PROPOSED DECLARATION: CHAMPION TREES
Title: Invitation to submit written comments on the proposed list of particular trees and particular groups of trees “champion trees” under section 12(1) (a) and (b) of the National Forests Act, 1998 (act no. 84 of 1998)
Government Gazette Notice: GN 482 in GG 40945 of 30 June 2017
Commencing Date: Not yet specified
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries intends to declare a list of particular trees “Champion Trees” as set out in the attached Schedule protected under Section 12 (1)(a) and (b) of the National Forests Act 84 of 1998 (NFA). The list in Schedule A is new nominations that will form part of the existing list of declared Champion Trees. In terms of Section 13 (1)(a) of the NFA, interested and affected parties are invited to submit written comments on the proposed list within 60 days of the publication of this notice.
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries also intends to delist some already declared particular trees “Champion Trees” as set out below the attached Schedule due to stated reasons.
So what for my operation?
Once this notice is published as final, the trees listed thereon are deemed to be protected by law. No person may cut, disturb, damage or destroy any protected tree; or possess, 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 under a licence granted by the Minister or in terms of an exemption from the provisions of this subsection published by the Minister in the Gazette on the advice of the Council.
What is Shangoni’s approach?
Shangoni has in-house ecological specialists that can identify protected species on your site. Furthermore, Shangoni has expertise in facilitating application procedures for environmental licences and permits and can assist you in applying for the required licences, should you wish to disturb a protected species.
