>We have been doing this since we landed on this continent. We brought in many plants and animals and often wrecked havoc on the local ecology. Here in South Africa, our water resources have been seriously compromised by alien plants. The main culprits are trees such as wattles and eucalyptus blue gums, the seeds of which were transported to this country from Australia in the horse feed during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. It's a nice metaphor in a way, but the Australian soldiers eventually went home, leaving water-greedy trees behind. A big blue gum will drink about 200 litres of water a day and in a country that is overrun with eucalyptus, both in managed plantations as well as growing wild, this has been ecologically devastating. An ongoing NGO programme called Working For Water has been trying to rid the country of invader plants, with some success, but one battle that will never end is the fight against water hyacinth on our various dams and reservoirs. The problem is so bad that it is impossible to get permission to operate seaplanes or flying boats from freshwater dams and lakes, and all boats transported between different dams are supposed to be cleaned with chemicals between uses. Funny thing is, water fowl don't seem to be subject to the same rules. Ah, humans ... This message may contain information which is confidential, private or privileged in nature and subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not peruse, use, disseminate, distribute or copy this message or file which is attached to this message. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail, facsimile or telephone and thereafter return and/or destroy the original message. The sender cannot assure that the integrity of this communication has been maintained nor that it is free of errors, viruses, interception or interference. The sender accepts no liability of whatever nature for any loss, liability, damage or expense resulting directly or indirectly from the access of any files which are attached to this message. For a detailed disclaimer please visithttp://www.avusa.co.za/AvusaEmailDisclaimer.pdf> *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Jul 20 2011 - 07:51:56 PDT
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