N E W S & V I E W S • A P R I L 2 0 2 4 23 NCT and their members own and manage many plantations in the KZN midlands. A primary critique directed at timber plantations revolves around their impact on water resources. Participating in the inaugural Lions River Descent canoe race provided NCT with an opportunity to showcase exemplary forestry management practices, including wetland delineation and the removal of invasive trees from riverbanks. While NCT couldn’t provide sponsorship, we granted permission for the organisers to utilise the Ingwe farm as a starting venue. Additionally, we facilitated the mowing of road verges and cleared an area for the boat pounds. The two-day race took place from the 13-14 January. Day one of the race involved a paddle of approximately 30km from the Ingwe farms, down the Lion’s River to the confluence of the Umgeni River and a 4km paddle upstream to the Hebron Haven Hotel. The weary canoeists were rewarded (Craig Norris – Tree Farming Manager) Canoeists preparing for the start of the race on the NCT Ingwe farm. for their efforts with a free draft beer, a spit braai meal, and live music. Day two covered approximately 18 km, starting with a 2km portage from the Piggly Wiggly complex down to the Lion’s River. The route continued with a paddle along the Lion’s and Umgeni rivers concluding with a flat water stretch across Midmar Dam to the Henley Midmar Yacht Club. The race proved to be a huge success with a lot of positive feedback from canoeists. Many of the province’s rivers are becoming unsuitable for water sports due to deteriorating water quality. Canoeists commented on how much they enjoyed paddling on clean rivers in a beautiful environment. Forestry is a significant water user but all evidence is that water quality generally improves coming out of well managed plantation areas.
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