Government is making the eradication of invasive species the legal responsibility of property owners. Moreover, municipalities were to have until 1 October last year to outline their plan for controlling invasive species on all public land in their areas, according to a directive from the Dept of Environment Affairs. However, whether such a directive was enforced by the
IN THE GARDEN
From page 33 butterfly bush is tolerant of a variety of soil and climatic conditions, infestations may occur almost anywhere, but are often first noticed along roadsides and in other disturbed areas. The plants deadline is unclear and, given the parlous state of many municipalities, it is unlikely that compliance has been widespread. But it is not only municipalities that have to comply with environmental regulations. " Like municipalities ‚ every landowner in the country also has to remove invasive species on land that they own ‚" the department says. " Invasive species are now deemed a legal liability to
spread readily from rhizomes in the soil, from seed, and from cut stumps that regrow in spring. Seeds may be dispersed by water, through human activity, and by seed-feeding birds. every property owner and the legislation will impact on estate agents and conveyancers." There are 559 listed invasive species listed in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act( Nemba) and the Alien & Invasive Species
ON THE PLOT
Selling your plot? Your duty towards invasives
( AIS) Regulations. Every landowner also has a so-called“ duty of care” to remove invasive species from his or her land. The new law also says that every seller of a property has to inform the buyer of any invasives on the property.
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