Discretionary pastoral activity decision for Upper Lake Heron - Clearing scrub - A5174973

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.

Clearing scrub

15 years (with maintenance rights)

The benefits to farming from the scrub clearance are significant. It will allow the Lessee to clear lines through the scrub to allow fencing and a water reticulation system to be constructed. This will allow for better stock management and to supply stock with water in areas where the fencing will prevent stock access to natural waterways. The delegate of the Director General of Conservation has advised that any inherent values will not be adversely affected by the proposed fencing at any of the application areas, although we propose conditions that will keep any clearing to the minimum amount necessary for the proposed fences and water reticulation.

Consent is granted for clearing vegetation, subject to the following conditions:

1. That scrub clearance is limited to the approved areas as indicated on the map attached. Please note that the areas mapped are indicative. Clearing should occur on the most practical lines/locations as possible, should avoid dense areas of scrub, and matagouri of 2m or more in height.
2. Scrub clearance is kept to the minimum width necessary for the effective construction of fences or the water reticulation system.
3. Clearing may be carried out by mechanical mulcher, or handheld tools including chainsaw and/or scrub bar.
4. Any equipment/machinery used for the clearing shall be cleaned of any soil or plant material at a location off the Upper Lake Heron pastoral lease prior to carrying out the clearing.
5. 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.

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