Discretionary pastoral activity decision for Upper Lake Heron - Planting vegetation - A5165433

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.

Planting vegetation

15 years

The benefits to farming from the tree planting are significant. The tree planting, which is to replace existing shelter belts, will allow these 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. By restricting the species to be planted to Radiata Pine or Ponderosa pine, the risk of the trees spreading is considered to be low.

Consent is granted to plant trees, subject to the following conditions:

1. That the planting will only occur within the areas as indicated on the maps attached.
2. Trees may only be planted within the approved areas and where trees have been removed as part of an existing right to fell, sell, remove, destroy or burn timber under Section 100 Land Act 1948.
3. Any tools and equipment used when planting must be clean and free from soil and plant fragments (especially seeds).
4. Minor soil disturbance associated with planting is permitted e.g. digging a hole for planting in. Any soil disturbance associated with the tree planting shall be kept to the minimum necessary to carry out the planting.
5. All plants, mulch and/or soil going into the site, if any, must be free from weeds.
6. Species authorised for planting are limited to Pinus radiata and Pinus ponderosa.
7. Areas approved for planting may be replanted should existing plantings be destroyed or not successfully establish.
8. That all contractors and employees carrying out the planting on Lake Heron Station are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to the works

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