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Salmonsdam Nature Reserve reopens this week because of an agreement between the Overberg Honorary Nature Conservation Officers (HNCO) and CapeNature.

According to Boetie Fismer, HNCO chairperson, CapeNature closed Salmonsdam due to financial reasons. The HNCO wanted to rectify this and submitted a tender to CapeNature for the management of the reserve. The tender was accepted in mid-October and since then, they have been preparing the reserve for guests.

Conservation volunteers

The HNCO are a group of 11 private individuals and was established in 1997 (under section 22 (1) of the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974) to assist CapeNature staff in a wide range of activities, to the benefit of conservation in the area.

From June 2001 to June 2004, the HNCO managed Salmonsdam when there was a shortage of manpower in CapeNature. They were also involved in various other projects at the Onrus and Klein River lagoons, Dyer Island, as well as research projects, beach clean-ups and fundraising, to name a few.

The HNCO are renovating and maintaining the reserve in their personal capacity. Fismer says they rely on the kind donations given by members of the community, including businesses. He hopes these donations will continue in the future.

“Jimmy's Paint and CTM have already donated material for the renovation of our chalets,” says Fismer. “We are asking other businesses to help as well. For example, we need donations for the repair of our Walker lawnmower, which will cost about R25 000.”

Ideal getaway

The HNCO believe Salmonsdam is a remarkable part of the Overberg, where families can enjoy safe weekend getaways, or spend a day hiking and picnicking among the beautiful fynbos. “We wanted it reopened so the public can once again enjoy its biodiversity and admire the amazing views,” says Fismer.

Located at the foot of the Perdeberg mountains, Salmonsdam Nature Reserve lies 20 km east of Stanford. It is now open seven days a week from 07:00 to 18:00 and has a variety of bird life and mountainous fynbos, as well as hiking trails and waterfalls.

The reserve has the following accommodation: two sleeper chalets (R280 per night during the week, R320 over weekends and public holidays); six sleeper chalets (R420 per night during the week, R480 over weekends and public holidays) and campsites (R100 per night for six people).

· For reservations phone (028) 425-5020 or contact Boetie Fismer on 082 429 4775 for donations and general information.

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