Discretionary pastoral activity decision for Upper Lake Heron - Soil disturbance - A5165431

For this decision summary:

• LINZ received the application before 17 November 2022
• the decision was made under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 before the amendments taking effect on 17 November 2022.

Soil disturbance

15 years

The benefits to farming from the soil disturbance in terms of health and safety and to protect infrastructure are significant. The soil disturbance, which is associated with the felling, selling, destruction and burning of shelterbelts, will allow aging shelter belts to be removed and replaced with newer trees that will provide ongoing shelter with less risk of them falling in high winds. The delegate of the Director-General of Conservation has advised that any inherent values will not be adversely affected by the proposed soil disturbance.

Consent is granted for soil disturbance (tree felling), subject to the following conditions:

1. That the soil disturbance associated with the felling, removal, piling of debris or burning will only occur within the areas as indicated on the attached map.
2. Any machinery brought in to carry out the activities associated with the soil disturbance shall be cleaned to remove any possible weed contamination prior to carrying out the work.
3. Soil disturbance will be limited to the minimum amount required for the felling and removal of the trees. Unless impractical, trucks removing any timber should remain on existing tracks or within the footprint of the approved areas.
4. That any disturbed ground that is not to be replanted into trees shall have seed and fertiliser applied as soon as practicable to help with revegetation.
5. Care shall be exercised to minimise any disturbance to waterways, and to minimise the amount of sediment that is entering waterways within the approved areas.
6. Prior to work commencing the Lessee shall check with the Ashburton District Council whether a resource consent is required.
7. That all contractors and employees working under this consent are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to the works starting.

The Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 provides that permission to undertake the activity may still be needed under other enactments.