Declaration of Kathu Forest as a Protected Woodland under section 12(1)(C) of the National Forests Act, 1998 (No. 727 of 2009)

6 No. 32370 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. 10 JULY 2009 No. 727 GOVERNMENT NOTICES GOEWERMENTSKENNISGEWINGS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES 10 July 2009 DECLARATION OF KA THU FOREST AS A PROTECTED WOODLAND UNDER SECTION 12(1)(C) OF THE NATIONAL FORESTS ACT, 1998 (ACT NO 84 OF 1998) I, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries hereby declare the Kathu forest as a Protected Woodiand in terms of section 12(1)(c) of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998). In terms of section 15(1) of the National Forests Act, 1998, no person may (a) cut, disturb, damage or destroy any protected tree; or (b) posses, collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquire or dispose of any protected tree, or any forest product derived from a protected tree, except (i) under a license granted by the Minister; or (ii) in terms of an exemption from the provisions of this subsection published by the Minister in the Gazette. DESCRIPTION Background: Location: Properties: Landownership: Kathu forest is a unique woodland of exceptionally large Camel thorn trees (Acacia erio/oba) north of the town of Kathu in the Northern Cape province. This woodland of about 4 000 ha is one of the only of its kind in the world. It was deproclaimed as State forest in 1956 to allow for the development of the town of Kathu. The woodland (Kathu forest) was registered as a National Heritage Site in 1995 under the formed Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's program. Northern Cape province, north of Kathu town. Portion 1 & 2 of the farm Hartnolls No 458, remainder of the farm Hartnolls No 458, Portion 1 & Remainder of the farm Uitkoms No. 463, the farm Kathu No 465, Khei Apple Nature Reserve. Remainder of the farm Stms No. 462, Remainder of the farm Bestwood No 459. Private Magisterial District: Kgalagadi STAATSKOERANT, 10 JULIE 2009 No.32370 7 The area is zoned as follows: ZONE ZONE DESCRIPTION ALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES APART FROM EXISTING AGRICULTURAL LAND USE RIGHTS i Zone 1 / Zone 2 PRIMARY CONSERVATION Hiking trails and limited vehicle tracks that do not req uir~emoval of trees Low-impact ecotourism development Zone 3 ZONE ~-·~ i-LOW IMPACT l ECOTOURISM ZONE i ECO-ESTATE BUFFER \ZONE MST JOEMAT-PETfERSSON I such as trails, tracks, picnic sites and : bush cam s . Low density housing development that I retains the natural character of the area. , with no introduction of alien plant ! species and subject to an agreed off-set 1 agreement for the conservation and management of the Kathu Protected . \!Voodland and adjoining areas. MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES 8 No. 32370 C,OVERN!\,\E'.\IT GAZETTE. 10 JULY 2009