Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Tracking - A7306043

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.

Tracking

Five years with maintenance rights

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that the health and safety and management access benefits to farming from allowing the lessee to form a new track on Little Mt Ida pastoral lease outweighs the desirability of protecting inherent values. The conditions requiring careful construction will minimise the potential for adverse effects on inherent values.

Consent is granted for forming new tracks, subject to the following conditions:

1. Consent is granted to form new tracks on or near the red lines shown on the plans attached.
2. Where possible, the lines are to utilise any existing tracking and areas that are already clear of native vegetation such as snow tussock and shrublands.
3. Matagouri shrublands greater than 1.5m in height are to be avoided.
4. The Threatened and At Risk native species Coprosma intertexta, Raoulia parkii, scabweed, coral broom and desert broom are to be avoided, preferably with a clearance of at least 5m. Refer to photos, an aerial image, and GPS data attached, showing where these species have been recorded in the area of the new track.
5. Maximum track width 3 metres plus any spill and batters.
6. Any track surface material brought onto the lease must be free of weed seeds.
7. Uphill batters are to be sloped off or struck back to minimise slumping and allow re-grassing.
8. 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 via culverts or cut-offs.
9. Frequent culverts or cut-offs are to be constructed with adequate inlet/outlet protection to prevent erosion of water tables, fill batters and waterways. Culverts are to extend beyond the base of the spill and any culverts on waterways must allow for fish passage, refer to the guidelines attached.
10. Generally, the maximum track grade should be 12 degrees.
11. Tracks must be maintained and kept clear of debris that could impede drainage.
12. Any contractor machinery and vehicles are to be cleaned prior to entry to the property to minimise the possibility of weed infestation.
13. Soil disturbance for the new track is to be kept to a minimum and undertaken in a way that avoids sediment entering waterways.
14. Disturbed soil is to be re-seeded as soon as possible after disturbance with an appropriate certified weed and impurities-free permanent pasture seed mix.

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