Discretionary pastoral activity decision for Upper Lake Heron - Forming tracks - A5177729

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.

Forming tracks

5 years (with maintenance rights)

The benefits from being able to form the proposed tracks are significant. The proposed tracks are required to replace sections of existing tracks that have been lost due to flooding of Lake Stream. It will allow the new tracking to be located further away from Lake Stream where they are less likely to be washed out by flooding. The delegate of the Director General of Conservation has advised that any inherent values will not be adversely affected by the proposed tracking, although the conditions should keep any clearing and soil disturbance to the minimum amount necessary for the proposed tracks.

Consent is granted for forming tracks, subject to the following conditions:

1. That track formation is limited to the approved areas as indicated on the map attached. Please note that the areas indicated are indicative and tracking should occur on the best lines/locations that avoid main areas of scrub, where possible.
2. Any new tracking is to be as narrow as practical to allow for passage of four wheel drive vehicles only. Excess clearance of vegetation to create a wider width than necessary should be avoided.
3. That soil disturbance is kept to the minimum required to meet the Lessee objectives when establishing the track and that appropriate machinery is employed on the task to achieve this.
4. That all machinery intended to be used to construct the track is cleaned of plant material and soil prior to arriving on site to avoid weed contamination.
5. That any cuts and fill be battered to ensure stability and shaped so they blend into the surroundings and are suitable for re-vegetation.
6. Any seepages or stream crossings shall be dealt with through the installation of appropriately placed culverts or natural rock armouring.
7. If any metal or gravel is to be used to create the surface of the track, it shall be obtained from a nearby source that is free from any weed species.
8. When crossing through matagouri shrubland, all attempts are made to avoid the largest of the matagouri, especially any plants higher than 2m.
9. That any bare surfaces following track formation are left to naturally regenerate, i.e. no seed or fertiliser is applied.
10. That all contractors and employees working on Lake Heron Station under this consent are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to the clearing works starting.