Subject: [Hong Kong] 蒲台 Po Toi - scrub clearance/possible development [Print This Page] Author: HKBWS Chuan Time: 21/02/2012 11:25 Subject: 蒲台 Po Toi - scrub clearance/possible development
[orignial post by wgeoff]
Visitors to Po Toi will notice extensive scrub clearance has been done on both sides of the valley after the sister's cafe going towards the South Peninsular. The work started around Christmas time and is still on-going.
Scrub has been cleared and small boxes with concrete have been placed over the areas cleared. I believe this is intended to prevent the scrub re-growing but there may be some other purpose (see photo).
This is private land in the hands of one private owner and there are no mandatory restrictions covering Po Toi. As far as I can tell, they have restricted the work to their own land and have not removed any trees over 3 inches diameter. Most of the land was previously unaccessible due to heavy scrub, and this is not the most productive area for birds. So do not panic. In fact, some sensible development may be beneficial.
We have informed AFCD and Planning about the work and will keep a close eye on it. I am also trying to make contact with the owner to understand their intentions, as yet with no response. I am hopeful this will not become another Tai Long Wan, the owners appear to be using a moderate approach at this time.
If anyone finds posted notices announcing some proposed development work in this area, please take photos and pass them as soon as possible to me or Beetle Cheng at HKBWS. Author: HKBWS Chuan Time: 21/02/2012 11:33
Thanks for member's concern about the issue. HKBWS has reported the incident to AFCD, Planning Department and Lands Department late last month. As Po Toi is not covered by any statutory planning control and it is not a part of Country Park, The incident is now being followed up by the Lands Department (Islands). AFCD has expressed that they are very concerned about it.
HKBWS has not received detailed reply from the Lands Department yet.
And we need to apologize for accidentally deleting the original post. Author: wgeoff Time: 21/02/2012 18:16
I have just returned from my first visit to Po Toi since 17th January, with Ronaldo (Abdel) and Jennifer Leung.
The scrub clearance and laying of concrete squares is now much more extensive and has started in the important migrant bird area of 'green-pigeon valley' up to the upper reservoir. This is also the Romer's Tree Frog stronghold.
Lands Department have issued 'Stop Work' notices but unfortunately these do not cover the areas mentioned above, for some reason. We will follow this up with Lands Department.
Visitors this spring will find some ugly scars over this whole area, but birds are very resilient and I'm hoping it won't have too much effect. We managed to see Red-flanked Bluetail and Stubtail Warbler within a few feet of the developments, as well as White's Thrush, Japanese Thrush and Grey-capped Greenfinch elsewhere. But if they continue working the area, there may be a lot of human disturbance.
I'm also concerned that the path to the south Peninsular will become an impassable bog in the rainy season now they have cleared surrounding vegetation.
[ Last edited by wgeoff at 22/02/2012 05:24 ] Author: bigfaihk Time: 21/02/2012 22:56
[ Last edited by bigfaihk at 21/02/2012 23:17 ] Author: wgeoff Time: 22/02/2012 07:40
Photos of the valley after the sister's cafe - before and now
The bamboo on the right of both photos is the same
[ Last edited by wgeoff at 22/02/2012 08:11 ] Author: brendank Time: 26/02/2012 21:59
There have been considerably more concrete squares laid in the area just north of the sisters cafe than what was present last Sunday. Amazing how fast they can put these things out. Fortunately, I didn't see any more land cleared. Let us hope it stays that way. Author: HKBWS Chuan Time: 2/03/2012 17:30
The prompt actions taken by the Town Planning Board is appreciated. But this is only the first step to protect Po Toi!
The Lands Department is also following up the unauthorized activities, they have cleared the illegal structures on government land, and also carrying out enforcement actions towards those on private lands.
We will keep contact with concerned Government Departments to ensure that these actions are taken promptly. About public consultation of the Development Permission Area Plan, Please keep an eye on HKBWS's latest information.
Congratulations to Beetle and his fellow supporters in WWF, KFBG and other organisations who have lobbied the authorities for this Planning Control. I trust this will now put an end to threats of unplanned development of the sensitive bird and other wildlife areas of Po Toi.
With regards to the recent scrub clearance and concreting of extensive areas of the valley after the sister's cafe, I believe that nature will reclaim this area within a fairly short time even if the landlord cannot be persuaded to do so.
[ Last edited by wgeoff at 3/03/2012 06:50 ] Author: kmike Time: 3/03/2012 07:15
Could there be an opportunity to make this habitat more bird-friendly or Romer's Tree Frog-friendly?
Any thoughts?
Mike Author: wgeoff Time: 3/03/2012 07:23
Yes Mike, definitely a possibility. I will email you.
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