Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Planting trees - A6788949

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.

Planting trees

15 years

The information provided by the lessee and the advice from the DGC delegate have been considered.  Inherent values are low, and the Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that making it easier to use the land concerned for farming purposes can be balanced with the desirability of protecting any inherent values. Appropriate conditions will help to mitigate the identified risks. 

Consent is granted, subject to the following conditions:

1. Planting Pinus radiata x Pinus attenuata hybrid trees may be undertaken for shelterbelts along the yellow lines, and for woodlots within the areas outlined in yellow, on the plans attached. Alternative low spread-risk tree species may be planted with the prior written approval of the Commissioner of Crown Lands.
2. Trees that don’t survive the initial planting may be replaced.
3. Trees may be felled for use as firewood.
4. Tree planting is to be set-back a minimum of 20m from any waterways and wetlands.
5. Planting and maintenance of trees is to be undertaken to best practice standards.
6. The spread of wilding trees from the tree planting is to be monitored, and any wildings removed before coning.
7. For the areas approved to plant trees, the lessee must apply for consent to change the nature of the area such as activities associated with returning the land to pasture.
8. Any tree-felling operations must be done in a way that avoids erosion and the mobilisation of sediment and slash into waterways.  If activities such as tracking or more than minor soil disturbance are required for tree felling, the lessee must apply to the Commissioner for any necessary consents.
9. The lessee is to ensure any contractors operating on Bauchops Hill pastoral lease do not spread weed seed via vehicles and machinery, and fuel and other contaminants are managed to avoid any impacts on waterways and wetlands.

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