Hi again,
Firstly, my apologies to Nicholas Funda, for not including him in the list of fellow travelers, in the last issue. As you will see we have another story of the trip from Rhett Hisemann. If anyone – Ellery, Wayne, Moira or anyone else at the AGM has relevant pictures we would like to use them on the web site.
Herewith, some snippets from various sources.
I appeal to you to send me items to distribute to our members for the Cleft Stick, the Game Ranger magazine and to be posted on the web site. These are your magazine and website, so ensure it gets the news that you would like to see in it.
Please let me have any changes to your physical address, phone no. or e-mail address to keep the database up to date.
Thanks to all of you who have made the effort. Please will any of you who know of members who do not get this “electric” Cleft~Stick, & have access to e-mail, pass their address along to me.
Don Yunnie
7 Chalet Drive, Hilton, 3245, South Africa Local Tel & Fax (033) 343 1534 Int. Tel & Fax (+2733) 343 1534 cell 082 377 7562 E-mail dyunnie@xsinet.co.za.
If you do not wish to receive this e-mail newsletter please send a blank e-mail to me at the above address with the word “unsubscribe C~S ” as the message heading.
KZN REGIONAL AGM: 22 APRIL 2006
Dear KZN GRAA colleagues
The Regional AGM is to be held at WESSA Twinstreams (Mtunzini), on Saturday 22 April 2006. The AGM will include an address by an invited keynote speaker (details to follow once confirmed) and apart from the meeting itself there are various attractions available/planned, including:
Members and their families, as well as prospective members, are strongly encouraged to attend - and to stay over the Friday and Saturday nights if possible. Accommodation is available at Twinsteams on a first reserved first served basis. Alternatively, accommodation can be arranged by delegates themselves, at EKZNW’s Umlalazi Nature Reserve, or elsewhere in the area.
The following accommodation and catering options are available:
Accommodation:
Note: a kitchen, communal braai area and communal ablution facilities are available.
Meals:
Please let me know asap if you will be attending, and what your requirements are concerning accommodation (Fri &/or Sat) and meals (self catering for all/some meals & teas is an option)!
In addition: please forward any Agenda items you may have as well as Nominations for committee members to George Zaloumis – email gaz@futurenet.co.za cell. 082 430 5290.
Thank you and regards,
Wayne Lotter
Chairman: GRAA KZN Region
Tel +27 (0)33 347 6691, Fax +27 (0)33 347 6794, Mobile +27 (0)83 666 1320
PS. People not staying at Twinstreams – i.e. staying at Umlalazi EKZNW or coming for the one day can indicate so and just pay for their specific meals (reserved in advance)
. SAWC
Dear All GRAA Members,
A discussion was held between the management of the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) and members of the GRAA to determine areas of co-operation specifically in marketing courses and training learners. Due to the fact that the SAWC is an accredited training institution with Theta, only registered assessors may conduct the training and assessment process.
There is a need for the SAWC to increase their trainer/assessor pool, and to specifically incorporate wildlife management skills that members of the GRAA undoubtedly possess. Unfortunately the SAWC is not in a position to cover the cost of the assessor course (should anyone be interested in obtaining the unit standard), however it must be noted that this course would be an investment in your development, as once registered, you could train for a number of institutions and this can become a lucrative income. The estimated cost for the 5 day training course is R3950.
However, the SAWC is not only in need of formally trained assessors to present full courses, but also GRAA members who are able to be guest speakers on wildlife management topics. The following topics have been identified by the SAWC as potential guest lecturer topics:
It would also be invaluable to us if GRAA members were to come up with a list to tell us what projects they are currently involved with, as I am sure our list can be doubled with new exciting topics!
We are also keen to get involved with birding courses, so any GRAA members with expertise in this field are welcome to contact us.
Looking forward to developing a working relationship with the GRAA,
Kind Regards,
Theresa Sowry.
Journey to and from AGM Namibia
Greetings
Ja , No, Well, Fine . Sounds like you okes in the your overlanders and 4x4 need to learn how to drive in the water. I arrived at the AGM in my trusty old 1400 Nissan bakkie. This old bakkie knows the road well as she has been to Namibia many times. What we did not know was HOW MUCH rain had fallen and was ABOUT to Fall. After being the last one out of NADEET and hearing about the 4x4 and overlander that had got stuck I was about ready to book another few days at Namibrand. However we took to the roads which you guys had churned up into a skating rink. Heading for Keetmanshoop we came across Marias Fuls at Betta in a Landcruiser. They had left hours before us!! Seems like they had problems trying to get through to Maltahoe with all the water and mud and were backtracking. The little Nissan had done quite well to get to this point. The next trick was to get through the rivers in the mountainous area near Helmeringhausen. Well after a few gentle crossing we got brave and basically flew over the rivers. The old Nissan coughed and splattered a few times but kept on going. I can assure you I was wishing I was in my Big 4x4 Patrol. Eventually we made the tar at Goageb. At this point I said to my self that I would not look for trouble on gravel roads on this trip again! Unfortunately I changed my mind and turned off at Seehiem heading for Grunau. Guess what ? The heavens opened and were where back in the rivers and mud BUT we could not stop. The road was a blur and I could not see the rivers as the windscreen was misting up. Eventually I found some high ground where I could stop. I knew there was no way I could get through to Grunau so I turned back and headed for Keetmanshoop for a warm dry bed .
The rest of the trip was real HO HUM !!!!
Cheers
Rhett
Rhett Hiseman, Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Conservation Services Manager De Hoop Conservation Services, Tel/Fax: (028) 713 2366, Cell: 082 771 9107, PO Box 503, Riversdale, 6670, E-mail - rhiseman@telkomsa.net
A NEW CELLULAR FRAUD SCHEME HAD BEEN UNCOVERED
Cellular service providers VODACOM, MTN and Cell C warn all cell phone users against cellular fraud.It seems that one gets an SMS from an unknown 072 number displaying the “pleasecallme” message.When one responds by calling the number and the person on the other side answers, he or she will try to keep one on the line for some time asking stupid questions, pretending they did not send the SMS requesting a call. The call one makes to this person is charged at R50-50 per second and the receiver of the call pockets the money. If they manage to keep their victim on the phone for at least 10 seconds, they make at least R505-00.
Service providers have asked the community to be aware and not to respond to SMS’s from strange or unknown numbers one may receive.
IUCN’s Programme on Protected Areas
Dear friends and colleagues,
You may recall that last year IUCN’s Programme on Protected Areas and WCPA launched an exciting Scholarship opportunity to encourage the development of young conservation professionals in the protected areas field. The Scholarships are an initiative of IUCN/WCPA and CIPAM, the Consortium of International Protected Areas Management. CIPAM is a consortium of the University of Montana, College of Forestry & Conservation; University of Idaho, College of Natural Resources; Colorado State University, College of Natural Resources; working in conjunction with the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service International Programmes. More information is available at www.protectedareas.net
In 2006 we will offer a further two Scholarships, one to attend a short course on Management of Wildlands and Protected Areas (MWPA) which will be offered in Spanish from July 4 to August 5, 2006 in Colorado, USA. The second scholarship will be to attend the International Seminar on Protected Area Management (ISPAM), an English seminar conducted from August 2 to 19, 2006 in the Northern Rocky Mountains, Montana, USA. The Scholarships include travel, accommodation and tuition fees.
Although held in the USA, both scholarships take a global view and include participants from around the world. They therefore represent a unique opportunity to learn about what it takes to manage protected areas in today’s world. Both are action based with participants required to take the learning back to their own workplaces and put it to work. Both lead into on-going professional support networks.
If you are interested or can recommend suitable applicants please respond with the information outlined below. The applications deadline for the Management of Wildlands and Protected Areas short course is March 24, 2006 and for the International Seminar on Protected Area Management April 15, 2006. Preference is given to young professionals (under 35 years of age) who are or have been actively working in protected areas management.
Applicants should provide the following:
a. the applicant’s curriculum vitae
;
b. a short submission outlining how the applicant has made a noticeable affect on PA area management, and how this experience will be useful in advancing the applicant’s career;
c. supporting evidence of innovative approaches to PA issues;
d. a letter of authorization from their organization stating that they have the permission of the organization to attend the course; and
e. 2 references.
Applications should be sent preferably by email to:
Management of Wildlands and Protected Areas (MWPA):, Ryan Finchum, Assistant Director, Centre for Protected Area Management & Training, Colorado State University, 233 Forestry Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1480, Phone: + 1 (970) 491 6593, Fax: + 1 (970) 491 4982, Email:
finchum@cnr.colostate.edu, More information: http://www.fs.fed.us/global/is/field_course/welcome.htm
International Seminar on Protected Area Management (ISPAM): Paul Lachapelle, Coordinator, International Seminar on Protected Area Management, Dept. of Society and Conservation, College of Forestry and Conservation, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812 USA, Phone: + 1 (406) 243 5539, Fax: + 1 (406) 243 6656, Email : paul.lachapelle@umontana.edu
More information: http://www.fs.fed.us/global/is/ispam/welcome.htm
Please copy all applications to:
Delwyn DUPUIS, Membership & Communications Assistant, Programme on Protected Areas IUCN - The World Conservation Union, Rue Mauverney 28, Gland, 1196, Switzerland, Phone: + 41 (22) 999-0160, Fax: + 41 (22) 999 0015, Email: delwyn.dupuis@iucn.org
Peter Shadie, Senior Programme Officer, Programme on Protected Areas, IUCN The World Conservation Union, Rue Mauverney 28, CH1196 GLAND, Switzerland, Phone: + 41 (0)22 999 0159 Fax: + 41 (0)22 999 0025, Mobile: + 41 (0)79 477 2133, Email: peter.shadie@iucn.org
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
I would also like to put in an advert for a researcher on a big four reserve near Ladysmith.
Prior work with telemetry and 4 x 4 preferable. To work with the big 4 and cheetah and wild dogs on a reserve near Ladysmith Natal. At least Fgasa 1 is essential.
Package R2000 plus food and accommodation. Will be working with 1-5 volunteers between two staff.
The reserve is also looking for FGASA 2 guides with previous experience on big five reserves. Any house keepers, lodge managers and reserve managers. The reserve is constructing 15 lodges and requires guides and lodge staff urgently.
Please contact me below
Kind regards
Cailey Owen B.Sc
Director of Research, K.e.r.i. Research, Ecological Institute of Research
Po Box 17, Schagen 1207, South Africa, Tel: 0765431336, keriresearch@mweb.co.za
www.keriresearch.com
Tailpiece-
In The Beginning!!
Adam was hanging around the garden of Eden feeling very lonely.
So, God asked him, "What's wrong with you?"
Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to.
God said that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman.
He said, "This pretty lady will gather food for you, she will cook for you, and when you discover clothing, she will wash it for you.
She will always agree with every decision you make and she will not nag you, and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you've had a disagreement. She will praise you!
She will bear your children.
and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them.
"She will NEVER have a headache and will freely give you love and passion whenever you need it."
Adam asked God, "What will a woman like this cost?"
God replied, "An arm and a leg."
Then Adam asked, "What can I get for a rib?"
Of course the rest is history...................... .
Matter of Fact
This is an electronic newsletter of the Game Rangers' Association of Africa. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association, nor of the Editor. This is intended to be an exchange of news snips, ideas and communication between members. Newsletter content may be copied and re-distributed without authorisation. Correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at dyunnie@xsinet.co.za