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The Vette River’s source is the Korentepoort Dam, above the town of Riversdale.
From here the river flows through the town itself, and reaches the sea at Still Bay.
From here the river flows through the town itself, and reaches the sea at Still Bay.
STATE OF THE
VETTE RIVER
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Although this site lies outside the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, we’re undertaking restoration work here in partnership with the Korente Vette Irrigation Board. The project is being implemented alongside the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR), which is also supporting alien clearing efforts. Together, we’re working to restore a healthier river system. For now, our efforts have focused on the natural river gorge just below the Korentepoort Dam in the Langeberg Mountains – at the upper reaches of the river.
This collaborative project (also including the Western Cape Department of Agriculture - LandCare division and the GCBR) is enhancing water supply to the town of Riversdale, while supporting agriculture by removing invasive alien plants with complex rope access teams. The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy also teamed up with the GCBR to undertake river health assessments and collected fish data to better understand the health of the river. Here’s what we found. |
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The current state
of the riveR
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The ecological condition of the Vette River varies along its course. The upper section is generally in natural to good condition. In contrast, the lower section is in fair condition. Riparian zones throughout the river are heavily invaded by invasive alien species such as black wattle, gum trees and reeds, which have degraded both riparian and instream ecosystems. Agricultural activities contribute further impacts through channel and bed modification as well as water quality changes.
At the lower sites, additional pressures include littering, dumping and car washing, while instream structures such as low-lying bridges influence natural flow and habitat availability, even in the upper reaches. |
Recommended actions to be takeN
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SASS5 data and fish data collected in partnership with CapeNature and the Breede Olifants Overberg Catchment Management Agency
[email protected]
[email protected]
CONTACT THE
GROOTVADERSBOSCH CONSERVANCY
OFFICE HOURS: Mon to Thu: 7:30am to 5pm. Friday: 730 to 4pm. We are closed every second Friday.
MTB PERMITS: Available all hours at the Office (Cash in honesty box or Snapscan)
MTB PERMITS: Available all hours at the Office (Cash in honesty box or Snapscan)
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