Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Clearing scrub - A6494289

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.

Clearing scrub

15 years with rights of maintenance

The Commissioner of Crown Lands considers that the benefits to the scrub clearing are considerable and will make the land easier to farm.  Scrub clearance is to be limited to introduced plant species, bracken fern and tutu. Therefore, there is not expected to be any adverse effects on native plant communities such as tussock grassland or grey shrubland. Bracken fern and tutu are common on the property and wider areas and therefore its removal is not expected to have minimal adverse effects. However, there will be significant farming benefit by opening up additional grazing areas and reducing stock poisoning.

Consent is granted, subject to the following conditions:

1. That clearing will only occur within the areas shown as being approved as indicated on the map attached to the Notice of Decision.
2. That clearing is limited to any introduced plant species, bracken fern and tutu (toot).
3. There shall be no aerial spraying to clear scrub within 10m either side of any waterway or wetland.
4. Any areas of shrubland dominated by matagouri, Coprosma sp., and any areas of manuka, shall not be cleared.
5. No clearing shall occur around rocky outcrops and scree slopes.
6. Clearing may be carried out by aerial spraying, ground spraying or by mechanical mulcher. The Lessee shall ensure that the GPS records from any helicopter spraying, showing where herbicide has been applied, are retained for at least 5 years after the spraying has occurred and supply these records to the CCL or his delegate upon request.
7. Any helicopter company employed to carry out the spraying shall hold an Agricultural Aircraft Operations 137 certificate.
8. Any equipment used for the clearing shall be cleaned of any soil or plant material at a location off the Glen Lyon Pastoral Lease prior to carrying out the clearing.
9. That all contractors and employees of Glen Lyon Station are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to any clearing works starting 

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