Latest news with #ORT
Daily Maverick
23-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Big gain for Renosterveld as new nature reserve declared
You've probably never heard of Haarwegskloof but it's the new jewel in the fynbos crown. The largest remaining connected stretch of Renosterveld, it has officially been declared a nature reserve. The Renosterveld is good at keeping secrets. A passing glance gives you rolling hills of grey, roundish and rather boring bushes that makes it clear why it was named after a nose-down rhino. At the right time of the year, however, it explodes into colour as hundreds of geophyte bulbs burst into flower. Their names dance on your lips: morea, lachenalia, abuca, brunsvigia, oxalis, cyanella, wurmbea. Buzzing and crawling through it all are different and specialised insects, many only found in Renosterveld: oil-collecting and megachilid bees, bombyliid and tabanid flies, Table Mountain beauty, hairstreaks and blues butterflies, geometer moths, scarab beetles and myrmecochory ants. At night secretive animals emerge: aardwolf, aardvarks… But there's a problem: Renosterveld occurs on fertile, fine-grained soils, making it excellent wheat country — and we humans mainline on the stuff. Think bread, pizzas, pies, pasta, cakes, biscuits… As a result, more than 90% of the original Renosterveld has been lost and — in some subtypes — more than 98% is gone. What remains is often highly fragmented and degraded, making conservation and corridor creation absolutely vital. Officially declared reserve So the latest news from Cape Nature is a huge plus: Haarwegskloof, the largest remaining connected stretch of Renosterveld left on Earth, and located between Swellendam and Bredasdorp, has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve. The declaration is the outcome of years of cooperation between Cape Nature, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT). For Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, ORT's tireless Renosterveld champion, the declaration marks a milestone in the journey to protect this irreplaceable landscape. 'Most threatened' vegetation type 'Renosterveld is one of the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa (SA), with an estimated 5% of its original extent intact,' she says. 'Much of it has been ploughed for agriculture, and what little remains is highly fragmented. This makes the formal protection of Haarwegskloof as a nature reserve really important.' The declaration provides the highest level of legal protection under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. It ensures that the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve will remain dedicated to conservation efforts, while allowing for scientific research, habitat restoration and low-impact eco-tourism activities. Renosterveld, part of the Cape Floristic Region, is a global biodiversity hotspot and part of only six floral kingdoms in the world. Despite its ecological importance, it has received far less attention and protection than its fynbos counterpart, largely because it has been extensively converted to farmland. The ORT has been working for more than a decade to protect the fragments that remain by engaging with landowners to voluntarily sign conservation easements. Following this, ORT works with them to restore degraded habitat and address other threats to Renosterveld. Win for conservation, science Curtis-Scott confirmed that the declaration of Haarwegskloof as a nature reserve is key to these efforts, not just a win for conservation but also for science and the countless species that call this extraordinary landscape home. 'We hope our ongoing work with incredible partners and landowners will inspire further protection of Renosterveld remnants throughout the region,' she said. 'We have excellent environmental legislation in South Africa,' said CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo, 'but without passionate and dedicated stakeholders, it would mean very little. I am especially proud of the work CapeNature continues to do to expand the conservation estate in the province. 'We know that healthy biodiversity is key to protect and buffer us against extreme weather and climate change. But more than that, we owe it to future generations to protect our unique and precious natural environment.' He said Haarwegskloof stands as an example of what is possible when government and private organisations work together in conservation of our South African and Western Cape biodiversity. DM
IOL News
18-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Haarwegskloof: a new provincial nature reserve for biodiversity conservation
Haarwegskloof in the Overberg declared a provincial nature reserve Image: CapeNature In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof has been officially designated as a provincial nature reserve, marking the last remaining connected expanse of renosterveld on the planet. This vital ecological haven, managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT) and overseen by WWF South Africa, spans an impressive 547 hectares of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. Nestled between the charming towns of Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the picturesque Overberg region, this reserve plays a crucial role in protecting a unique ecosystem.. Located between Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the Overberg region, Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve spans 547 ha of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. Image: CapeNature The reserve is home to a staggering array of endemic and rare plant species, which flourish in this unique ecosystem. Moreover, it provides a critical habitat for threatened avian species, including the elusive Black Harrier and the majestic Cape Vulture. Notably, secretive mammals such as the Aardwolf and Aardvark have also been spotted in the reserve, underscoring Haarwegskloof's status as a vital sanctuary for wildlife. This significant declaration was announced in April 2025 by Anton Bredell, MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Bredell commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders that fostered this successful conservation initiative. 'We have excellent environmental legislation in South Africa, but without passionate and dedicated stakeholders, it would mean very little,' he said. He expressed pride in CapeNature's continuous efforts to enhance the conservation estate in the province. CapeNature provides facilitates the legal administrative process to declare these sites as protected areas in terms of the National Environmental Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003). Image: CapeNature 'Healthy biodiversity is key to protect and buffer us against extreme weather and climate change. We owe it to future generations to preserve our unique and precious natural environment,' Bredell said. Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, highlighted the long-standing partnership between CapeNature, ORT, and WWF South Africa in their conservation efforts. 'This declaration is an acknowledgment of the admirable conservation initiatives being implemented by ORT in the Overberg, supporting their work through stewardship facilitation and legal backing,' he said. For Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, CEO and founder of the ORT, the reserve's formal protection represents a monumental step in safeguarding one of South Africa's most imperilled ecosystems. 'Renosterveld is among the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa, with merely 5% of its original extent intact, much of which has been sacrificed for agriculture,' she said. The declaration ensures that Haarwegskloof will remain dedicated to conservation efforts while permitting scientific research, habitat restoration, and sustainable eco-tourism. The area has an abundance of fauna and flora, endemic to the region. Image: CapeNature Part of the globally significant Cape Floristic Region, Haarwegskloof is an ecological treasure nestled within one of the world's six floral kingdoms, though it has historically received less attention than its fynbos counterpart primarily due to its fertile soils which have been largely converted to farmland. The ORT has been actively engaging landowners for over 10 years, securing conservation easements and restoring degraded habitats to counteract the numerous threats facing renosterveld.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
PA Turnpike removes tollbooths at interchanges to improve safety
Jun. 11—WILKES-BARRE — As part of its next step toward modernizing its operations and meeting customer experience for more seamless travel, the Pennsylvania Turnpike has started removing toll plazas along its system. Starting with the Pocono Interchange (Exit 95) on the Northeast Extension (Interstate 476), contractors have completely removed the tollbooths and canopy from the interchange. Toll plazas are being demolished where Open Road Tolling (ORT) has launched, east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension. Each interchange will be reconstructed to provide an unobstructed traffic flow. While each demolition will be unique to its physical location, timing and traffic, the entire process will prioritize customer safety. As contractors continue their demolition work, drivers should be prepared for new temporary traffic patterns and should pay attention to crews in work zones. "The PA Turnpike has been a leader in transportation from the day we opened in 1940 as 'America's First Superhighway' and while traditional tollbooths made practical sense then, we now have more advanced and efficient systems that better serve today's 21st century customers," said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. "The switch to ORT modernizes the Pennsylvania Turnpike for today. We look forward to providing customers with a safer and more convenient travel experience on the PA Turnpike and better serving the communities we touch along the way." In an ORT system, Compton said tolls are charged electronically as customers drive at highway speeds without slowing down or stopping beneath overhead structures — called gantries — located between interchanges. Equipment on the gantry and in the roadway processes E-ZPass or Toll By Plate transactions. Compton said ORT reduces confusion and lane switching associated with traditional, stop-and-go tolling. The switch to ORT in the east occurred in January. ORT will launch on the mainline PA Turnpike's western section in 2027 and tollbooths on the mainline will be fully removed across the system by the end of 2028. The PA Turnpike switched to All Electronic Tolling (AET) in March 2020, completing a process that began with the launch of E-ZPass in 2000. With electronic tolling equipment moving from the interchange to over the highway, traditional toll plazas will now be removed. Tollbooth removal eliminates obstacles, increases sight lines and reduces stress and distractions for customers entering and exiting the system. ORT will lead to $25 million yearly savings in interchange maintenance and operations costs and $50 million in yearly operational savings versus traditional collection methods. Beyond safety benefits, Compton said ORT also is better for the environment. Existing all-electronic systems have already led to reductions of up to 45% of CO2 emissions on the PA Turnpike, and an additional 7% of emissions reductions will be realized upon full ORT implementation. Toll plaza removal will also reduce the PA Turnpike's footprint by 150 acres. During demolitions, Pennsylvania State Police and PA Turnpike personnel will be positioned at impacted areas to assist drivers. Changeable message signs will also provide information on the traffic patterns. Motorists are encouraged to plan travel accordingly. Work schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions. Removal of tollbooths and the reconstruction of interchanges will continue East of Reading and on the Northeast Extension through 2026. Featured Local Savings Featured Local Savings Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
PA Turnpike tollbooths removed at interchanges
(WBRE/WYOU) — Multiple tollbooths have been removed from the Pennsylvania Turnpike in areas where Open Road Tolling (ORT) has begun. The PA Turnpike has started removing toll plazas along the turnpike, starting with the Pocono Interchange (Exit 95) and on the Northeast Extension (Interstate 476), with plans to remove all tollbooths by 2028. The two tollbooths have been removed where the ORT system has launched. The ORT system will have gantries above the turnpike that allow for unobstructed traffic flow. You will be able to drive highway speeds through the ORT gantries. Death investigation underway in Williamsport 'The PA Turnpike has been a leader in transportation from the day we opened in 1940 as 'America's First Superhighway' and while traditional tollbooths made practical sense then, we now have more advanced and efficient systems that better serve today's 21st century customers… The switch to ORT modernizes the Pennsylvania Turnpike for today. We look forward to providing customers with a safer and more convenient travel experience on the PA Turnpike and better serving the communities we touch along the way.' PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton The ORT gantries charge the driver by E-ZPass or by Toll By Plate. The switch to ORT in the east of the state occurred in January and will launch in the turnpike's west section in 2027. The PA Turnpike Commission says the tollbooths on the mainline will be fully removed across the turnpike by the end of 2028. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
05-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Home Depot, Target fight back on organized retail crime, theft
A lot of crimes, at least when it comes to retail theft, are crimes of opportunity or crimes of need. Maybe you forgot to scan an item, or maybe you intentionally missed it. It's hard to know and even harder to enforce at a self-checkout. Related: Dollar Tree raises red flag about unexpected customer behavior Sometimes the person stealing does it because it's easy and plausibly deniable, while in others, the person steals because they're hungry and broke. Shoplifting and petty checkout theft is a problem, but it's mostly a nuisance compared to organized retail crime. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter "Organized Retail Theft (ORT), also known as Organized Retail Crime (ORC), is the large-scale theft of retail merchandise with the intent to resell the stolen items for financial gain. ORT may involve a criminal enterprise that employs a group of individuals to steal large quantities of merchandise from multiple stores. These ORT groups maintain or utilize fencing operations to convert the stolen goods into cash," according to the FBI. Stolen items are then sold online, at flea markets, and other places where it's hard to track where the items came from. Image source: Shutterstock You would probably not expect a massive pushback effort to thwart ORT to come from a single group in Illinois, but that's what happened. The Cook County Regional Organized Crime Task Force coordinated a huge effort across 28 states that led to hundreds of arrests. The agency thanked its many partners on X, the former Twitter. "Thank you to all the agencies, ORCAs, and retailers who participated in the first-ever National ORC Blitz event. The event was a great success!," it shared. An ORCA is an organized retail crime association designed to tackle the problem. The crackdown involved 30 retailers - including Home Depot, Kroger, Macy's, Target, Ulta Beauty, and Walgreens - across 100 jurisdictions, according to CNBC. Joint efforts to crack down on ORC have been supported by the National Retail Federation (NRF). More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customersT-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customersKellogg sounds alarm on unexpected shift in customer behavior "Organized retail crime and related thefts cannot be solved by the retail industry alone. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between retailers, law enforcement, prosecutors, community leaders, and legislators, with action needed at local, state, and national levels," it shared in a report on the NRF website. RetailWire asked its panel of industry experts whether they thought efforts like this would work. "Retailers have enough pressures and issues without having to deal with the cost of retail crime. Shoplifting and stealing from retailers should not be tolerated, and people should be prosecuted and punished. No ifs, no buts. Credit to State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke for spearheading and organizing this crackdown. It needs to be an ongoing effort to show that retail crime comes with consequences," wrote GlobalData Managing Director Neil Saunders. Social media poster James Tenser was very specific about the cause of the problem and how to lessen its impact. "It's unfortunate that self-service merchandising (which helps keep prices a little lower for honest customers) also creates a temptation for this kind of organized thievery. Retailers can't safely intervene, but they can use electronic surveillance to identify professional thieves and aid their apprehension and prosecution by the authorities," he posted. Organized retail theft is not garden-variety shoplifting, he explained. "The stakes are much higher, which makes the perpetrators more potentially dangerous. Since stolen goods are likely to find their way into online marketplaces or neighborhood flea markets, only a focused law-enforcement effort can find and trace items back to the offenders," he added. "While the term 'crackdown' seems a bit harsh, I'd like to think that 'certainty of prosecution' would be am effective deterrent. The key is consistent enforcement of existing laws." Related: Domino's and Pizza Hut rival makes 'first-in-decade' menu change Poster Christopher P. Ramey was not interested in exploring the possibility that some people steal because they need to in order to survive. "Thieves are thieves. There are no free passes. Retailers can't fix societal root causes, nor should they be expected to fix them. That's why we have laws and police to enforce them," he shared. Ramey supported the enforcement efforts. "A national crackdown that includes other law enforcement agencies is exactly what may be needed. Then we need to put the shoplifters away long enough so they learn their lesson. We owe the retailers an aggressive response, for they are the victims," he added. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
