Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Forming tracks - A6768229

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.

Forming tracks

10 years with maintenance rights

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that the benefits to farming from allowing the lessee to form tracks outweigh any effects on inherent values identified. Being able to carry out this activity will therefore make it easier and more efficient 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 form tracks subject to the following conditions:

1. The consent is limited to forming tracks up to 5m in width (including batters and spillover) on or near the pink lines on the attached plans.
2. The track labelled “Top Isis Track” is to be constructed on either route “A” or route “B”.  The rock outcrops and vegetation outlined in yellow on the plans are specifically to be avoided.
3. The track labelled “West Isis Track” is to be constructed on either route “C” or route “D”.
4. Clearance or disturbance of the following is to be avoided or kept to the absolute minimum required (if safe and practical to do so):
   • Mature shrublands, riparian indigenous vegetation, and wetlands.
   • Rock outcrops.
5. The track labelled “Hodder Track” is to be constructed in a way that avoids or minimises damage to vegetation below the track and reduces the risk of soil and material flowing downhill onto the river flats either during or after construction of the track.
6. Unstable and erosion-prone areas are to be avoided.
7. No additional material should be deposited into streams other than rocks.
8. Any stream works involving culverts should be carried out and maintained in a way that protects fish passage.
9. Uphill batters are to be sloped off or struck back to minimise slumping and allow vegetation to re-establish.
10. Tracks 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 culverts and/or frequent cut-offs.
11. Any culverts and cut-offs to be constructed with adequate protection at inlet and outlet to prevent erosion. Run-off transfer should be to an area where any sediment can settle or be filtered by vegetation before it reaches a waterway.
12. Tracks must be maintained and kept clear of debris that could impede drainage.
13. Once the track has been formed, any disturbed ground is oversown with a suitable seed and fertiliser mix to avoid visible bare ground. The area is to be left in a tidy condition.
14. The tracking is to be undertaken to the standards outlined (where appropriate) in sections 4-11 of the Guidelines for the Construction of Access Tracks and Firebreaks (National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation 1980).
15. 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 water ways.
16. 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.