Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Maintaining tracks - A6144571

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.

Maintaining tracks

Ongoing maintenance rights

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that the benefits to farming from allowing the lessee to maintain existing tracks outweigh any effects on inherent values identified. Being able to carry out this activity will therefore make it easier to use the land for farming purposes and provide conservation benefits through more effective weed and pest control. The conditions recommended will promote good management practice and mitigate effects on inherent values.

Consent is granted to maintain tracks, subject to the following conditions:

1. Any disturbed soil resulting from track maintenance works is to be re-seeded and topdressed with a certified weed and impurities-free permanent pasture mix as soon as possible after completion. An exception to this is within 5m of creek and river banks where natural revegetation is to occur.
2. Tracks must be maintained in a way that minimises erosion, for example by the use of frequent cut-offs with adequate erosion protection.
3. Tracks are to be kept clear of debris that could impede drainage.
4. Track maintenance works are to be undertaken in a way that prevents or minimises sediment reaching waterways. If necessary, drainage water should be directed onto a well vegetated area to filter any sediment before it reaches a waterway.
5. Any rocks or gravel used for track maintenance shall be from a source that is weed-free.
6. Any uphill batters are to be sloped off or struck back to minimise slumping and allow re-grassing.
7. Refer to the attached information on culverts and fish passage with regard to any culvert installation, replacement and maintenance.
8. Be aware that marginal strip & legal road may be present within the Operational Area. These are administered by other departments and agencies; therefore, those lands are excluded from this Notice of Decision.
9. Any contractor machinery and vehicles are to be cleaned of soil and plants prior to entry to the lease 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.
10. The lessee is responsible for ensuring any contractor operates under the conditions of this consent.

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