Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Disturbing soil for new firebreaks and fencelines - A7470436

For this decision summary:

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

Disturbing soil for new firebreaks and fencelines

15 years

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that disturbing soil to establish new firebreaks and fencelines will enable blocks to be subdivided and will assist with fire control. This will make it easier to use the land for pastoral purposes by improving stock and pasture management on the most productive oversown and topdressed country of the lease. Blocks can be spelled more often and will assist with grazing control of woody weeds, wilding conifers and excessive vegetation growth. There will be minimal effects on inherent values from the soil disturbance activity, control of wilding conifers and more frequent spelling. This will benefit inherent values. The firebreak will help protect Naseby Forest and Village from wildfire and controlled vegetation burning on the lease. The consent conditions require careful soil disturbance activity and will therefore minimise the potential for adverse effects on inherent values.

Consent is granted to disturb soil for new firebreaks and new fencelines, subject to the following conditions:

1. The consent is limited to forming new firebreaks on the dashed red lines, and benching new fence lines on the blue lines, as shown on the plan attached. 
2. In the area labelled “Naseby Forest Boundary” the following soil disturbance is permitted:
   1. Along the southern dashed red line, soil disturbance up to 6m wide plus any spill and batters is permitted, to provide a surface for a new firebreak, a new boundary fence, and a separately consented track.
   2. Along the northern dashed red line (located approximately 30m to the north of and parallel to the southern line) soil disturbance up to 3m plus any spill and batters is permitted to form a secondary firebreak.
3. In all other areas, soil disturbance for new firebreaks and fence lines is permitted up to a maximum width of 3m plus any spill and batters.  
4. Where possible, soil disturbance is to utilise areas with less indigenous vegetation, be kept to a skim, and/or be done with the contour, to keep any cutting to a minimum.
5. Fence line options are shown by the blue lines in the areas labelled “A”, “B” and “C”.  For clarity, only one fence line is to be benched in each area.  Where practical, the option chosen should require the least soil and indigenous vegetation disturbance.  
6. Where possible, soil disturbance is to avoid the Threatened and At Risk native broom species Carmichaelia nana, Carmichaelia vexillata, coral broom and desert broom.  
7. The soil disturbance for benching a new fence line along the blue line in the block labelled “Petersons” is to be undertaken on the north eastern side of the existing airstrip.
8. Any uphill batters are to be sloped off or struck back to minimise slumping and allow re-grassing.
9. If required, cut-offs are to be constructed with adequate protection to prevent erosion, and run-off transfer should be to an area where any sediment can settle or be filtered by vegetation before reaching any waterway.
10. If required, firebreaks are to be sloped at approximately 3-4cm per metre (2 degrees) in towards the bank and a water table constructed to provide free drainage of water to safe disposal via cut-offs.
11. Any culverts installed on waterways must allow for fish passage.  Refer to the guidelines attached.
12. Where required, floodgates are to be constructed and maintained in a way that avoids waterway blockages.  No additional material should be deposited into waterways other than rocks, and crossings by vehicles and machinery during construction are to be kept to a minimum.
13. Disturbed soil is to be re-seeded and topdressed with a certified weed and impurities-free permanent pasture mix as soon as possible after completion of the activity.  
14. Any contractor machinery and vehicles are to be cleaned prior to entry to the property to minimise the possibility of weed infestation.  Any fuel and oil storage facilities are to be sited to eliminate the possibility of a leak or spill into any waterways.  The lessee is responsible for ensuring any contractor operates under the conditions of this consent.
15. In the event of accidental discovery of any archaeological sites, work must stop. The lessee is to advise Heritage New Zealand of any discovery and seek their guidance on the accidental discovery protocol.
16. Ongoing maintenance of the firebreaks and fencelines is permitted, subject to the conditions above.

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