wildlife Centre:

Infrastructures (Boma’s)

vLoose wires

vAny holes in the fence

vThe sleeping den

vThe electric fence in any

vThe structure of the boma

vThe gate to enter the boma

vQuality of fence

Amps of electric fence

Paths:

The layout of the paths

Safety of the paths

Barriers of the path ways

Animal friendly path ways

Human safety path ways

Village – Rooms:

The doors – Do they open and close properly. Can the doors lock.

The lights – Does all the light in the rooms work

The fans – Are all the fans in working order and safe for use

Look for cracks in the walls

Is the roof leaking

Does all the windows open and close

Is all wall plugs in working order

Village – Bathrooms:

Does the doors work properly

Can they close and open easily

Is the lights in working order

Does the toilets flush. Are there any leakage on the toilets

Does all the taps at the basin work without leaking

Is all the drains unblocked

Does the shower head work properly

Is the pressure pump still in working order

How does the geyser look like. Does it need repair

Sewage drain full or needs cleaning out

Village – Kitchen:

Does all windows have shield in front

Does all windows have mesh in

Can the door open and close and lock

Are the fridges all in working condition

Does the washing machine still work and or have any faults on it

Is the tumble dryer still in working condition

The taps by the basins are they working and have enough water pressure without leaking.

Is there enough cupboards that can close

Is the drain blogged or not

Clinic:

Sealable doors

Red lights for heat

Different cages, animal safe and in good condition

Level floors

Place for oxygen to circulate

Lockable cupboards for meds

Working fridge for meds

Operation table still in working condition

Lights bright enough so you can operate at night

Drains:

Where does the drain lead to

How does your drain work

Sewage tanks full or not

How do you empty it

Where does it lead to

Water:

Where is your water channels

Are your water from another area

Are your water pump in full working condition

Do you have arrogation running in your place

Are all your pipes weather friendly

Bathrooms:

Toilets – Blogged or not, can they flush, can the doors close properly, does the handle's work properly

Basins – does the taps work properly, is there warm and cold water

Shower – Is the shower usable to people

Drains – are all the drains unblocked and the tank not to full so that it over flow and if it over flow what procedures must be followed

Sondela Guiding:

Cruisers

Tata’s

Spotlights

Radio’s

Cruisers and Tata:

Tyres

Fuel

Oil

Water

Air filter

Petrol filter

Oil filter

Starter

Gears

Clutch

Break pads

Break fluid

Spotlights:

Is the globe in working condition

Does your connections on your vehicle work properly

Are your electric cable long enough so that you can shine all around you when on a night drive

Radio’s:

Make sure you have a radio with you

Your radio must be on the right wave length as the rest of the farm

Are the battery charged

Can you connect to all the channels

Are your areal still in working condition

Sondela Conservation:

Paths And Tracks

Road networks

Domestic

a)Infrastructures

b)Pluming

c)Electrical

Veld

a.Infrastructures

b.Dams

c. Waterholes

d. Paths

e. Roads

f. Fences

g. Power lines

Animals (Fauna)

Plants (flora)

Invasive and alien

Fire breaks

Soil

Waste

Air

Water

Poaching

Paths and Tracks:

Where are your paths going to be

What needs to be done to create this path

Is it an old path that just needs to be cleaned again or is it an brand new path that needs to created through the bush

For what is this path

Removing of harm full objects in the path

Clear the path way

Remove assess sand

Clear sides of harm full trees and branches

Close up big holes in the paths

Remove big stones

Remove big roots sticking out in the path

Road networks:

All the roads on your reserve

Are there problems with water dumping up after rain

Are your sides higher than your road

How regular must the road be scraped

How much traffic does your road handle on a daily basis

Are there any water channels from your road to lead the water away

Domestic:

A. Infrastructure:

Paint on your walls

Is there any cracks in your walls

The building style of your chalets and houses

Difference between chalets and houses

Lights in and around your chalets/houses

Doors lockable and in correct condition

Usable windows

Termite heaps near the chalet/house that might damage the infrastructure

B. Plumbing:

All water pipes

All toilets

All basins

All showers

All baths

All drains

All sewage out lets

C. Electrical:

All lights in and around the chalet/house

All wall plugs

All kitchen compliance's

All TV’s

All DSTV

Veldt:

A. Infrastructure:

Are all your look out points safe for guest to use

Are there lights for night viewing

Are the latties still stable and not eaten by termites

Are there any bathrooms available for guest use, nearby

B. Dams:

Are there any hand made dams on your reserve

Do they run on natural resources like e.g. Rain

Are they driven by water pumps

Are the pumps fully functional

What are the dams use e.g. Humans or animals

C. Waterhole:

Where is all the waterholes located

Are the waterholes filled by natural resources

Are the waterholes filled by man

Are the waterholes close to road sides

Are the waterholes for human viewing

Are they hand made ( human made)

D. Paths:

Are your path ways for human use

Are they safe to use

Are they clear from any hazardous materials

Are they for walking, riding or quads

Are there any big holes in the path ways

Big stones need to be removed or path made around it

Is it in a grassland area or thicken area

What soil type is on the path

E. Roads:

All main roads, game drive roads, guest roads and service roads

Water problem on the roads after big rain fall

Do the roads need to be scraped

How regular must they be scraped

( monthly, weekly or yearly)

F. Fences:

Y-Standards

Droppers

Wires

Broken wires

Plates against wire for animal protection

Warthog hi-ways

Quality of the fence

Corner post’s

Gates if any

G. Power Lines:

Where are they situated on your farm

What type of power lines it is

How big they are

What is the AMPS they run

What company are they from e.g. Escom

Do they do the repairs or can your qualified electrician do they maintenance on them

What do you do when a link caught fire

H. Fauna:

All different species on your reserve

Where are they located

Different species in different vegetation areas

Water depended

Are they browsers or grazers

Ruminant and non ruminant animals

Predators?

Herbivores?

I. Flora:

What type of vegetation do you have where on your farm.

What vegetation grows on what soil types.

J. Invasive Plants:

List all invasive plants on your reserve

Which of them are endangered

The End!!

Ecological Management Plan:

2011-10-31T03:44:00.000-07:00

29September 2011:
Narrative 3:
Part1:

The purpose of the Presentation:
The main Purpose of this presentation, is to briefly explain the concept of an Ecological Management Plan

What is Ecology ???

¢Ecology is basically, the study of interactions between organisms and their specific environments.

¢The basic law of ecology is, the lives of different animal and plant species are linked.

This basically means, if you change one thing/component in nature it changes other things as well.

What is an Ecological Management Plan ???

¢Well an ecological management plan, plans to minimize the detrimental changes to the ecosystem.

¢It also tries to rehabilitate damages in the ecosystem, if possible.

Why do Game reserves need an Ecological Plan?

¢To keep a healthy balance between the habitat and the animals.

¢To ensure the sustainability of a game reserve.

How do you get an income for an Ecological Plan?

¢The funds are collected from the levy called the Conservation fee, this is in the private sector.

¢It is also funded by a budget in the case of a state department, they manage the conservation areas.

Time span of an Ecological Plan?

¢For the most effective Ecological Management Plan, the duration is between 2-5 years.

¢The 5 years are divided into annually sectors.

¢This is to ensure the progress of each year, to stay on schedule and to make sure you will have enough funds to work with.

¢Each years progress will ensure the 5 year plan to reach it’s target and objectives.

Implementation of the Ecological Plan:

¢To make it easier, you can divide the project into different sections per year. This is to make it easier and more usable.

¢You can then implement your plan according to your target dates.

Trophic pyramid:

Where does the management section fit in?

¢The management of a reserve, has to approve all the projects and the supportive budget of each of your projects.

¢Your conservation officer is responsible for the implementation of the projects as well as the managing of the budgets.

Current state of the reserve:

¢Do an Environmental Audit on all of the elements available.

¢This is to determine all the environmental issues that needs to be addressed.

Elements to be looked at:

¢Soils: Different types, erosion, etc.

¢Vegetation: Different types, alien plants, over-grazing, carrying capacity, etc.

¢Animals: Different species, populations, distributions, etc.

¢Infrastructure: Roads, buildings, dams, etc.

¢Tourism Opportunities: Game drives, archery, WLC tour, etc.

¢Human Influences: Waste disposal, dumping sites, etc.

Headings:

¢Introduction

¢Overview – 5 Year Plan

¢Overview of each year – Project Based

¢Soil Management

¢Water Management

¢Vegetation Management

¢Animal Management

¢Infrastructure Management

¢Fire Management

¢Tourism Management

¢Human Influence Management

¢List of projects

¢Budget per project – Capital operational

Element and Project Examples:

. Soil Management

¢Erosion Project

¢Compost

2. Water Management

¢Catchment Management Project

¢Water distribution Project

3. Vegetation Management

¢Alien/indigenous/ invader removal project

¢Bush Encroachment Project

4. Animal Management

¢Mammal census Project

¢Earthworm Project

¢Owl Research Project

. Soil Management

¢Erosion Project

¢Compost

2. Water Management

¢Catchment Management Project

¢Water distribution Project

3. Vegetation Management

¢Alien/indigenous/ invader removal project

¢Bush Encroachment Project

4. Animal Management

¢Mammal census Project

¢Earthworm Project

¢Owl Research Project

Infrastructure Management

¢Road Closure Project

¢Hide Development Project

6. Fire Management

¢Improvement of fire prevention project

¢Fire fighting ability Project

7. Tourism Management

¢New attraction Project

¢Wetland Route

8. Human Influences Management

¢Human impact awareness Project

Vision for the Reserve in 5 years:

¢An Ecological sustainable reserve with alien free vegetation.

¢Almost a 100% soil coverage and healthy animal populations. This will draw the attention to the tourists, to enjoy the outdoor experience.

Which Element do we need to look at?

¢Veldt management, with different projects – to improve the veldt condition.

¢Harvesting of fauna, project – keeping record on the different animal populations. This will include mortality, nationality, gender records, etc.

¢Soil protection, projects – different ways to improve the soil layer.

Management of human impacts.

Implementation of a 5year Plan:

¢Implement it with one year plans that have an operating budget allocated to each year.

¢A capital budget that funds the capital intensive projects.

¢Register conservation projects that forms part of the implementation of the yearly plans.

¢Conservation project on each element, e.g. A project to implement a wetland tour as part of the experience.

Implementation of 1year Plans:

¢1 year plans mostly consists of the different projects that were identified in the 5year plan formulation.

These projects must be scheduled over 5years, e.g. A erosion control project can be broken into sections. These sections will be handled off in the first 2-4 years each year has to have the specific that needs to happen and also the cost behind it.

Budget for a 1year Implementation:

1.Calculate the total income in the conservation department.

2.Make sure the projects to be done have been confirmed.

3.Allocate the money needed for the projects.

4.Highlight all the challenges that might occur during the projects

5.Set target dates for the projects.

The use of the Conservation fee:

¢The income for your conservation department consists of your conservation fee.

Your budget must spent on the implementation of the different projects that you have and those that are being planned.

Role of the policies and procedures:

¢The role is to describe the policies of the reserve itself. This is to inform people what will be tolerated and what won’t be tolerated.

¢The procedures are there to describe how the policies will be implemented.

Monitoring of the Implementation for your ecological plan:

¢How do you know that you are successful?

¢What is the current progress on the different projects that are being constructed?

¢How are you monitoring the budget for each of the projects that are set out?

Summary on the Presentation:

¢Step1: an ecological audit must be done. This is to evaluate the current state of the reserve – log it.

¢Step2: the audit must be used to plan the projects in full detail as well as to register them over a period of 5years. This will increase the state of the habitat in the future.

¢Step3: formulate the 1year’s projects and plan your budget.

Conclusion and the way forward:

¢This will improve the future state of the reserve and ensure it is more independent on the management practices of the present customers of the reserve.

The End !!!

Fire Break Presentation:

2011-10-28T03:59:00.000-07:00

Purpose of Presentation:

To highlight the need for fire breaks in certain times of the year.

Winter months – Dry and windy.

An outline of how and when the fire breaks will happen.

What will be needed for the fire breaks.

It includes a budget, which will give us an outline of what it will cost us to prepare these fire breaks.

Overview of Presentation:

Background of the Operation

Necessity of the Operation

Areas Affected

Necessity of Capital at stake

Equipment Available

Personal Available

Vehicles Available

Time Span
Overview on fire Preparation Plan

General Overview

Phase1- Planning

Phase2 – Preparation

Phase3 – Implement

Phase4 – Clean and Return Equipment

Phase5 – Debrief

Logistics

Finances

Questions

Possible Suggestions

Background of the Operation:
Certain precautions have to be taken against fire in the Winter times, due to the dryness of this particular season – high risk for fires.

It is necessary to create a barrier against fire, that is why fire breaks are incorporated. We also clear the bushes around the infrastructures for more safety

Every area that esquires a fire break needs its own plan, because they have different requirements.

Necessity of the Operation:
It creates a safe environment for staff members and guests.

To create sufficient fire breaks and to effectively control a fire that may occur.

This minimizes the risk of Chalets and Makhato Houses burning down.

This in a way Protects our veldt from other fires crossing our borders.

This can possibly safe a lot of animal’s life as well as plant species.

Areas affected:
The Areas that are most effected are:

1.Makhato Houses

2.Chalets

3.SSB

4.The farm itself as a Nature Reserve

Necessity of Capital at stake:
Value of the main complexes:

1. Makhato Houses 80 x R2 million per house = R160 million.

2.• Chalets 59 x R1 million per chalet = R59 million.

3.• SSB laundry & administration R2 million

4.• Main complex R200 million.

5.• Total rand value R421,000,000.00

Equipment Available:
Brush cutters

Steel Rakes

Hand slasher

Chain saw

Bow saw

Small Axe’s

Pitch fork

Leather gloves

Large pruning shears

Goggles

Panga’s

Tractor Tipper

Tractor Slasher

1 Big Axe

Personal Available:
This operation will both involve the students as well as the staff members.

The 2nd years will be the team leaders and they will each have a group of 1st years to lead.

Staff members from the garden and farming department will also be helping us.

The Working on Fire teams will also be assisting us – Free of charge.

Vehicles Available:
For the main cutting of the fire breaks, we have the tractors with slashers.

The transporting of the students to the required work area, the cruiser, the Tata and the academy bakkie is available.

We have a tractors with a trailers, for transporting all the cut materials to thy dumping site or the compost heap

Time Span:

1.Makhato Houses – 1 week

2.Chalet’s – 1 week

3.SSB – 2days

Our estimated time span is two weeks and 2days.

We currently have about 40 people.

At our disposal it will most probably be done in a sooner period of time.

Overview on fire Preparation Plan:

Phase 1- Planning of the fire preparation plan

Phase 2- Preparation of staff equipment, vehicles and logistical support

Phase 3- Implement the plan & the identified areas

Phase 4- Clean and hand back equipment & vehicles.

Identification of unserviceable items

Phase 5- debrief of personal for next years operation

Areas to be prepared:

1.Makhato Houses

2.Chalets

3.SSB

4.The farm itself as a Nature Reserve

See the Small Scale map for the threat analysis of the fire threat

General Overview:

1.Western threat:

The main threat - The west, specifically from the highway. In 2010 we had a large fire from this direction. It burnt right through, it almost got to the Wildlife Centre. Most of the incidents came from the west.

2. Eastern threat:

During 2009 a fire broke out in the east, it was just stopped outside the fence of Sondela. This was on the eastern boundary.

3. Northern threat:

This is a threat, but the probability of a fire coming from the north is minimal.

Countering the Threats:

Western threat

This threat is countered by a series of fire breaks as indicated on the map.

All the important zones are marked on the map:

1.1 Makhato

1.2 Chalets

1.3 Wildlife centre area

1.4 Main complex area

The last line of fire defense are the important zones. We will cut the areas around the houses between 14 to 17 meters.

Northern Threats:

This threat is countered by a series of fire breaks as indicated on the map:

2. 1 Makhato

2. 2 Chalets

2. 3 Wildlife centre

2. 4 Main complex

The last line of fire defense are the important zones. We will cut the areas around the houses between 14 to 17 meters.

Eastern Threats:

This threat is countered by a series of fire breaks as indicated on the map

3. 1 Makhato

3. 2 Chalets

3. 3 Wildlife centre

3. 4 Main complex

The last line of fire defense are the important zones. We will cut the areas around the houses between 14 to 17 meters.

Phase1C- Planning Equipment:

The members of Working on Fire, has their own equipment:

1.Panga’s

2.Goggles

3.Protective Clothing

4.Axe’s

5.Saw’s

Management of the sectors are very important, make sure that each sector keeps their equipment in a specific area. Do not get different sector’s equipment mixed up.

Phase2 – Preparation:

Before we implement our project, we will need to check whether we have all the equipment. Before we use the equipment, we will need to assure that the equipment is available for our usage. We will also need to make sure that they are in working order.

We will be briefing the students on the plan.

We will take the students to the area where we are going to cut, so that they can see what we have to do.

Phase3 – Implement:

The fire breaks have already been cut. Our job now is to: Go in around the chalet’s and Makhato houses to cut the grass, bushes and small branches on the trees up until 2metres. We have to do this, because the tractors won’t be able to reach.

Phase4 – Clean and Return Equipment:

After each day, we will clean all the equipment that was used and then we will return it daily.

The Team member that is working with the equipment, must report any problems back to the 2nd year they are working with. The 2nd year will then report it to the appropriate manager.

Phase5 – Debrief:

The purpose of the exercise is to give the 2nd year conservation learners a chance to plan for the fire season and to implement the preparation plan out of a management perspective.

The purpose of the exercise is to give the 1st year conservation a chance to execute a fire prevention plan and to work as a field ranger in the real circumstances of a ranger.

Phase5 – Debrief:

During all the phases the 2nd year learners will keep notes and organize debriefs with the 1st year learners

The debriefs need to follow the process of a debrief

Each team leader needs to write a debrief 2nd year learner report and hand it in to the 2 on the following date 14-06-2010

A debrief report needs to be written and handed in at the academy and operations

Logistics:

Organise for the food to be taken to the students.

Make sure that the students have water available at all times?

When is the equipment available and how much of it will be available at a time?

When will the vehicles be available?

When are the students available?

Repairs of broken equipment on site?

Availability of petrol for the brush cutters?

When will transport be available?

Incentive:

What possible incentives can we offer?

• Suggestions:

1.Braai at the end of the task?

2.The learners that have finished their quota’s can go early on leave?

Questions:
"Any Questions"

End

Fire Training Plan:

2011-10-28T03:03:00.000-07:00

Narrative1: Task1:

Training Plan 2011:

1. What needs to be done:

A course on fire fighting must be implemented to every staff and student on the nature reserve, that hasn’t received the training yet.

2. Why this needs to happen:

We have to ensure that each person on this farm knows how and what to do encase of a fire. We train everybody so that we have enough people to go to the fire and for backup. 1^st year students will be trained, but they will not as yet be allowed to fight a proper fire. The 2^nd years will go out on a cruiser to see how/what happens in an actual fire. This will give them a bigger picture of what needs to be done.

3. When will the course start:

The course will be divided over two weeks. The first group will consist of the students. The second group will consist of the staff members that have not yet received this training. Group 1: 13-14 September 2011. Group 2: 20-21 September 2011.

4. Where will it take place:

Training will take place on Sondela’s “Blou Buffel Land”. There won’t be a real fire; they need to imagine that they are at a fire. They will get a theory lesson of how everything works and where everything is stored. The fire alarm will go off; they will be in charge of this exercise. It is their job that they dress in the proper safety clothing, have the correct fighting gear, have enough fighting gear and that everybody is done in a certain amount of time. Everything is about working in a team. They must sort themselves out, so that there is an equal amount of people working with different fighting gear. They will also organise themselves in who works with which type of gear.

5. How many People will receive this training:

Students: There are currently 20 students that need the training Staff: There are currently 14 staff members that needs to receive training.

6. What will happen after they received the training:

They will have an unsuspected fire drill about 2weeks after their training. This will prepare them more for the real thing. 1^st year students trained will not as yet be allowed to fight a proper fire. The 2^nd years will go out on a cruiser to see how the operation works.

Fire :

2011-10-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

Narrative1: Task2:

NEW Agenda Meeting Minutes – Makhato Fire Fighing:

Discuss previous meeting minutes for progress:

Topics:

1. Equipment

2. Structure

3. “Work on fire”

4. Sondela Fire and Evacuation plan

5. General

6. Date of new meeting

7. Reporting to Trustees of Makhato body corporate

Disacussion:

1. Budget for new equipment is finalised. Order is sent trough. Waiting for the delivery.

2. Structure is re-organised and in working order.

3. “Work on fire” is calculated in different working groups, they are a big help in fires. One problem that did occur is that there isn’t enough safety clothing for them. We are working on a budget.

4. Evacuation plan is restructured and a copy has been sent to all the Business Unit Managers as well as the Makhato’s.

5. There aren’t any problems so far. Everything is working well.

6. New meeting will be on the 3 of September 2011

7. Reports are being sent through.

Agenda for next week:

1. A log must be presented on the organising, labelling and counting of the new equipment.

2. Budget for more safety Clothing must be finalised, sent through and a copy must be presented.

3. Follow up on evacuation plan. Monitor whether it works or not. Make sure everything and everybody knows what to do.

4. Feedback on the reports for the Makhato Trustees must be discussed.

5. Budget for new fire vehicle must be drawn up.

Fire training must be provided for all the students – work out a strategy plan